Pull Up a Bale Podcast
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, The Dairy Hour 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. Listen now on your favorite podcast player or watch on YouTube!
Watch the latest Pull Up a Bale Podcast on YouTube
Check out these recent discussions in the Ag industry and beyond on Pull Up a Bale Podcast!
Pull Up A Bale with Justin Leyendekker: A Deep Dive into Dairy, Legacy and Hoppy Cows Dairy
On this week’s episode of the Pull Up A Bale Podcast, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) sits down with California dairy farmer Justin Leyendekker, known on Instagram as @jfley1287. Justin brings a powerful blend of family legacy, innovation, and agricultural passion to the mic as he shares the story behind his 2,000-cow operation and the meaning behind the memorable name, Hoppy Cows Dairy.
Farming, Flowers, Family and Faith – Pull Up a Bale with Samantha Allen
In this episode of Pull Up a Bale Podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Samantha Allen to talk Farming, Flowers, Family and Faith. Samantha is the farmer, mom and creative force behind Lane House Florals.
A Family Thanksgiving on Pull Up a Bale Podcast
Thanksgiving is all about family traditions, nostalgic memories, and delicious food, and this special holiday episode of the Pull Up a Bale Podcast brings all of that to the microphone. Host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) welcomes her cousin Amanda Benson to share in a warm, funny, and heartfelt conversation about their unique Family Thanksgiving celebrations.
Pull Up a Bale with Mary Faber: From Corporate Work to Virtual Bookkeeping Success
In this inspiring episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) sits down with Mary Faber, a virtual bookkeeper for rural entrepreneurs. Mary shares her journey from the fast-paced world of corporate work to rural entrepreneur, building her own successful business that supports small-town and agricultural clients across the country.
About Balance – Farm, Family and Business with Abby Shipley of Ginger Hill Farmer
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 with Lexi DeVries – From Speech Pathology to Dairy Farming and Business Coaching
In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) sits down with Lexi DeVries, a first-generation dairy farmer, business coach, and mom, to discuss mental acceptance and her remarkable journey from aspiring speech pathologist to full-time dairy farmer and entrepreneur.
From Dairy Barns to Classrooms – Heather Young on Teaching Agriculture and Building Confidence
In this inspiring episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) discussing Building Confidence with Heather Young, an instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida who grew up on a multi-generational dairy farm in New York.
From Farm Roots to Media Success – Katie Navarra Bradley’s Journey
In this inspiring conversation, host Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal) sits down with Katie Navarra Bradley to explore her farm roots and unique journey from growing up on a family farm to becoming a respected media professional, author, and entrepreneur in agriculture.
Pull Up a Bale with Renee Hamilton – Tough Love, Farming and Finding Your Path
This episode of Pull Up a Bale, hosted by Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal), brings an inspiring conversation with Renee Hamilton about tough love, farming and finding your path. Renee is a farmer, entrepreneur, substitute teacher, and the force behind Rustic Violet Boutique and Violet View Farms. Renee’s journey is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and the power of tough love in shaping success.