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 chats with Jaime Derr about how she went from cows to cut flowers.
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 23 Apr 2025 · 44 minutes
Watch Dairy Gal Val talk to Jaime Derr about how she went from Cows to Cut Flowers
From Cows to Cut Flowers: Jamie Derr’s Journey in Dairy & Floral Farming
Dairy Hour Podcast with Val Lavigne
Sponsored by WonderCow Colostrum – Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save!
In this heartfelt episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) chats with Jamie Derr—a passionate dairy farmer turned flower entrepreneur. Jamie opens up about her roots in agriculture, starting her own dairy with her husband, and the deeply personal evolution of her farm journey.
Jamie grew up on a dairy farm, and her passion for agriculture only deepened in college. Despite financial challenges and skepticism from others, she and her husband launched their own dairy, driven by a desire to create something of their own. But when life on the farm shifted, so did Jamie’s direction—leading her to start a flower farming business that has since blossomed into a beautiful extension of her agricultural roots.
In the episode, Jamie reflects on the emotional side of farming, including the grief of selling their herd and the mental health toll that can accompany the lifestyle. She candidly shares how she navigated anxiety, stayed grounded in her values, and discovered joy in diversifying her operation.
Jamie also dives into the practical side of building her floral business—from utilizing low startup costs and creating pre-made bouquets to teaching flower arranging classes and hosting community events. Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of embracing change while staying true to your passion.
“Where you tend to rose, a thistle cannot grow.”
Whether you’re in agriculture, dreaming of entrepreneurship, or simply love a good story of growth and grit, this episode will leave you inspired.
Meet the Guest:
Jamie Derr is the founder of Valley Homemade and Homegrown, where she blends her love for farming and flowers. You can follow her journey at @Valleyhomemadeandhomegrown on Instagram or visit valleyhomemadeandhomegrown.com for more.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to use code DAIRYGALVAL at shop.wondercow.com to support your family’s health with WonderCow Colostrum!
Learn more about Val: dairygalval.com
This episode is proudly sponsored by @WonderCowColostrum.
Support your health from the inside out with WonderCow’s premium colostrum products.
Shop now at shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL and use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$!
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.
