Pull Up A Bale Podcast

Val Lavigne
  • 5.0 (12)
  • LEISURE

🎙️ Welcome to the Pull Up a Bale Podcast Hosted by Val Lavigne | www.pullupabale.com Pull Up a Bale is where real stories from rural life meet bold, unfiltered conversations about the future of agriculture. Hosted by dairy farmer, homeschooling mom, and agvocate Val Lavigne, this podcast invites farmers, ranchers, educators, and everyday rural changemakers to pull up a bale and share what’s really going on — the challenges, the purpose, the grit, and the heart behind the work. From legacy and leadership to motherhood, mental health, and the power of storytelling, this show is a seat at the table for voices that often go unheard — and it’s all about building community through conversation. 🎤 Want to be a guest? Grab your favorite quote and sign up here: 👉 www.dairygalval.com/podcast 💬 Love what you hear? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps more voices find this community. 📲 And don’t forget to share an episode with a friend who needs to pull up a bale too!

  1. 12/17/2025

    13: Pull Up A Bale with Kayla Zenner!

    This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Kayla Zenner! Instagram @TheFarmStyle   Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal http://www.pullupabale.com   Summary In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne chats with Kayla Zenner, the creator of The Farm Style, a food blog that shares her culinary journey and family life. Kayla discusses her upbringing in agriculture, her transition from teaching to blogging, and the challenges and joys of motherhood. The conversation highlights the importance of community, family support, and the creative process of cooking. Kayla also shares insights on monetizing her blog and her aspirations for future growth, all while engaging in light-hearted rapid-fire questions that reveal her personal preferences and experiences.   Takeaways Kayla is the creator behind The Farm Style, a food blog. She grew up in agriculture and has strong ties to farming. Transitioning from teaching to blogging was a significant change for her. She started sharing her cooking experiences during maternity leave. Building a community through cooking has been rewarding for Kayla. Monetizing her blog took time, but it has grown significantly. Family support has been crucial in her journey as a blogger. Kayla implements a one bite rule for her kids to encourage trying new foods. She finds relaxation in taking baths and reading. Passion is an essential ingredient for success in any venture.   Sound Bites "He is so supportive." "We do have like a one bite rule." "I love taking baths and reading."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kayla Zenner and Her Journey 11:30 Transition from Teaching to Food Blogging 16:36 Building a Community and Monetizing the Blog 26:05 Future Aspirations and Growth of the Business 28:42 The Daunting Task of Organizing Memories 30:01 Prioritizing Self-Care in Motherhood 32:24 The Magic of Christmas as a Parent 33:47 Baking vs. Cooking: Finding Your Niche 35:31 Comfort Food: Family Favorites 36:57 Finding Relaxation in Hectic Lives 40:14 Staying Active: Balancing Workouts and Motherhood 42:48 Travel Dreams and Family Vacations 45:37 Pursuing Passion: Starting Your Own Business 49:11 The Essential Ingredient for Success

    51 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    12: Pull Up A Bale with Samantha Allen!

    This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Samantha Allen! Instagram @LaneHouseFlorals   Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal http://www.pullupabale.com Summary In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Samantha Allen, a farmer and entrepreneur, about her journey in agriculture, family life, and the challenges and joys of running a flower business. They discuss the importance of community, the impact of social media on business growth, and the balance between work and family. Samantha shares her experiences growing up on a dairy farm, her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship, and the significance of relationships in both personal and professional life. The conversation also touches on the pressures of wedding planning and the beauty of flowers, culminating in a heartfelt discussion about faith and personal growth.   Takeaways Samantha Allen is a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur. Family dynamics play a crucial role in rural life. Growing up on a dairy farm shaped Samantha's work ethic. Education can lead to unexpected career paths in agriculture. Starting a flower business was a personal passion project. Social media has been instrumental in growing her business. Weddings provide a unique opportunity for creativity in floral design. Samantha emphasizes the importance of saying yes to new opportunities. The flower business allows for family involvement and legacy building. Faith and personal growth are central themes in Samantha's life.   Sound Bites "Life is plenty busy even with everybody in school." "We were raised on a farm, right?" "I realized I can actually do this."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Life and Agriculture 02:59 Family Dynamics and Parenting Challenges 05:48 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm 09:35 The Journey to Teaching and Family Life 15:19 The Birth of a Flower Business 25:43 Balancing Business and Family Responsibilities 33:40 The Role of Social Media in Business 36:20 Stepping Outside Comfort Zones: Weddings and Events 39:28 Creativity and Pressure in Wedding Floral Design 41:07 Navigating the Challenges of Social Media and Reviews 42:51 Rapid Fire Fun: Personal Preferences and Insights 53:37 Reflections and Advice for the Younger Self

    59 min

  3. 11/26/2025

    11: Pull Up A Bale with A Family Thanksgiving!

    This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$     Let's Pull Up A Bale with A Family Thanksgiving!   Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal http://www.pullupabale.com   Guest: Amanda Benson Summary In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, Val and her cousin Amanda Benson share their personal Thanksgiving traditions, fun trivia, and favorite dishes. They reminisce about childhood memories, discuss Thanksgiving food preferences, and explore the significance of family gatherings during the holiday. The conversation is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and interesting facts about Thanksgiving, making it a delightful listen for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday spirit.   Takeaways Val and Amanda share their close family bond and Thanksgiving traditions. They discuss fun Thanksgiving trivia and interesting facts. The conversation includes favorite Thanksgiving dishes and recipes. Amanda reveals her preference for dark meat turkey over white meat. They reminisce about childhood memories related to Thanksgiving. The podcast highlights the importance of family gatherings during the holidays. Val and Amanda discuss the evolution of Thanksgiving food trends. They share humorous anecdotes from past Thanksgiving celebrations. The episode emphasizes the significance of nostalgia during the holiday season. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own Thanksgiving memories.   Sound Bites ""What is the fastest someone has ever carved a turkey?"" ""I kind of have to really eat a fresh turkey before."" ""Do you still do the wishbone?""   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thanksgiving Traditions 02:50 Fun Thanksgiving Trivia and Facts 05:21 Thanksgiving Memories and Family Traditions 10:22 Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes and Recipes 14:48 Thanksgiving Food Preferences and Trends 19:56 Thanksgiving Games and Activities 25:29 Conclusion and Reflections on Thanksgiving

    41 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    10: Pull Up A Bale with Justin Leyendekker!

    This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$   Let's Pull Up A Bale with Justin Leyendekker! Instagram @jfley1287   Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal http://www.pullupabale.com   Summary In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne speaks with Justin Leyendekker, a dairy farmer and board member of Milk Checkoff. They discuss Justin's family legacy in dairy farming, the unique name of his farm, Hoppy Cow's Dairy, and the challenges faced by dairy farmers, particularly regarding water availability. Justin shares his journey from college to returning to the family farm, the fascinating story of his grandfather's immigration and contributions to horse transportation, and his future plans for growth in the dairy industry. The conversation also touches on Justin's passion for brewing and hops, as well as some fun rapid-fire questions that reveal more about his personality.   Takeaways Justin milks 2000 cows and has a family legacy in dairy farming. The name 'Hoppy Cow's Dairy' was inspired by Justin's passion for home brewing. Water availability is a significant challenge for dairy farmers in California. Justin's grandfather played a crucial role in horse transportation by plane. Justin's journey back to dairy farming was unexpected but fulfilling. The dairy industry faces ongoing challenges, including droughts and inflation. Justin is exploring the potential of hops farming as a side project. He believes in taking small steps towards growth in his dairy business. Justin's wife supports his brewing hobby, even if she's not a beer drinker. The importance of starting somewhere resonates with Justin's life philosophy.   Sound Bites "I have some hobby hops." "I love brewing beer." "You gotta start somewhere."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dairy Farming and Family Legacy 02:45 The Unique Name and Concept of Hoppy Cow's Dairy 05:20 Challenges in Dairy Farming: Water Availability and Droughts 08:25 Justin's Journey: From College to Dairy Farming 11:00 The Immigrant Story: Justin's Grandfather and Frisian Horses 13:50 Family Dynamics in Dairy Farming 16:37 Future Plans and Growth in Dairy Farming 19:43 Hops and Brewing: A Passion Project 22:25 Rapid Fire Questions: Fun Insights into Justin's Life

    36 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    09: Pull Up A Bale with Mary Faber!

    This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Mary Faber! www.marytfaber.com -- website Mary T Faber on Instagram Mary T Faber Solutions on Facebook       Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal http://www.pullupabale.com   Summary In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne speaks with Mary Faber, a virtual bookkeeper for rural entrepreneurs. They discuss Mary's journey from a corporate job to starting her own bookkeeping business, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and the importance of balancing work and family life. Mary shares insights on the agricultural industry, the lessons learned from showing cattle, and the realities of building a successful business. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, rapid-fire questions, and future aspirations.   Takeaways Mary transitioned from a corporate job to virtual bookkeeping during COVID. She has a passion for agriculture and helping rural entrepreneurs. Building a business requires taking risks and trusting your gut. Family and work-life balance are crucial for Mary. Lessons from showing cattle are applicable to life and business. Success is a result of hard work and perseverance. Mary emphasizes the importance of community and connections in agriculture. She enjoys helping clients manage their bookkeeping effectively. Mary's journey includes teaching QuickBooks to others. The conversation highlights the realities behind perceived success.   Sound Bites "I fell in love with working from home." "I learned it the hard way." "Success doesn't happen by chance."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Life and Agriculture Conversations 02:52 Mary Faber: From Corporate to Virtual Bookkeeping 05:39 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Challenges 08:29 Building a Business: The Role of Community and Support 11:18 Balancing Family Life and Business 13:53 Lessons from Agriculture: Setting Goals and Resilience 16:41 The Future of Mary’s Bookkeeping Business 27:41 Balancing Work and Family Life 29:31 The Challenges of Bookkeeping in Agriculture 29:43 Rapid Fire Fun Questions 31:46 Nostalgic Childhood Memories on the Farm 34:10 Comfort Food and Favorite Meals 35:26 Favorite Flowers and Gardening 37:00 Superpowers and Time Travel 40:02 Advice to Younger Self 41:54 The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication

    45 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    08: Pull Up A Bale with Abby Shipley!

    Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th  at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont .  Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.   Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com   This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Abby Shipley! @thegingerhillfarmer www.thegingerhillfarmer.com     Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal   http://www.pullupabale.com   Summary In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Abby Shipley, a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur. Abby shares her journey from childhood in a farming community to becoming a business owner with her brand, Ginger Hill Farmer. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of rural life, balancing family and work, and the importance of community and social media in agriculture. Abby emphasizes the value of doing what you love and the lessons learned along the way, including the idea that everything is figureoutable. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Abby's personality and interests.   Takeaways Abby Shipley is a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur. She runs a business called Ginger Hill Farmer, focusing on farm-themed apparel. Abby's journey includes a strong involvement in 4-H and FFA from a young age. She transitioned from a corporate career in retail to running her own business. Family involvement in agriculture is a key theme in Abby's life. Social media plays a significant role in connecting with customers and sharing farm life. Abby emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and loving what you do. She believes that everything is figureoutable and encourages others to seek help when needed. Balancing family life and business is a challenge but rewarding. Abby enjoys sharing her experiences and connecting with the farming community.   Sound Bites "Do what you love, love what you do." "Everything is figureoutable!" "I had no clue how to build a website."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Life and Podcasting 02:55 Abby Shipley's Journey: From Childhood to Farming 05:39 The Evolution of Abby's Career and Business 08:37 Balancing Family Life and Farming 11:21 The Growth of Ginger Hill Farmer 14:17 Community Engagement and Family Involvement 16:54 Reflections on Life Changes and Future Aspirations 23:47 Food Preferences and Fun Rapid Fire Questions 29:15 Books vs. Movies: Personal Preferences 34:26 Travel Dreams and Bucket List Adventures 35:20 Life Lessons and Advice for Younger Self 37:28 Words of Wisdom and Business Insights

    42 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    07: Pull Up A Bale with Lexi De Vries!

    Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th  at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont .  Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.   Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com   This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Lexi DeVries! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midst.of.motherhood/ http://www.midstofmotherhood.com/     Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal   http://www.pullupabale.com   Summary In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne speaks with Lexi DeVries, a first-generation dairy farmer and business coach. Lexi shares her journey from aspiring speech pathologist to dairy farming, detailing the challenges and triumphs of running a farm while raising a family. She discusses the importance of mental acceptance in career changes, the evolution of her freelancing business, and how she balances her roles as a mother, farmer, and entrepreneur. Lexi also offers insights into the world of virtual assistance and coaching, emphasizing the significance of taking risks and pursuing one's passions.   Takeaways Lexi DeVries is a first-generation dairy farmer and business coach. She started her freelancing business during maternity leave. Growing up in Wisconsin, she had a passion for horses and farming. Lexi transitioned from wanting to be a speech pathologist to dairy farming. The couple bought their dairy farm from a retiring farmer. They learned the ropes of farming through hands-on experience. Mental acceptance of career changes is crucial for happiness. Lexi's virtual assistant business began during her daughter's nap times. She now coaches others on starting their own freelancing businesses. Balancing family life with business is a continuous journey.   Sound Bites "It truly has been like the best thing ever." "I had kind of a burn it all down moment." "You can be successful with it."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lexi DeVries and Her Journey 02:54 From Childhood to Dairy Farming 05:42 Transitioning from Speech Pathology to Dairy Farming 11:05 The Journey of First-Generation Dairy Farmers 13:48 Learning Curves in Dairy Farming 15:35 Mental Acceptance of Career Changes 18:24 Starting a Business During Motherhood 22:17 The Evolution of Lexi's Business Ventures 27:43 Understanding Virtual Assistance and Online Business Management 31:29 Balancing Family, Farm, and Business 36:16 Coaching and Digital Products 37:13 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

    56 min

  8. 10/08/2025

    06: Pull Up A Bale with Heather Young!

    Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th  at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont .  Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.   Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com   This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Heather Young! LinkedIn @Heather Young, PHD    Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal http://www.pullupabale.com   Takeaways Heather Young shares her journey from a dairy farm to academia. Teaching agriculture helps students connect with their food sources. Growing up on a farm instills valuable life skills and work ethic. Public speaking can be daunting, but it's a vital skill to develop. Experiential learning enhances understanding in agriculture education. Connecting with students through relatable experiences is key. Confidence in oneself can lead to unexpected opportunities. The importance of critical thinking in education and agriculture. Farming is not just a job; it's a way of life and passion. Every problem has a solution; persistence is essential.   Summary In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne welcomes Heather Young, a  instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida that grew up on a dairy farm in New York. They discuss Heather's journey from growing up on a multi-generational dairy farm in New York to her current role in academia. The conversation explores the importance of teaching agriculture, the impact of experiential learning, and the skills gained from farm life. Heather shares her insights on public speaking, confidence, and the critical thinking necessary in education. The episode highlights the connection between agriculture and everyday life, emphasizing the need for better communication about food sources and farming practices.   Sound Bites "I love growing up on the farm." "Farming is not just a job; it's a way of life." "The importance of critical thinking in education."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Life and Agriculture 02:42 Heather's Journey in Agriculture 05:31 Teaching and Impacting Students 08:35 Growing Up on the Dairy Farm 11:27 Experiences and Skills from Farming 14:14 Transitioning to Higher Education 17:01 Lessons from Dairy Farmers 19:59 Career Reflections and Future Aspirations 22:34 Public Speaking and Communication Skills 25:32 Personal Growth and Confidence 28:14 Connecting Agriculture to Everyday Life 30:54 Final Thoughts and Advice

    53 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

🎙️ Welcome to the Pull Up a Bale Podcast Hosted by Val Lavigne | www.pullupabale.com Pull Up a Bale is where real stories from rural life meet bold, unfiltered conversations about the future of agriculture. Hosted by dairy farmer, homeschooling mom, and agvocate Val Lavigne, this podcast invites farmers, ranchers, educators, and everyday rural changemakers to pull up a bale and share what’s really going on — the challenges, the purpose, the grit, and the heart behind the work. From legacy and leadership to motherhood, mental health, and the power of storytelling, this show is a seat at the table for voices that often go unheard — and it’s all about building community through conversation. 🎤 Want to be a guest? Grab your favorite quote and sign up here: 👉 www.dairygalval.com/podcast 💬 Love what you hear? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps more voices find this community. 📲 And don’t forget to share an episode with a friend who needs to pull up a bale too!

Information

  • Creator
    Val Lavigne
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Pull Up A Bale Podcast