In this episode, we are thrilled to host Sarah Varble, an enthusiastic advocate for sustainable and resilient farming practices, hailing from Mississippi. Sarah shares the vibrant operations of her diversified farm, which not only provides a haven for various livestock but also serves as an educational ground for community engagement through a micro school. Her passion for agriculture and innovation is evident as she describes her role at AgLaunch, a company dedicated to aligning technology startups with the practical realities of farming.

Sarah delves into the intricacies of running a farm in Mississippi, where she faces unique challenges and opportunities. From dealing with neighborly cows to managing a diverse livestock assortment, Sarah's hands-on experiences provide rich insights into modern farming. Her work at AgLaunch epitomizes the blend of agriculture with technological advancement by involving farmers in the early stages of ag-tech development. Furthermore, Sarah emphasizes the criticality of farmer-led initiatives and community learning to make farming practices sustainable and resilient amidst changing climate conditions.

Follow Sarah Online Below

• https://www.instagram.com/gnarledoakfarm/
• https://www.gnarledoakfarm.com/

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

A huge thanks to Blooming Health Farms for sponsoring this episode. Make sure to check out their programs for introducing youth to agriculture below.

• https://www.bloominghealthfarms.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/BloomingHealthFarms/
• https://www.instagram.com/bloominghealthfarms
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmaoyl_blQY6KhO5eGByCDg

In this engaging conversation, Val Lavigne shares her multifaceted life as a dairy farmer, mother, and podcaster. She discusses the challenges and joys of raising her children on a dairy farm, the transition to homeschooling, and her passion for educating others about dairy farming. Val also highlights the importance of fostering independence in her kids while ensuring their safety on the farm. The discussion touches on the realities of balancing work and family life, the significance of community, and the rewarding experiences that come with rural living.

Connect with Val Online

• https://thedairygalval.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/DairyGalVal
• https://open.spotify.com/show/0hy0wgwWcGyNax7s41DAtb?si=8331dcc6c0f44b76&nd=1&dlsi=17f55ec47e984fde

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Val is a first-generation dairy farmer with a passion for education.
• She has transitioned to homeschooling her three children due to challenges in traditional schooling.
• Val emphasizes the importance of safety and independence for her kids on the farm.
• Her podcast, The Dairy Hour, focuses on sharing stories from rural women.
• Val's family runs a food truck and catering business alongside their dairy farm.
• She believes in fostering curiosity and passion in her children without forcing them into farming.
• Val's experience with...

In this engaging conversation, Nate shares his journey from growing up on a family farm in Oklahoma to exploring the barns of Georgia. He discusses the importance of agricultural history, the unique architecture of barns in the South, and how he integrates farming values into his suburban family life. The conversation also touches on the significance of preserving family stories and the challenges of parenting in today's fast-paced world. Nate's passion for barns and community shines through as he emphasizes the connections formed through shared experiences and storytelling.

Follow Nate on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/barnsofgeorgia/

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Nate has a strong connection to his agricultural roots.
• Barns serve as a focal point of farm life and history.
• The architecture of barns varies significantly by region.
• Nate's Instagram account, 'Barns of Georgia,' aims to document and celebrate local barns.
• Connecting with barn owners often leads to rich stories and history.
• Parenting involves embracing the seasons of life and being intentional.
• Preserving family history is crucial for future generations.
• Nate believes in the importance of storytelling in agriculture.
• The unique barns of Georgia reflect the culture and history of the area.
• Nate's experiences highlight the joys and challenges of rural life.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth
• 02:46 Nate's Agricultural Background and Family History
• 06:00 The Unique Barns of Georgia
• 08:50 The Inspiration Behind 'Barns of Georgia'
• 12:06 Documenting Barns: A Personal Journey
• 14:57 Connecting with Barn Owners and Their Stories
• 17:59 The Intersection of Barns and Other Interests
• 21:10 Parenting and Raising Kids with Farm Values
• 24:01 Preserving Family History and Farm Stories
• 27:05 The Importance of Seasons in Parenting
• 29:59 The Architecture of Georgia Barns
• 32:48 The Stories Behind Barns and Their Owners
• 35:53 Cultural Significance of Barns
• 39:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this conversation, Kacee Bohle shares her journey from growing up on a fourth-generation farm in Indiana to becoming a coach, speaker, and trainer in the agriculture industry. She discusses the importance of personal and professional development, the challenges of work-life balance, and the need for mental health awareness in farming. Kacee emphasizes the significance of investing in oneself and reprogramming mindsets to achieve success and fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges of overwhelm and burnout, particularly in the context of farming and parenting. They discuss the importance of creativity and problem-solving, the need for mental health support, and the significance of asking for help. The conversation also explores the themes of legacy and purpose in farming, the role of coaching in personal growth, and the impact of parenting on life changes. Ultimately, they emphasize the necessity of open conversations about feelings and expectations across generations. In this conversation, Kacee Bohle shares her insights on the complexities of legacy in farming, the challenges of childcare in rural areas, and the integration of agriculture into parenting. She emphasizes the importance of allowing children to explore and learn through their own experiences while balancing personal interests and family responsibilities. The discussion also touches on the emotional struggles of parenting, including the pervasive mom guilt, and the joy found in simple moments.

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Kacee Bohle is a coach, speaker, and trainer in agriculture.
• She emphasizes the importance of personal development in farming.
• Work-life balance is often misunderstood and unrealistic.
• Investing in mental health is crucial for farmers.
• Generational perspectives can impact how farmers view personal growth.
• Burnout is a significant issue in the agriculture industry.
• Finding balance requires setting clear priorities and boundaries.
• Mindset plays a critical role in achieving success.
• Coaching can help individuals navigate their unique challenges.
• It's essential to redefine what success means on a personal level. Burnout can hinder creativity and problem-solving.
• It's essential to give ourselves permission to take breaks.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Legacy should be a conversation, not an obligation.
• Coaching can provide tailored support for...

Summary

In this episode of Barnyard Language, hosts Arlene and Caite are interviewed by Krysta Paffrath, their editor and CEO of the Rural Podcast Network. They discuss their backgrounds in agriculture, the challenges of parenting in rural areas, and the importance of community and connection through podcasting. The conversation highlights the similarities in experiences among agricultural families, the impact of mental health discussions, and the joy of sharing stories. The episode emphasizes the authenticity of their podcasting journey and the friendships formed along the way. In this episode, the hosts reflect on their experiences with parenting, the challenges they face, and the joys of raising children in a rural environment. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, the impact of personal tragedies, and the growth they have witnessed in their children. The conversation also touches on societal expectations and the pressures of parenting, emphasizing the need for community support and understanding. The hosts share their thoughts on navigating technology in their children's lives and the balance between work and family life on a farm.

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Krysta has been editing the podcast for almost a year.
• Arlene is raising four kids on a dairy farm.
• Caite's family raises Normandy beef cattle.
• The Rural Podcast Network supports rural podcasters.
• Podcasting creates a sense of community for rural families.
• Mental health discussions are crucial in agriculture.
• Listeners appreciate the authenticity of the podcast.
• Accidents on farms can have lasting impacts.
• The hosts aim to normalize vulnerability in parenting.
• Everyone has a unique story worth sharing. Tragedy can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.
• Vulnerability in sharing personal stories can help others.
• Parenting evolves as children grow and face new challenges.
• Balancing technology use is crucial in modern parenting.
• Community support is essential for raising children.
• Raising kids on a farm offers unique experiences and freedoms.
• It's important to allow children to learn from their mistakes.
• Societal expectations can create pressure and burnout for parents.
• Encouraging children to be themselves is vital for their development.
• Finding joy in the little moments of parenting is key.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Barnyard Language and Krista
• 07:10...

Katie Bonow, a goat farmer and cheese maker from Minnesota, discusses her farming practices and the challenges of marketing her products. She shares her experience of growing up on a dairy farm and how she got started with goats. Katie explains the seasonal nature of goat farming and the process of cheese making. She also talks about the different aspects of her business, including milking goats, making cheese, and selling her products. Katie discusses the importance of sampling and educating consumers about good goat cheese. She also shares her strategies for increasing sales and marketing her meat goats. Katie Bonow shares her experience of raising kids on a farm and balancing farm life with parenting. She discusses the challenges of marrying someone who is not a goat person and maintaining marital harmony. Katie also talks about the different breeds of goats and their personalities, as well as the importance of good fencing. She shares her strategies for managing farm and family life, including compartmentalizing tasks and taking care of oneself. Katie emphasizes the unique experiences and perspectives that farm kids have and the joy of watching her children grow up on the farm.

Follow Katie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/capra_nera_creamery/

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Goat farming is a seasonal practice, with goats kidding in March and April and cheese making starting in June.
• Sampling is crucial for educating consumers about good goat cheese and overcoming misconceptions.
• Marketing and sales are important aspects of running a successful farming business.
• Building relationships with customers and clear communication are key to effective marketing.
• Selling meat goats is a new and challenging market, with direct-to-consumer sales and partnerships with chefs being effective strategies. Maintaining marital harmony in a mixed relationship requires understanding and compromise.
• Good fencing is essential for managing goats on a farm.
• Compartmentalizing tasks and focusing on specific seasons can help manage farm and family life.
• Taking care of oneself is crucial for balancing farm and family responsibilities.
• Raising kids on a farm provides unique experiences and perspectives.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Farming Background
• 01:10 Scale and Seasonality of Goat Farming
• 02:14 Cheese...

Mike Nixon, a farmer from England, shares his experience of farming, his life-changing accident, and his journey to adapt to his new circumstances. He talks about the types of livestock he raises, including sheep and chickens, and how he sells eggs from his free-range chickens. Mike also discusses his background in farming and the accident that left him wheelchair-bound. He shares his memories of the accident and the challenges he faced during his hospitalization and rehabilitation. Mike talks about the changes in his life since the accident, including spending more time with his family and his involvement in the gym. He also addresses the accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities in rural areas. In this conversation, Michael discusses his experience as a farmer with a spinal cord injury and how it has impacted his daily life and parenting. He talks about the challenges of using a wheelchair on the farm and keeping it clean. Michael shares his journey as a parent and how his relationship with his son has evolved. He also discusses the importance of spending quality time together and teaching his son about farming. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the joys and challenges of parenting on a farm and the importance of supporting spinal cord injury research charities.

Connect with Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikewheelchairfarming/

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Mike Nixon is a farmer from England who raises sheep and chickens on his three-acre property.
• He had a life-changing accident that left him wheelchair-bound, but he has adapted to his new circumstances and continues to be involved in farming.
• Mike emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, which led him to open a gym that is accessible to wheelchair users.
• He also discusses the challenges of accessibility in rural areas and the need for equipment and adaptations to make farming and other activities more inclusive. Using a wheelchair on a farm can be challenging, but with adaptations and support, it is possible to continue farming.
• Spending quality time with children and teaching them about farming can create a strong bond and valuable life skills.
• Parenting on a farm has unique challenges and rewards, and it is important to find a balance between work and family.
• Supporting spinal cord injury research charities can make a difference in improving the...

Katie Kulla, a farmer and author, shares her experiences of balancing farming life with raising a family. She discusses the size of her farm, her transition from a large CSA to a smaller operation, and the challenges and rewards of farming. Katie also talks about her book, 'Farm Raised Kids,' which explores parenting strategies for farm families. The book features diverse voices and provides a realistic and authentic perspective on the joys and struggles of raising children on a farm. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of raising children on a farm. It discusses the misconception that newborns require the most support, when in reality, older children often need more assistance. The conversation also delves into the importance of finding balance and setting realistic expectations for both farm work and homeschooling. It emphasizes the need to assess children's capabilities and interests when assigning chores and responsibilities. Building a supportive community and allowing children the freedom to explore and play on the farm are highlighted as key aspects of raising kids in this environment. In this final part of the conversation, Katie discusses the empowerment and real-world skills her children gain from being involved in farm work. She also reflects on the challenges of parenting, particularly the process of letting go as her children become more independent. Katie shares her journey as an illustrator and author, highlighting her passion for drawing vegetables and her book 'Edible'. The hosts discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and share their own experiences. They also discuss the difficulties of moving furniture and the impact of wildfires on farming communities.

Connect with Katie Online

• https://www.katiekulla.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/katiekulla

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Farming and parenting both have their challenges, but the work gets easier as kids get older and can contribute to the farm.
• The level of support a family has, whether from extended family or government programs, can greatly impact the stress of balancing farming and parenting.
• Farming allows for unique experiences and connections with children, such as shared meals and a deep understanding of the work involved.
• There is no one right way to balance farming and parenting,