The Dairy Hour Podcast
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. 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 off course! Let’s cultivate growth, nourish our minds, and embrace the journey together. This is the Dairy Hour Podcast – where every episode is a breath of fresh air and the inspiration you need to be your best self! If you love this podcast, please leave a review and share with a friend! To be considered as a guest on the show, please email at Dairygalval@icloud.com or inquire on www.dairygalval.com
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
Title: The Power of Prioritizing Happiness in Agriculture with Brandi Buzzard
Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
www.dairygalval.com
Guest: Brandi Buzzard
Instagram - @brandibuzzard
Facebook - Buzzard's Beat by Brandi Buzzard
AcresTV - https://www.watchacrestv.com/brandibuzzard
Summary
In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne interviews Brandi Buzzard, a rancher, advocate, and rodeo competitor from Southeast Kansas. Brandi shares her journey from corporate agriculture to self-employment, her experiences in the rodeo circuit, and the challenges of balancing family life with ranching responsibilities. The conversation delves into the culture of rodeo, the importance of family involvement in agriculture, and the lessons learned from training horses and managing cattle. Brandi emphasizes the need for awareness about the demands of ranch life, especially for her daughters, as they grow up in this environment. In this engaging conversation, Brandi discusses the balance between her passions for rodeo and ranching, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental health in agriculture. She reflects on the evolving mindset of her generation, which prioritizes happiness and family alongside agricultural responsibilities. Brandi shares her travel experiences, love for music, and the significance of pursuing diverse interests. The discussion culminates in her belief that hard work is the foundation of perceived luck, and she encourages others to find joy in their lives while contributing positively to the agricultural community.
Takeaways
Brandi Buzzard is a rancher and rodeo competitor.
She transitioned from corporate agriculture to self-employment.
Family involvement is crucial in ranching and rodeo.
NFR week is a significant event in the rodeo community.
Brandi emphasizes the importance of balancing work and family life.
Training horses requires understanding their individual needs.
Ranching can be monopolizing of time and energy.
Brandi wants her daughters to be aware of ranching demands.
She enjoys the lifestyle despite its challenges.
Personal goals in rodeo include making circuit finals.
Being self-employed allows her to pursue her passions.
It's important to prioritize mental health in agriculture.
You can't pour from an empty cup; self-care is essential.
Our generation in agriculture is focusing on happiness and family.
It's okay to be selfish and prioritize your own happiness.
Rodeo is a passion she refuses to give up for work.
She wants her daughters to have a healthy relationship with agriculture.
Traveling and experiencing different cultures enriches life.
Luck is often the result of hard work and preparation.
You only have one life to live; make it fulfilling.
Sound Bites
"I wanted to be able to go to every single day."
"We need another TV because the NFR is on."
"I love having the cattle and I really enjoy them."
"I didn't know what I was getting into."
"I want to caution them about the time it takes."
"I don't want to give up rodeo."
"You can't pour from an empty cup."
"I want my daughters to know they don't have to."
"You only have one life to live."
"You need to be a little bit selfish."
"I have lots of different interests."
"I love Germany."
"I want to spend more time in Austria."
"Luck looks like hard work."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Brandi Buzzard
02:52
Life as a Rancher and Rodeo Competitor
06:04
NFR Week and Rodeo Culture
08:52
Personal Goals and Challenges in Rodeo
12:12
Horse Training and Experiences
14:58
Family Life and Ranching Responsibilities
17:46
Breeding Season and Cattle Management
21:04
Growing Up in Agriculture
24:04
Balancing Work and Family Life
26:53
Future Aspirations for Daughters in Agriculture
38:20
Balancing Passion and Profession
41:04
Prioritizing Mental Health in Agriculture
45:22
The Importance of Self-Care
49:42
Embracing Strategic Ignorance
51:24
Sweet Tooth Confessions
54:42
Travel Tales and Concert Adventures
01:01:20
Cultural Experiences and Bucket List Destinations
01:08:35
Shaping Agriculture for Future Generations
01:10:14
The Hard Work Behind Luck
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
Title: Dairy Doc, Michelle Schack on DairyKind, Social Media, & Being a Dairy Veterinarian
Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
www.dairygalval.com
Guest:
Michelle Schack
www.dairykind.com
TikTok @dairydoc
Instagram @dairy.doc
Facebook Dairy Doc
www.michelleschack.com
Summary
In this episode of the Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne interviews Michelle Schack, a veterinarian specializing in dairy cattle. Michelle shares her journey from growing up in San Francisco to becoming a dairy vet in Arizona. She discusses her childhood experiences, her passion for animals, and her career path that led her to co-own a dairy education company called DairyKind. The conversation also touches on the importance of training in the dairy industry and how Michelle uses social media to share her insights and connect with the community. In this engaging conversation, Michelle discusses her journey in utilizing social media to promote agriculture, particularly through TikTok and Instagram. She shares insights on the varying responses from farms regarding filming, the unpredictability of viral content, and the balance between her family life and her online presence. Michelle also reflects on the challenges of her veterinary career, emphasizing the importance of connecting with people to succeed in her field. The discussion wraps up with rapid-fire questions revealing her personal preferences and a deep thought on the significance of collaboration and understanding in achieving success.
Takeaways
Michelle Schack is a veterinarian for dairy cattle.
She co-owns a dairy education company called DairyKind.
Raised nine guide dogs for the blind as a child.
Initially wanted to be a vet but disliked small animal practice.
Cows became her favorite animals during vet school.
Family was supportive of her career choice in dairy.
DairyKind addresses training needs in the dairy industry.
Training is crucial for preventing animal abuse in dairy farming.
Michelle started sharing her story on social media in 2021.
Community engagement is important for sharing knowledge and experiences. Michelle started using social media for agriculture because it's easier to create videos than write.
Different farms have varying levels of comfort with being filmed.
Viral content is unpredictable; sometimes the simplest videos succeed.
Family activities take up a lot of Michelle's spare time.
Michelle enjoys spending time with her kids and supporting their activities.
She prefers the mountains over the beach for relaxation.
Teleportation would be her ideal superpower to save travel time.
Michelle loves baking, especially cookies, and enjoys sharing desserts.
Podcasts are her go-to for entertainment during long drives.
Being a people person has been crucial to her success in veterinary work.
Sound Bites
"I am a veterinarian for dairy cattle."
"I co-own a dairy education company."
"We raised nine guide dogs for the blind."
"I thought I wanted to be a vet."
"Cows became my favorite animals."
"We created Dairykind for training modules."
"Nobody wants any cows to be abused."
"I started Dairy Doc in 2021."
"It's so unpredictable."
"I love that stuff."
"I really like cookies."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Dairy Doc
01:56
Michelle's Journey to Becoming a Dairy Vet
06:12
Childhood Experiences and Early Interests
09:49
Exploring Different Animal Medicine
14:05
Career Path and Specialization in Dairy Cattle
17:52
Family Support and Life in Arizona
21:51
DairyKind: Addressing Training Needs in Dairy Farming
25:56
Sharing Stories and Building Community
28:11
The Rise of Social Media in Agriculture
32:19
Balancing Family Life and Social Media
35:00
Rapid Fire Fun: Personal Preferences
45:12
The Unpredictability of Veterinary Work
48:57
Connecting with People: The Key to Success
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
Title: Dairy Farms to the Classroom: Kim Tarvis & Her Journey in Agriculture Education
Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
www.dairygalval.com
Guest: Kimberly Tarvis
Professor at SUNY Cobleskill
TarvisKM@cobleskill.edu
Summary
In this episode of the Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Kim Tarvis, an associate professor of dairy cattle management at SUNY Cobleskill. They discuss Kim's journey in dairy farming, her experiences with the Dairy Challenge, and her educational background. Kim shares insights into her family's dairy farming legacy, her passion for teaching, and the importance of hands-on learning in agriculture. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in pursuing a career in agriculture and the impact of personal choices on one's path. In this conversation, Kim shares her journey from her early career in agricultural research to her current role as a professor. She discusses the opportunities that shaped her career, the transition to teaching, and the impact she aims to have on her students. Kim also reflects on her personal interests, including her passion for sewing and quilting, and offers valuable advice for students about embracing challenges and personal growth.
Takeaways
Kim Tarvis shares her background in dairy cattle management and education.
The Dairy Challenge provides students with practical experience in evaluating dairy farms.
Kim's family history in dairy farming highlights the importance of legacy in agriculture.
The cost of land and farming in Rhode Island presents challenges for new farmers.
Kim's early love for cows was nurtured by her mother, who wanted to be a vet.
Involvement in 4-H and showing cattle shaped Kim's passion for agriculture.
Kim's educational journey included exploring various agricultural fields before settling on animal science.
The importance of making informed career choices is emphasized throughout the conversation.
Personal relationships can significantly influence educational and career decisions.
Kim's early career was influenced by a mentor who encouraged her to pursue research opportunities.
She transitioned from a management role at GenX to a teaching position at SUNY Cobleskill.
Both Kim and Val emphasize the importance of hands-on experience in teaching agricultural methods.
Recognition from the Dairy Girl Network was a significant milestone in her career.
She believes in the power of collaboration and support from peers and mentors.
Kim's passion for sewing and quilting is a significant part of her personal life.
She encourages students to take risks and try new things, even if they fear failure.
Kim stresses the importance of small, incremental changes for success.
Her favorite quote, 'Inches make champions,' reflects her belief in gradual progress.
Kim values the relationships she builds with her students and colleagues.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Dairy Hour Podcast
01:52 Meet Kim Tarvis: Dairy Cattle Management Expert
04:14 The Dairy Challenge: A Unique Learning Experience
12:09 Kim's Dairy Farming Roots
22:51 Navigating Education and Career Choices
30:34 Reflections on Life Choices and Opportunities
31:31 Career Beginnings and Opportunities
36:30 Transition to Teaching and Educational Experiences
41:25 Recognition and Impact in Agriculture
49:07 Personal Interests and Hobbies
56:05 Advice for Students and Personal Growth
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
AND
The Farm Cruise http://www.farmcruise.com use Code DAIRYGALVAL to save $50!
Title: From City Girl to Farm Babe: Advocate Michelle Miller!
Host: Val Lavigne @DairyGalValwww.dairygalval.com
Guest: Michelle Miller “The Farm Babe”Speaker, Author, Content Creator, ComedianCo-Founder of the “Farm Cruise” www.farmcruise.comHost of the “HERD it here” PUNcastwww.thefarmbabe.comwww.facebook.com/iowafarmbabeOther social networks: @thefarmbabe
SummaryIn this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne interviews Michelle Miller, known as the Farm Babe, who shares her unique journey from a city girl to a passionate advocate for agriculture. Michelle discusses her childhood in Wisconsin, her unexpected transition to farming in Iowa, and her mission to combat misinformation in the agricultural sector. She highlights the importance of sharing accurate information about farming practices and the role of social media in her advocacy work. The conversation also touches on her future plans, including an innovative floating farm conference. In this engaging conversation, Michelle shares her experiences, her adventures in the agricultural world, and her passion for supporting farmers. She discusses her upcoming farm cruise, the journey of converting her sprinter van into a mobile home, and the importance of sharing personal stories to inspire others. She emphasizes the need for advocacy in agriculture, the significance of mental health, and the power of one's voice in making a difference. The conversation also touches on travel experiences, overcoming challenges, and the fun side of life through rapid-fire questions.
TakeawaysMichelle Miller is known as the Farm Babe, an advocate for agriculture.She transitioned from a city lifestyle to farming after meeting a farmer in Florida.Michelle's journey highlights the importance of combating misinformation in agriculture.She emphasizes the need for farmers to share their stories to educate consumers.The Farm Babe brand grew from a response to misinformation from food bloggers (particularly The Food Babe).Michelle's blog started as a hobby and evolved into a full-time business.She has spoken in 43 states and aims to reach all 50.Michelle's experiences illustrate the urban-rural divide in understanding agriculture.She is planning a floating farm conference to engage with the agricultural community.Michelle continues to advocate for farmers and educate consumers through social media. The farm cruise offers a unique experience for families.A sprinter van can serve as a mobile home and office.Sharing personal stories can inspire and connect people.Farmers need support to thrive in a challenging environment.Mental health awareness is crucial for everyone.Traveling opens up new perspectives on agriculture.Michelle's hidden talent is her Eric Cartman impression.Food choices can be challenging while traveling.Everyone has struggles, and it's important to share them.
Sound Bites"I just wanted to help clear the air.""I wanted to take it to the next level.""I still travel to speak and advocate.""I am now that mom.""Dairy Gal Val gets you $50 off of the Farm Cruise.""I hope it inspires other people.""I sound exactly like Eric Cartman.""I want to play golf in Japan."
Chapters00:00Introduction to the Farm Babe02:47From City Life to Farming Life06:09The Journey of Becoming the Farm Babe09:10Misinformation in Agriculture and Advocacy12:01The Growth of the Farm Babe Brand15:12Life After Farming and New Ventures17:57Future Plans and Community Engagement28:22Exciting Adventures: Farm Cruise Plans29:47The Journey of a Sprinter Van32:02The Power of Sharing Your Story33:55Supporting Farmers and Agricultural Policies34:24Rapid Fire Fun: Getting to Know Michelle41:21Travel Tales: Exploring South Africa45:27Overcoming Challenges and Mental Health Awareness49:21Empowerment Through Voice and Advocacy
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
Title: Mini Mindset: 5 Quick Ways to Re-charge Yourself!
Host: Val Lavigne @DairyGalVal
www.dairygalval.com
If you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review is the best way to help us grow and reach more people. Plus, I’ve got a little thank-you for you! Snap a screenshot of your review, message it to me @dairygalval, and I’ll send you some fun Dairy Hour stickers. Thanks for supporting the podcast – I can’t wait to mail some swag your way!
Summary
In this episode of the Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne shares her experiences with homeschooling and offers practical tips for recharging one's body and mind amidst a busy lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and provides five quick strategies to help listeners rejuvenate, including stretching, listening to music, staying hydrated, practicing mindfulness, and reconnecting with friends.
Takeaways
-Homeschooling can be rewarding despite its challenges.
-Taking time to recharge is essential for well-being.
-Stretching and moving your body can clear your mind.
-Listening to music or podcasts can boost your mood.
-Staying hydrated significantly impacts your health.
-Mindful breathing helps reduce anxiety.
-Reconnecting with friends can provide emotional support.
-Self-care is crucial for busy individuals.
-Quick and easy tips can make a big difference.
-Taking care of yourself enables you to help others.
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$
Title: Balancing Motherhood and Farming! With Jaime Mowry
Host: Val Lavigne
Guest: Jaime Mowry
SummaryIn this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Jaime Mowry, a third-generation dairy farmer, about her journey in agriculture, the challenges of balancing motherhood with farm responsibilities, and the importance of support systems in the farming community. Jaime shares her experiences growing up on the farm, her education at Cornell University, and the transitions she faced upon returning to the family business. The conversation highlights the evolving roles of women in agriculture, the significance of establishing work-life boundaries, and the joys and struggles of raising a family while managing a farm.
TakeawaysJaime is a third-generation dairy farmer from Western New York. She initially didn't want to be involved in farming but found her passion later.Her education at Cornell University played a significant role in her career.Jaime emphasizes the importance of gaining experience on different farms. She faced challenges transitioning back to the family farm after college.Motherhood changed her perspective on work and priorities.Establishing boundaries at work has been crucial for her family life.Support from employees has been vital in managing farm responsibilities.Jaime believes in the importance of being unapologetically oneself. She cherishes the memories of growing up on the farm and hopes to involve her son in farming.
Chapters00:00Introduction to Dairy Farming Heritage02:50Growing Up on the Farm06:09Education and Career Path09:00Transitioning Back to the Family Farm11:54Changes in Farm Management15:05Personal Life and Family Dynamics17:54Navigating Motherhood and Farming20:49Establishing Work-Life Balance24:14Support Systems in Farming26:59Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
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
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
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