The Dairy Hour Podcast

From Farm to Nutrition: Kourtney Talkington on Empowering Women, Mindful Eating, and Agriculture

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
 
Title: From Farm to Nutrition: Kourtney Talkington on Empowering Women, Mindful Eating, and Agriculture
Host: Val Lavigne
Guest: Kourtney Talkington
      Find her @Kourtney.Talkington on Instagram
Summary:
 
In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Kourtney Talkington, a fifth-generation farmer and mindful eating advocate from Kansas. They discuss Kourtney's upbringing on a farm, her journey through eating disorders, her education in nutrition, and her return to agriculture. Kourtney shares her passion for helping others reclaim their joy around food and introduces her upcoming virtual group program aimed at empowering women during the holiday season. The conversation also touches on the importance of community in agriculture and personal growth through life's unexpected challenges.
takeaways
Kourtney is a fifth-generation farmer involved in cow-calf pairs and crop farming.
Growing up on the farm shaped Kourtney's personality and love for animals.
Kourtney struggled with an eating disorder during high school, which influenced her career path.
She pursued a dual degree in nutrition and health, driven by personal experiences.
Kourtney's passion is to help others connect with the joy of food beyond nutritional value.
She emphasizes the importance of community support in agriculture and personal growth.
Kourtney's upcoming program aims to empower women to navigate food-related challenges during the holidays.
She believes in being kind to oneself and the importance of self-acceptance.
The conversation highlights the significance of sharing personal stories in agriculture.
Kourtney's journey reflects the balance between personal aspirations and family legacy.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Kourtney Talkington and Her Background
02:49Growing Up on the Farm: A Personal Journey
05:54Navigating Eating Disorders and Their Impact
08:54Education and Career Path in Nutrition
11:50Returning to Agriculture and Family Legacy
15:05The Importance of Community in Agriculture
17:54Launching a Virtual Group Program for Women
21:10Fun Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

Farm First Aid- With Katie Hammock, RN

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
 
Title: Farm First Aid- With Katie Hammock, RN
Host: Val Lavigne
Guest: Katie Hammock, RN
      Find her @TheDairyWife on Instagram
Episode First Aid Kit link:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1Y2Y5EC8BXGFF?ref_=wl_share
Summary:
In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Katie Hammock, an emergency department nurse and dairy farmer, about the importance of farm safety and emergency preparedness. They discuss essential first aid items that every farm should have, share real-life experiences related to farm accidents, and emphasize the need for proper training and equipment to handle emergencies. The conversation also touches on lighthearted moments and personal insights, making it a well-rounded discussion on the intersection of agriculture and emergency medicine.
takeaways
Farm safety is crucial for preventing accidents.
Emergency preparedness can save lives in rural areas.
A tourniquet is essential for controlling severe bleeding.
Quick clot gauze can significantly improve outcomes in emergencies.
Having a whistle can help call for help when needed.
It's important to have a list of emergency contacts readily available.
Understanding the 911 address for farms is vital for emergencies.
Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible on farms.
Everything in life is a season, and challenges will pass.
Ice cream is a beloved comfort food for many, including farmers.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Farm Safety and Emergency Medicine
11:46Essential First Aid Items for Farms
23:58Real-Life Experiences and Importance of Preparedness
36:00Lighthearted Moments and Personal Insights

Empowering Women: Monica Massey's Journey from Dairy to Consulting

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
AND
Dairy Girl Network- The Forward TogetHER Conference!  Join me and many other amazing women in dairy at the conference this November, http://www.dairygirlnetwork.com for more information!
 
Title: Empowering Women: Monica Massey's Journey from Dairy to Consulting
Guest: Monica Massey (@MonicaMassey www.monicainc.com)
Host: Val Lavigne ( @dairygalval www.dairygalval.com )
 
Episode Description:In this episode of The Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with motivational speaker and consultant Monica Massey to explore her inspiring career path. From a traditional upbringing in the Catskill Mountains to a thriving career in the dairy industry, Monica shares how she pivoted to consulting and public speaking, emphasizing the importance of women’s empowerment in the workplace. The conversation covers work-life balance, the evolving definitions of success, and the critical role of mentorship and advocacy for women in today’s post-COVID professional landscape. Monica’s journey and her motto of “You only live once” will inspire you to pursue your dreams and live life to the fullest.
Episode Takeaways:
Monica Massey is a motivational speaker and consultant in the medical food space.
She advocates for women’s empowerment in her engagements.
Her traditional upbringing shaped her career in the dairy industry and beyond.
Monica emphasizes work-life balance and the importance of setting personal boundaries.
Success for her now includes mentoring and giving back to the community.
Women today are more vocal about demanding work-life balance from employers.
She believes in the power of self-advocacy and mentorship among women.
Monica encourages everyone to live fully and pursue their dreams.
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Monica Massey01:56 – Monica’s Journey from Childhood to Career05:56 – Career Development in the Dairy Industry11:51 – Transitioning to Consulting and Public Speaking17:56 – Work-Life Balance and Setting Boundaries24:00 – Evolving Definitions of Success30:08 – Empowering Women in the Workplace35:58 – Fun Rapid-Fire Questions42:00 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

The Life of Farm Animal Vet- Megan Schrupp!

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum
shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
 
AND
 
Dairy Girl Network- The Forward TogetHER Conference!  Join me and many other amazing women in dairy at the conference this November, http://www.dairygirlnetwork.com for more information!
 
 
Episode Title: The Life of Farm Animal Vet- Megan Schrupp!
 
Host: Val Lavigne-- www.dairygalval.com
 
Guest: Megan Schrupp, DVM (NexGen Dairy) (Find her on Facebook and Instagram)
 
In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Megan Schrupp, a third-generation dairy farmer and veterinarian from Minnesota. Megan shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a career in veterinary medicine to running her family’s dairy farm. Along the way, she embarked on new ventures like opening a farm market and starting beekeeping, adding fresh dimensions to her family’s legacy.
Megan emphasizes the importance of family support throughout the transition and the unique challenges and rewards of being a dairy farmer. She also shares how creativity and continuous learning have been key to her success, helping her adapt to challenges and explore exciting new opportunities. Tune in to hear Megan’s insights on maintaining a positive mindset, focusing on doing your best, and finding fulfillment in farming.
Key Takeaways:
Transitioning from veterinary practice to managing a family dairy farm requires careful planning and open communication among family members.
Diversifying through new ventures, like a farm market and beekeeping, can provide additional income streams and opportunities to share the farm’s story with the public.
Dairy farming is a devotional practice, requiring dedication to animal care and food production. It's essential to focus on doing your best rather than worrying about the outcome.
Creativity and continuous learning are vital to adapting in the agriculture industry, helping farmers overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
Family support and maintaining a positive attitude are crucial for the long-term success of a family dairy farm.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Background02:00 - Taking Over the Family Dairy Farm03:21 - Starting New Ventures: Farm Market and Beekeeping07:41 - From Meteorology to Veterinary Practice09:34 - Transitioning Back to the Farm12:53 - The Importance of Family Support in Farm Transitions16:36 - Diversifying the Farm: Solar Power and Other Projects21:22 - The Role of Creativity and Continuous Learning in Farming25:06 - Favorite Hobbies: Working with Cows and Skiing32:48 - Embracing the Journey and Focusing on Doing Your Best35:33 - The Devotional Practice of Farming

Mini Mindset: Chaos and Curriculums- Starting the Journey!

This episode is brought to you by: Dairy Girl Network- The Forward TogetHER Conference!  Join me and many other amazing women in dairy at the conference this November, www.dairygirlnetwork.com for more information!
 
In this episode of the Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne opens up about her personal journey into homeschooling her three children, exploring the motivations that led her to this decision. She highlights the desire for a personalized education that fits her family’s needs, emphasizing the flexibility and hands-on learning that homeschooling offers. Val also discusses the unique challenges she’s faced, from curriculum choices to maintaining a support system, and shares how regular evaluations help keep their homeschooling journey on track. Throughout the conversation, she reinforces that this decision isn’t permanent, but rather a chapter in their family’s education journey. With insight into both the rewarding and difficult moments, Val offers valuable takeaways for parents considering a similar path.
 
Key takeaways include the importance of personalized learning, flexibility in scheduling, and hands-on experiences, as well as the crucial role of family and friends in supporting homeschooling efforts. Val also stresses the importance of finding a curriculum that aligns with family values and addressing specific educational needs, while acknowledging that challenges are part of the process.

Courage, Cooking, and Advocacy! With Carrie Mess

This episode is brought to you by: The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you! 
 
Also brought to you by Dairy Girl Network- The Forward TogetHER Conference!  Join me and many other amazing women in dairy at the conference this November, www.dairygirlnetwork.com for more information!
 
Carrie Mess:  Find her at dairycarrie.com or Dairy Carrie on socials!
 
In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Carrie Mess, widely known as Dairy Carrie, to explore her remarkable journey from city life to becoming a prominent voice in the dairy industry. Carrie shares her path to dairy farming and the creation of her popular blog, Dairy Carrie, where she connects with others through candid storytelling and advocacy. The conversation delves into Carrie's personal battles with health issues, including her diagnosis of Chiari malformation and hormone imbalances, which led her to step back from full-time farming. She opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her health journey, highlighting the critical need to listen to your body and advocate for yourself in medical situations. Carrie’s experiences underscore the importance of finding doctors who support and guide you through complex health challenges. Beyond farming and advocacy, Carrie reveals her passion for cooking and exploring new cuisines, which serve as creative outlets that bring her joy and fulfillment. This episode is a powerful reminder to prioritize self-care, seek medical help when needed, and embrace creative pursuits that enrich life beyond the farm.

Building Community in Agriculture! Laura Daniels and Dairy Girl Network

This episode is brought to you by: The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you!
Guest information: Laura Daniels
Find her on her website www.Dairygirlnetwork.com or Instagram/Facebook @dairygirlnetwork
Episode Summary: In this episode, Val Lavigne sits down with Laura Daniels, the inspiring founder of Dairy Girl Network, to discuss her incredible journey in the dairy industry. Laura shares her story of growing up on a dairy farm, falling in love with cows at a young age, and eventually buying her own dairy farm. As a seasoned dairy cattle nutritionist, Laura transitioned to consulting and created Dairy Girl Network to support and connect women in agriculture. What started as a small networking event has grown into a nationwide organization offering conferences and virtual programs.
The conversation highlights the importance of community support in the dairy industry, particularly for women who face unique challenges in agriculture. Laura opens up about overcoming difficult times, the power of vulnerability, and the need for mental health support within the farming community. The episode wraps up with some light-hearted rapid-fire questions, giving listeners a glimpse into Laura’s personality and passions.
Key Takeaways:
Dairy Girl Network’s Mission: Founded to support and connect women in the dairy industry, the organization offers valuable educational and networking opportunities, meeting members where they are in their journey.
Importance of Networking: Laura emphasizes the significance of networking and asking for help for both personal and professional growth, especially in an industry as challenging as agriculture.
10th Anniversary Milestone: As Dairy Girl Network celebrates a decade of empowering women, it continues to help dairy women achieve their goals through community support and collaboration.
Challenges for Women in Agriculture: Laura discusses the unique challenges faced by women in the industry, stressing the need for resilience, determination, and mutual support.
Vulnerability and Mental Health: The episode underscores the importance of vulnerability in building connections and the need for mental health resources tailored to the farming community.
Confident Kindness: Laura shares her mantra of "confident kindness," a guiding principle that helps women navigate the demands of the dairy industry while staying true to themselves.
Sound Bites:
"I earned the title that will always be the one I'm happiest to have had, and that is Dairy Farmer."
"If I can do anything and Dairy Girl Network can do anything to reduce the friction for all of those amazing women achieving their dreams or moving towards their goals, that's the good work of the world that I get to contribute to."
"We have to be willing to ask for help, and there's nobody easier to ask than people who are like us, equally determined, and have actual experience."
"She was just the best girl ever, and she lived to be like 16. It was just wonderful."
"People wonder why we go to extremes as dairy people or 4-H moms. We do that because we know how meaningful it was when someone did that for us."
"It's our job as moms to mortify our children at regular intervals."
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:17 - Becoming a Dairy Farmer
05:30 - The Creation of Dairy Girl Network
08:14 - The Importance of Networking and Asking for Help
18:11 - Expanding Dairy Girl Network Nationwide
25:02 - The Love for Cows and the Dairy Industry
30:12 - The Power of Community Support
35:03 - Overcoming Challenges: A Personal Journey
38:56 - The Importance of Vulnerability and Mental Health Support
45:11 - Confident Kindness: Navigating the Challenges of Agriculture
Tune in to this insightful conversation with Laura Daniels as she shares her passion for dairy farming, the creation of Dairy Girl Network, and the importance of building a supportive community for women in agriculture.
 

From Pharmacy to Ranching! With Natalie Kovarik

This episode is brought to you by: The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you!
Guest information: Natalie Kovarik
Find her on her website www.Nataliekovarik.com or Instagram @nataliekovarik
Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Natalie Kovarik, a former pharmacist turned cattle rancher and social media influencer. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Montana, Natalie never anticipated leaving her pharmacy career to pursue a life centered around agriculture and online advocacy. Now based in Nebraska, she has successfully built a personal brand that resonates with thousands of followers in the agriculture community.
Natalie shares her unique journey from Montana to Nebraska, the pivotal moments that led her to leave a stable career in pharmacy, and how she leveraged social media to bridge the gap between agriculture and consumers. As co-host of the Discover Ag podcast with Tara Vander Dussen, Natalie talks about how they’ve shifted their focus to discussing trending topics in agriculture, and the importance of staying connected with consumers.
Throughout the episode, Natalie opens up about the challenges she faced, the courage it took to embrace entrepreneurship, and the various ways she has diversified her income—including brand partnerships, YouTube revenue, business retreats, and more. She hopes her story will inspire others in agriculture to be brave and take bold steps toward their passions.
Key Takeaways:
Natalie Kovarik's roots in Montana's cattle ranching set the stage for her passion for agriculture.
She transitioned from a career in pharmacy to becoming a social media influencer, sharing her journey and insights with a broad audience.
The Discover Ag podcast, co-hosted with Tara Vander Dussen, evolved from focusing on social media to discussing current trends in agriculture.
Natalie emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between agriculture and the general public.
Diversifying income streams is crucial, with opportunities in brand partnerships, YouTube, events, speaking, online courses, and podcasting.
Courage and confidence are key to leaving a stable career and pursuing entrepreneurship.
Natalie’s legacy is one of bravery, inspiring others to take bold steps in their own lives.
Sound Bites:
"I just didn't realize people were so disconnected from ranching and farming."
"I really think we should stop with the direct-to-consumer beef business and pivot to a personal brand."
"Different ways, but again, kind of all centered around that message."
"We need to keep building stronger bridges as time goes on."
"There's something very contagious about Tara when you meet her in person."
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Background
19:01 – Realizing the Disconnect in Agriculture
21:34 – Transitioning to a Personal Brand
23:23 – Supportive Partners and Taking the Leap
24:20 – Navigating the Challenges of Social Media Influencing
24:48 – Diversifying Income Streams
25:45 – Bridging the Gap
26:42 – Meeting Tara and Starting Discover Ag
28:07 – Transitioning to Trending Topics
35:08 – Leaving Pharmacy and Pursuing Entrepreneurship
46:02 – The Power of Bravery
Keywords: Dairy Hour podcast, Natalie Kovarik, cattle ranch, agriculture industry, social media influencer, pharmacy career, personal brand, brand partnerships, YouTube revenue, entrepreneurship, Discover Ag, bravery
 
 

From Dairy Farms to Classrooms! With Johanna Bossard

Summary:
Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Johanna Bossard, a passionate dairy farmer and agriculture teacher. Johanna shares her path into the dairy industry, highlighting the crucial role of social media in advocating for family farms and combating misinformation. She talks about the unique partnership of four farm families that collectively milk 4,400 cows and manage 10,000 acres, emphasizing collaboration and opportunities for future generations. Johanna also entertains with a humorous tale of her first encounter with her husband's dairy farming family.
Together they shed light on the importance of hands-on learning in agricultural education, recounting experiences with new skills like welding and integrating practical applications of core subjects into Johanna's classes. She advocates for breaking the stereotype of traditional academic paths and underscores the value of trade jobs and alternative careers. Val also discusses the significance of agritourism in raising awareness about agriculture and providing enriching experiences for the public.
 
You can find Johanna on Instagram @barbland_and_white_eagle_dairy
 
Keywords: Dairy farming Agriculture education Social media advocacy Family farm partnership Collaboration Next generation Hands-on learning Trade jobs Alternative career paths Agritourism Breaking stereotypes
 
Takeaways:
Social media is a powerful tool for advocating family farms and dispelling agricultural misinformation. Collaboration and partnerships are vital for the success and sustainability of family farms. Family farms focus on creating opportunities for the next generation, not just numbers. Agricultural education offers hands-on learning for all students, regardless of their background. Sharing personal stories bridges the gap between farmers and the public. Hands-on learning in agricultural education equips students with valuable skills and experiences. Agricultural education goes beyond traditional academics, incorporating practical applications of math, science, and English. It's important to offer students opportunities in trade jobs and alternative career paths, challenging the notion that all must follow a traditional academic route. Agritourism educates the public about agriculture and provides unique experiences. Promoting diverse career paths and opportunities in agriculture requires breaking stereotypes and challenging societal expectations.
 
Sound Bites:
"We can actually educate and use social media for good as well." "We're just proud to be able to employ 85 farm families in upstate New York and to be able to bring quality food to the table." "You don't have to have the same last name. And we will say that all the time because we are very, very close and operate as farm families." "That's not real teaching. Okay. Like that's not like down in the trenches, certainly not ag education teaching." "Sometimes ag education is staying one step ahead of the kids. It's also being transparent and saying, it's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to fail as long as we worked hard, we tried." "Not everybody is cut out for straight A's, not everybody is cut out for college, not everybody is cut out to work in an office in the city every day."
 
Tune in to gain insights and be inspired by the dynamic world of agriculture and education with Johanna Bossard and Val Lavigne!

Adventures, Storms, and Skydiving! With Katie Dotterer

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum www.wondercow.com Use code DGV10 to save $$
AND 
The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you!
Guest information: Katie Dotterer
Find her on her website www.agvokate.com or Instagram @the_agvokate
 
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, hosts Val Lavigne and Katie Dotterer dive into a fun and engaging conversation about their recent travels and some adrenaline-pumping experiences. Katie recounts her memorable trip to Greece, highlighting her favorite places, delectable food, and an exhilarating skydiving adventure that left her breathless. On the other hand, Val shares a harrowing tale of facing severe storms while staying in a hotel in Chicago.
As they chat, Val and Katie discuss their preferences for light-hearted entertainment and the value of prioritizing travel and new experiences over material possessions. Katie also shares her fascination with World War II, detailing her visits to historical sites and her thoughts on the importance of women's rights throughout history. Her love for Gettysburg, passion for walking and biking on the battlefield, and favorite tea brand are also part of this delightful conversation. Lastly, Katie talks about her upcoming projects aimed at helping farmers and bridging the language gap in agriculture.
 
Keywords: Dairy Hour podcast, Val Lavigne, Katie Dotterer, travel, Greece, skydiving, severe storms, Chicago, prioritizing travel, light-hearted entertainment, World War II, historical sites, women's rights, Gettysburg, walking, biking, tea, upcoming projects, agriculture
 
Takeaways: Traveling and experiencing new places can be an enriching part of life. Skydiving offers a mix of terror and exhilaration. Severe storms can be frightening, especially when away from home. Prioritizing travel and experiences over material possessions can lead to a more fulfilling life. Choosing light-hearted entertainment can help reduce anxiety and stress. Katie has a deep interest in World War II and enjoys visiting related historical sites. She is passionate about women's rights and the importance of equality and independence. Katie loves Gettysburg and enjoys walking and biking on the battlefield. She has a favorite tea brand called Barney and Sons. Katie's upcoming projects aim to help farmers and bridge the language gap in agriculture.
Sound Bites: "Skydiving. I absolutely love skydiving. It is insane to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, but oh my gosh, it is amazing." "I terrify myself when I'm listening to like, I'm horrible. I should not read thrillers or listen to true crime podcasts." "So there was a movie called... So anyways, towards the end of it, I started crying. It was not World War II. It was something different. It was a current war movie. But anyways, it got to the end of it and I started crying." "I've been to Poland and I toured the Auschwitz concentration." "I would love to go to Normandy to see that." "I think I would be a really great flapper girl in the twenties."
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Catching Up 02:23 - Adventures in Greece 08:23 - The Thrill and Terror of Skydiving 17:47 - Surviving Severe Storms in Chicago 25:10 - Prioritizing Travel and Experiences 29:25 - Choosing Light-Hearted Entertainment 42:09 - Exploring World War II History 45:16 - Appreciating Women's Rights 51:32 - Walking and Biking in Gettysburg 55:07 - Savoring Tea with Barney and Sons 01:14:06 - Upcoming Projects in Agriculture Tune in for an episode filled with exciting stories, historical insights, and a few laughs along the way!