Welcome to The Dairy Hour Podcast, where rural charm meets personal growth! Join us as we milk every moment for wisdom, self-improvement, and mental wellness. Farming is often more than just hard work—it’s a journey of resilience, personal growth, and constant challenges. In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Rachel Buford to talk about growth grief and rural resilience.
I’m your host, Val Lavigne, a rural dairy farming mom with a passion for filling hearts while never forgetting to fill my own cup. Get ready for insightful conversations, empowering tips, and a splash of fun and laughs, of course!
Posted on 09 Apr 2025 · 48 minutes
Watch Dairy Gal Val talk to her guest Rachel Buford about growth grief and rural resilience
Every Step Matters – Rachel Buford on Growth Grief and Rural Resilience
In this moving episode of The Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) welcomes Rachel Buford, a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Northwest Oklahoma. Titled “Every Step Matters,” this conversation dives into the heart of what it means to grow through grief, prioritize mental health, and embrace personal resilience in rural communities.
Navigating the challlenges of family farming, public health and personal loss
Rachel shares her journey from growing up on a cow-calf operation to now running stocker calves—all while navigating the challenges of family farming, public health, and personal loss. Influenced deeply by her mother’s illness, Rachel was inspired to pursue healthcare alongside agriculture. Her passion now lies in bridging the gap between rural life and accessible mental health support.
Every step toward better health counts—no matter how small.
Val and Rachel explore how self-care in agriculture isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. From burnout to emotional isolation, farmers often put their own well-being last. Rachel draws a powerful comparison between how livestock are cared for and how people in agriculture deserve the same level of attention and support. Her message is clear: Every step toward better health counts—no matter how small.
Overcoming rural isolation
This episode touches on the power of community connection, the impact of daily habits, and the importance of communication in overcoming rural isolation. Rachel shares her love of audiobooks, sports, and her dream of traveling to places like Ireland and Antarctica. Her candid storytelling adds light-heartedness to a deeply reflective discussion.
If you’ve ever felt alone in your journey or overwhelmed by the demands of rural life, this episode is for you. Rachel’s vulnerability and strength are a reminder that healing is possible, and that progress—no matter how slow—is still progress.
Follow Rachel’s journey on Instagram: @rachellynnbuford
This episode is proudly sponsored by @WonderCowColostrum.
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Listen to this episode and more at: www.dairygalval.com
Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation inspired you to take your next step forward—because every step truly matters.
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