Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women In Agriculture

Mary and Leah celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a candid conversation about holiday traditions, rural upbringing, and the realities of life across different regions of the country. From Nebraska wildfires to Montana snowstorms, they reflect on how agriculture connects communities despite distance and differing conditions.

They are joined by Stacy Bronec, a writer and ranch wife in central Montana, who shares her journey from city life to living on a remote farm. Stacy opens up about the challenges of that transition, the rhythms of agricultural life, and the lessons she’s learned about identity, motherhood, and embracing a role that looks different than expected.

The conversation explores the diversity of modern agriculture, the importance of soil health and crop rotation, and the unseen planning behind farm operations. Stacy also discusses her writing journey, her decision to step away from social media, and her hope to publish a collection of essays centered on rural women and unexpected life paths.

They wrap up with a meaningful discussion on comparison, authenticity, and the many ways women contribute to farm and ranch life. Stacy shares encouragement for others navigating similar transitions and highlights the Strong Her Together conference, a grassroots effort to connect and support women in agriculture.

Key Topics:

Where to Find Stacy:

Where to Find Us:

Mary and Leah catch up on life, ranching, and the changing seasons as spring arrives in the Heartland. From the intensity of calving season to reflections on agriculture, community, and modern life, this episode blends practical insight with heartfelt conversation.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Key Themes

Closing Thoughts

Grit and Grace in the Heartland

In this heartfelt episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah reflect on the emotional weight families carry during graduation season, especially the pressure placed on young people to make life defining decisions at an early age.

They are then joined by Patti Barth, co-founder and CEO of America’s Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT). Patti shares how her rural roots and personal journey led her into disaster response work, helping coordinate rescues and support families affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding across the country.

The conversation dives deep into the long term impact of disasters like Hurricane Helene, highlighting the reality that many families are still struggling long after media coverage ends. Patti offers powerful stories of survival, loss, and hope, including emotional moments from her work helping reunite people with beloved animals.

Listeners will gain insight into how disaster response really works, the gaps that often leave rural communities behind, and the ongoing challenges survivors face, from housing instability to rising utility costs.

Most importantly, Patti shares practical ways anyone can help, from amplifying stories on social media to researching trustworthy nonprofits and advocating for those still in need.

This episode is a reminder that even small actions can make a meaningful difference and that compassion and community matter long after the headlines move on.

Mary and Leah welcome special guest Kate from Rolling Seven Ranch Company in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Kate shares the story behind her family’s unique ranching business raising mini Highland cattle and how it grew from a small idea into a nationwide operation. From adorable calves to unexpected celebrity customers, Kate offers a behind the scenes look at a growing niche in agriculture.

In this episode you will hear about:

What daily life looks like on a ranch raising mini Highland cattle

Why Highlands have exploded in popularity over the last decade

The difference between traditional beef cattle and mini Highlands

How small acreage owners and homesteaders are creating new demand for livestock

Shipping calves to customers across the United States and even to Hawaii

The realities of raising livestock including predators, paperwork, and transportation

Funny and surprising stories from the livestock hauling world

How Kate continued the ranch after the loss of her husband and honored his vision

The meaningful ways animals can support therapy, healing, and connection

Encouragement for anyone curious about getting started in agriculture

Kate’s story is one of resilience, faith, and perseverance. Her work continues to impact families, farms, and communities far beyond Nebraska.

Find Kate and Rolling Seven Ranch Company on Facebook and through their website.

Find the podcast at Grit and Grace in the Heartland.

Thank you for listening.

Leah and Mary welcome Nebraska rancher and writer Megan Messersmith, creator of This Cowgirl Story. The conversation begins with a funny and heartfelt look at warming chilled calves in bathtubs and the realities of winter calving on working ranches.

Megan shares the story of building a ranching operation with her husband from the ground up in southwest Nebraska while raising four daughters. She talks about what it means to involve kids in agriculture, the value of letting them choose their own paths, and the importance of strong family partnerships on the ranch.

The discussion also explores Megan’s unexpected journey into writing and poetry, which began as a way to process change and became a powerful outlet for storytelling and healing. Together they talk about women in agriculture, renting land to build a ranching future, the mental challenges of agricultural life, and the faith and resilience it takes to keep going when things get hard.

This episode is a thoughtful look at stewardship, family, creativity, and the grit and grace required to live and work on the land. 

Mary and Leah welcome rancher and health coach Marla Stallbaumer for a heartfelt conversation about life in agriculture, family transitions, and the importance of caring for your own health while caring for the land and livestock.

Marla shares her story of returning home after college to build a life in agriculture with her husband, Curtis. Together they run a multi generation farm and ranch operation in Nebraska, raising cattle and crops while raising four children who each found their own path in and around agriculture.

The conversation begins with a look at the realities of March on a cattle operation as calving season begins. Leah and Marla talk about the rhythms of ranch life, checking heifers through the night, and the teamwork it takes to bring new calves safely into the world.

Marla also reflects on raising kids in agriculture, how each child developed different strengths and interests, and what it looks like when the next generation starts returning to the family operation. The group discusses the challenges many farm families face when it comes to succession planning, communication, and balancing family relationships with business decisions.

A powerful part of the conversation focuses on Marla’s personal turning point. After years of putting everyone else first, she realized she needed to prioritize her own physical and mental health. Marla shares how small changes in nutrition, mindset, and daily habits helped her regain energy and confidence. That journey eventually led her to help others improve their health as well.

Together, the hosts and Marla discuss the growing stress facing farmers and ranchers today, including long work hours, financial pressure, and the tendency to ignore personal health. They emphasize the importance of open conversations, community support, and small daily choices that can make a big difference.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The realities of calving season and spring work on a cattle ranch

Practical health reminders from Marla:

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

This episode highlights the shared experiences of women across the agricultural heartland and the strength it takes to balance family, farming, and personal wellbeing.

Guest: Marla Stallbaumer

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more grit and grace in their day.

Episode Guest: Elissa Martin

In this episode, Mary and Leah sit down with Elissa Martin, a woman whose life beautifully reflects both grit and grace. Raised on a multi-generation Nebraska ranch and now raising her own family deeply connected to agriculture, Elissa shares the winding path that led her from ranch kid to entrepreneur, homeschool mom, and leader in the Mary Kay community.

Elissa opens up about her upbringing in a large ranch family, her early marriage, and how agriculture has remained a constant thread in her life even as it has taken many forms. Today she and her husband balance a unique rural lifestyle that includes horse training, calves for roping practice, sheep for their kids’ 4-H projects, homeschooling, and community involvement.

What began as a simple plan to buy her own skincare at a discount turned into a decades-long Mary Kay career that has provided travel opportunities, leadership experiences, and meaningful relationships across the country. Elissa shares how she built her business while keeping her priorities rooted in faith, family, and service.

The conversation also explores the powerful role women play in agriculture, especially those who bridge rural and urban audiences. Through social media and everyday conversations, Elissa helps others understand where their food comes from and the deep care farmers and ranchers have for their land and livestock.

In the spirit of grit and grace, Elissa candidly discusses the difficult seasons her family has faced in recent years. From serious injuries involving family members to heartbreaking loss and a long journey navigating her own health challenges, she shares how perseverance, faith, and community support helped her continue moving forward. Her story is a reminder that strength does not mean avoiding hardship but learning to walk through it with honesty, resilience, and compassion for ourselves.

Elissa also talks about the importance of women caring for their own health, setting boundaries, and recognizing when it is time to slow down or ask for help. Her perspective is both practical and deeply encouraging for anyone juggling family, work, and community commitments.

The episode closes with a look ahead to the Martin family’s busy year filled with homeschooling, rodeo events, 4-H activities, and continued work in their businesses. Through it all, Elissa remains committed to serving others, sharing what she learns, and living out her values with humility and purpose.

Growing up on a fourth generation Nebraska ranch

Finding confidence and purpose through entrepreneurship

Balancing business, homeschooling, and family life

Bridging the gap between rural and urban audiences

Navigating personal health challenges and family hardships

The importance of faith, resilience, and community support

Raising kids with strong agricultural roots

Elissa shares much of her life, business, and encouragement through social media.

Visit GritAndGraceInTheHeartland.com for more episodes and updates.

Until next time, keep living with grit and grace.

In this inspiring episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah welcome Julie Schrader of Open Road Ranch in Wisconsin for a conversation about local food systems, REKO rings, farm dinners, and building meaningful connections between farmers and their communities.

As spring approaches and graduation season looms, Mary and Leah reflect on how quickly the year is moving before diving into a powerful discussion about reconnecting people with their food.

Julie is a first generation farmer and the founder of Open Road Ranch in Greenbush, Wisconsin. Alongside her partner Tony, she raises:

Pasture raised hogs

Rotationally grazed sheep

Chickens and laying hens

Her farm focuses on regenerative practices, humane animal care, and using the whole animal. Julie also creates handcrafted lard based products including soaps, laundry soap, and body care items, helping educate customers about traditional fats and sustainable living.

Despite having no farming background, Julie began her journey in 2024, learning through books, mentorship, and hands on experience. Her passion for agriculture and education shines through in everything she does.

Julie shares how she brought the REKO model to her community.

REKO stands for fair and sincere consumption. The concept began in Finland in 2013 and has since spread internationally. A REKO ring is:

A Facebook based local food group

Customers preorder and prepay directly from farmers

Farmers bring only what has been sold

A 30 minute pickup window at a consistent location

No sales on site

Julie launched:

A Sheboygan County REKO ring, now with 1,700 members

A Fond du Lac County REKO ring, already at 500 members

Pickups are held in local parking lots, creating an efficient, farmer friendly system that reduces waste and risk. The streamlined format allows farmers to avoid long farmers market days while still connecting directly with customers.

This episode dives into the deeper meaning behind local food systems:

Food security and shorter supply chains

Knowing who raises your food

Rebuilding trust between farmers and consumers

Supporting small farms sustainably

Honoring the full value of livestock, including fat and byproducts

Julie explains how trends like tallow skincare are opening doors for conversations about traditional animal fats and their benefits. She sees growing interest from consumers who want to reconnect with local agriculture and make more intentional choices.

Julie also organizes farm to table dinners that bring farmers and consumers together around one shared meal.

Eight tables

One farmer seated at each table

Guests sharing a meal directly with the people who grew their food

Farmers speaking to the entire group about their work

These dinners create powerful conversations, education, and renewed appreciation for agriculture.

Weather challenges and dry winter concerns

The realities of small scale hog farming

First generation farming

Profitability and sustainability in modern agriculture

Farm stands and honor systems

Technology tools for local sales

Reviving agrarian traditions in modern communities

Julie learning to raise sheep and hogs through Google and farmer mentorship

The surprise rapid growth of her REKO ring

Conversations about gratitude toward public servants

The importance of using the whole animal

The joy of customers meeting their farmers face to face

Learn more about Open Road Ranch and upcoming events:

Website: www.openroadranch.com

Julie welcomes visitors and encourages anyone interested in starting a REKO ring to simply begin.

Website: gritandgraceandtheheartland.com

This episode is a reminder that sharing stories matters. Community matters. Food matters.

In the meantime, have some grit and grace.

In this episode, Mary and Leah welcome Kaylee of Garcia Eat Meats LLC for a heartfelt and powerful conversation that stretches from winter storms to food freedom, from military service to sheep production, and from local leadership to the future of rural America.

The episode opens with talk of much needed moisture across Nebraska and neighboring states. Winter storms, drifting roads, and white knuckle drives home set the stage for a deeper conversation about rural life and the grit it requires. When you live miles off the highway, weather is never just small talk.

After navigating personal challenges following military service, Kaylee felt called back to agriculture. What began as a return to the land has grown into a direct to consumer lamb business focused on premium, locally raised meat and reconnecting communities with their food source.

Kaylee raises hair sheep crosses rather than traditional wool breeds. In this episode, she explains:

Hair sheep naturally shed and require no shearing

They are hardier and more parasite resistant

They produce a leaner, tender product

Lamb is harvested before 11 months to preserve flavor and quality

She breaks down the difference between lamb and mutton and why many consumers who say they dislike lamb may have actually experienced improperly prepared mutton or imported product.

Cooking tip of the episode:

Kaylee shares the realities of running a small scale meat business in Nebraska:

Limited processing options

Reliance on USDA inspected facilities

Regulatory hurdles for small producers

Marketing primarily through social media and word of mouth

The conversation highlights the growing need for small town butchers and the importance of rebuilding localized food systems. Centralized food production has created vulnerabilities, and small producers are working hard to restore resilience.

Beyond ranching, Kaylee serves as a leader in her community:

Fund administrator at the Oregon Trail Community Foundation

Program ambassador for veteran equine therapy

Advocate for local agriculture and policy awareness

Active supporter of veterans entering agriculture through the Farmer Veteran Coalition

Her message is clear: mentorship matters. Call your local extension office. Reach out to small producers. Ask questions. Learn where your food comes from.

This episode dives into big themes:

The aging farmer population

The value of 4-H and agricultural education

Inflation and rising production costs

The economic multiplier effect of spending locally

Why strong local agriculture builds stronger communities

Kaylee reminds listeners that when you spend an agriculture dollar locally, it circulates through the community multiple times. Supporting small producers supports schools, feed stores, equipment dealers, and neighbors.

Know your producer and know your food

Diversification is key to the future of agriculture

Mentorship can change a young person’s path

Veterans bring invaluable skills to farming and ranching

Grit and grace are not opposites, they are partners

Find Garcia Eat Meats LLC on Facebook

They welcome conversations about lamb, agriculture, and helping veterans get started in farming.

You can connect with Mary and Leah at:

Until next time, keep showing up with grit and grace.

In this powerful and candid conversation, Mary and Leah welcome rancher and agricultural communicator Jennifer Hill to share her family’s remarkable journey from western Colorado to the Sandhills of Nebraska.

Jennifer opens up about legacy, loss, reinvention, and what it truly takes to sustain a ranching operation across generations in the face of bureaucracy, environmental challenges, and shifting policy landscapes.

This episode is a deep dive into grit, grace, and the complicated realities behind the beef on your plate.

Jennifer and her husband were part of a fifth generation ranching family operating across 120,000 acres of high desert country near Rangely in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Their operation relied heavily on Bureau of Land Management leases, creating a complicated relationship with federal oversight.

Generational ranching history predating modern federal land management

Extensive permitting processes including archaeological and environmental reviews

Years long delays for basic infrastructure approvals such as rebuilding fence lines

Increasing regulatory pressure and administrative gridlock

Wildfire policy shifts and the long term consequences of fire suppression

Resource competition including unmanaged feral horses and reclassified wildlife

Jennifer describes it as death by a thousand cuts. No single decision removed ranchers from the land, but cumulative policy and bureaucratic hurdles made sustainability increasingly difficult.

By 2020, after years of mounting pressure and difficult conversations, her family made the heartbreaking decision to leave.

Selling a generational ranch is not just a business decision. It is emotional, financial, and deeply personal.

Because of 1031 exchange rules, the family had just 45 days to identify and secure a comparable property or face devastating capital gains taxes. During a global pandemic. With children. And cattle.

After considering multiple states and even briefly exploring Uruguay, they chose Nebraska.

Moving six generations of belongings, three generations of people, and cattle 600 miles was only the beginning.

Cattle struggling to adapt from mineral heavy desert terrain to Sandhills grass

Significant herd culling during transition

An unusually brutal Nebraska winter during their first year

Rebuilding community relationships from scratch

Overcoming assumptions about being outside investors

Jennifer shares that it took nearly four years before their calf crop truly reflected the quality and consistency they were used to producing.

The turning point moment came when she turned on a faucet in Nebraska and watched clean water pour freely. After years of hauling and distilling water in the desert, that moment symbolized both relief and possibility.

With reliable rural internet finally available, Jennifer expanded her work in agricultural communication and advocacy.

She speaks candidly about:

The tension within agricultural advocacy

The risk of public infighting while consumers are watching

The need for thoughtful, constructive dialogue

The importance of sharing accurate stories about modern ranching

Her perspective is grounded in lived experience. Policy swings between administrations, wildlife management decisions, and regulatory shifts directly impact families and communities.

Healthy farms and ranches mean healthy rural communities.

Jennifer’s advice for women entering or growing within agriculture is both practical and empowering:

Find the experts.

She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, intergenerational wisdom, and learning from those who survived past agricultural downturns.

As markets rise and fall, resilience is built through shared knowledge.

Abundant grass and water

Being part of a strong agricultural community

Raising children where ranch life is understood and valued

Contributing meaningfully to a rural economy

While the transition was terrifying and uncertain, Jennifer and her family have put down roots and are building something new in the Sandhills.

Jennifer Hill

This episode reminds us that ranching is not a romantic postcard. It is complex, policy driven, capital intensive, emotionally taxing work rooted in legacy and responsibility.

It also reminds us that adaptation is possible.

If you care about rural communities, land stewardship, food production, or simply love a good steak, this conversation is for you.

As always, live with grit and grace.