Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women in Agriculture is the podcast celebrating the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women who work the land and feed our communities. Through honest conversations and real-life stories, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and everyday realities of women in agriculture—from farms and ranches to policy and rural life. Rooted in the heartland, this podcast amplifies voices that blend hard-earned grit with enduring grace.
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.
16 Mar 2026
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.
13 Mar 2026
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.
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