Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women In Agriculture

The Heart of Home Cooking

Mary and Leah dive into rising grocery costs, unpredictable spring weather, and the realities of farm life during calving season. With prices climbing and uncertainty in the air, they shift the conversation to practical solutions families can control right now.
This episode focuses on cooking from scratch as a powerful way to stretch your grocery budget, build food security, and reconnect with your family. Mary and Leah share personal stories, simple kitchen tips, and encouragement for anyone who feels overwhelmed or out of practice in the kitchen.
They talk about the value of planning meals, using simple ingredients, and making food go further with techniques like adding fillers to ground beef or preparing one dish meals. From tacos to homemade soup, they highlight how cooking does not have to be complicated to be effective.
The conversation also explores the deeper impact of home cooking. Time spent preparing and sharing meals creates lasting memories, teaches life skills to kids, and strengthens family bonds. Leah emphasizes that children are fully capable of helping in the kitchen and should be included from a young age.
Mary shares easy starting points for beginners, like learning to boil water or make hard boiled eggs, proving that anyone can build confidence with small steps.
They also reflect on the joy and creativity found in cooking, from experimenting with recipes to the pride of making something from scratch. Whether it is sourdough, soup, or a simple salad, homemade food brings both satisfaction and connection.
The episode closes with a reminder that you do not have to do everything at once. Start small, stay consistent, and lean on community when you need help.
Key Takeaways
Cooking from scratch can significantly reduce grocery costs
Simple planning and preparation make a big difference
Kids should be involved in the kitchen early and often
Meals at home strengthen family relationships
You do not need fancy ingredients or skills to get started
Community and shared knowledge are valuable resources
Quote to RememberStart small, dream big
Resources Mentioned
Meal planning and basic cooking techniques
Simple recipes and one dish meals
Community support, friends, and shared knowledge
ConnectVisit Grit and Grace in the Heartland dot com for more resources and future recipes
Have some grit and grace

Planting Season: Finding Your Place in Rural Life

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:
Rural traditions and holiday perspectives
Wildfires, weather, and regional challenges in agriculture
Transitioning from city life to a farm and ranch
The diversity and complexity of agricultural operations
Writing, creativity, and stepping away from social media
Building community for women in agriculture
Letting go of comparison and embracing your role
Where to Find Stacy:Substack: Planting Season by Stacy Bronick
Where to Find Us:gritandgraceintheheartland.com
 
 

Spring Chaos and Calving Season: Life, Land, and Letting Go of Control

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
Calving season begins and what it takes to manage hundreds of births, including overnight responsibilities and the importance of rest and teamwork
How cattle breeding cycles shape the busiest times of year and why April is the most demanding month on the ranch
A real-time ranch update involving a heifer that may need veterinary attention
Differences between cattle and horses during pregnancy and birth, and the risks involved
Frustrations and realities of working with nature and the limits of control
The role of social media in agriculture and how creators help educate the public
Spring weather challenges in the Midwest and how conditions impact livestock and land
Life on the ranch beyond cattle, including gardens, orchards, and past livestock
The rewards and challenges of growing and preserving food at home
Reflections on speaking events, connecting with other farmers, and the shared struggles across agriculture
The pressure farmers face from policy, consumers, weather, and economic uncertainty
Concerns about losing human connection in a world driven by technology and efficiency
A discussion on disappearing skills like cursive writing and what that means for future generations
New homestead projects, including raising quail and experimenting with short-season crops
Practical ways to save money and be more intentional with food at home
Encouragement to learn basic food skills and support local producers
Key Themes
The realities of modern agriculture
The importance of rest, resilience, and adaptability
Human connection versus technological efficiency
Learning, growing, and trying new things at any stage of life
Supporting local food systems and self-sufficiency
Closing ThoughtsThis episode is a reminder that while life can feel uncertain and fast-changing, shared stories, meaningful work, and community help keep us grounded.
Grit and Grace in the Heartland

Helping After the Headlines Fade

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.

From Sandhills to the Spotlight: The Story Behind Mini Highland Cattle at Rolling Seven Ranch

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.
 
 

Bathtubs, Baby Calves, and the Cowgirl Story

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. 

More Caught Than Taught: Lessons from the Ranch

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• Raising children in agriculture and watching the next generation find their path• Why farm transition conversations are difficult but necessary• The impact of chronic stress in agriculture• Simple health habits that support busy farm and ranch families• The idea that healthy caretakers are essential for healthy farms
Practical health reminders from Marla:
• Stay hydrated throughout the day• Eat regularly instead of skipping meals• Focus on protein and balanced nutrition• Take time for rest and self care, even during busy seasons
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 StallbaumerConnect with Marla on Facebook to follow her work helping others improve their health.
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.

Ranch Life and Resilience with Elissa Martin

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.
In This Episode
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
Connect with Elissa
Elissa shares much of her life, business, and encouragement through social media.Find her on Facebook: Elissa Martin
Connect with the Podcast
Visit GritAndGraceInTheHeartland.com for more episodes and updates.
Until next time, keep living with grit and grace.

Building Community Through REKO Rings

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.
Meet Julie Schrader
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.
What Is a REKO Ring?
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.
Why It Matters
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.
Farm Dinners and Connection
Julie also organizes farm to table dinners that bring farmers and consumers together around one shared meal.
Her model includes:
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.
Topics We Cover
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
Memorable Moments
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
Connect with Julie
Learn more about Open Road Ranch and upcoming events:
Website: www.openroadranch.comFacebook and Instagram: Open Road RanchLocation: Greenbush, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
Julie welcomes visitors and encourages anyone interested in starting a REKO ring to simply begin.
Connect with Grit and Grace in the Heartland
Website: gritandgraceandtheheartland.comFacebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture
This episode is a reminder that sharing stories matters. Community matters. Food matters.
In the meantime, have some grit and grace.

Lamb, Leadership, and Local Roots

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.
Weather, Rural Roads, and Resilience
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.
Meet Kaylee of Garcia Eat Meats LLC
Kaylee and her husband are the founders of Garcia Eat Meats LLC, located near the Nebraska Wyoming border. Both Colorado natives, their journey includes military service in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg before eventually putting down roots in the Nebraska Panhandle.
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.
Why Hair Sheep?
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:Low and slow on the smoker with cowboy butter, garlic, and fresh thyme. Medium rare for the win.
Local Meat, Processing Challenges, and Food Freedom
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.
US Veterans, Agriculture, and Community Leadership
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.
The Future of Rural America
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.
Key Takeaways
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
Connect with Kaylee
Find Garcia Eat Meats LLC on FacebookWebsite: garciaeatmeats.com
They welcome conversations about lamb, agriculture, and helping veterans get started in farming.
You can connect with Mary and Leah at:Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture on FacebookWebsite: gritandgraceintheheartland.com
Until next time, keep showing up with grit and grace.