In this inspiring episode of the Pull Up a Bale Podcast, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) sits down with Abby Shipley, known online as @TheGingerHillFarmer to chat about Balance. Abby is a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur who built her own brand, Ginger Hill Farmer, combining her love for rural life with a creative, farm-themed apparel business.

Pull Up a Bale Podcast is 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.
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Posted November 5, 2025 · 42 minutes

About Balance with Abby Shipley

About Balance – Balancing Farm, Family, and Business with Abby Shipley of Ginger Hill Farmer

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 available at AmericanDairyXPO.com

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum – visit shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or use code DAIRYGALVAL to save!

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode of the Pull Up a Bale Podcast, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) sits down with Abby Shipley, known online as @TheGingerHillFarmer. Abby is a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur who built her own brand, Ginger Hill Farmer, combining her love for rural life with a creative, farm-themed apparel business.

Abby’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose—from growing up immersed in 4-H and FFA, to leaving a corporate retail job and starting her own business rooted in agriculture and family values.

Episode Highlights

•  Abby Shipley shares her journey from small-town farm life to running her own business.
•  Family and community play a huge role in her success and daily balance.
•  Abby discusses how social media has helped her connect with customers and tell her farm story.
•  Her advice: “Do what you love, love what you do.”
•  Abby reminds listeners that “Everything is figureoutable!”—from learning e-commerce to juggling motherhood.
•  Discover how her brand, Ginger Hill Farmer, celebrates the lifestyle and pride of rural America.

Lessons from the Barn and Beyond

Throughout the conversation, Abby and Val dive into the real-life challenges of entrepreneurship in agriculture, balancing family, business, and farm chores while still finding joy in the simple moments. Abby’s openness about trial and error shows that success in farming and business often starts with taking one brave step forward.

From building a website with no prior experience to designing apparel that celebrates farm life, Abby’s journey is a reminder that rural women in agriculture are strong, resourceful, and creative storytellers.

Tune In

 Listen to the full episode at PullUpABale.com or wherever you get your podcasts!
Connect with Abby at TheGingerHillFarmer.com and follow @DairyGalVal for more inspiring conversations from women in ag.

 Listen now at www.pullupabale.com or wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend who loves agriculture stories!

Whether you’re in the barn, in the cab, or taking a break between chores, you’ll feel right at home.

 Want to start sharing your own ag story? Visit dairygalval.com join the email list and grab Val’s free download: “Top 10 Ideas for Sharing Your Story.”

Check out other episodes for more inspiring people and stories in Agriculture!