Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women In Agriculture

New World Screwworm

Leah and Mary tackle an issue that deserves every livestock owner's attention, the return of the New World screwworm. While many people assume this is only a concern for ranchers in the southern United States, the conversation explains why every animal owner, from cattle producers to pet owners, should understand the risks and know what to watch for. Leah shares why biosecurity matters more than ever and explains how screwworm infestations differ from ordinary maggots. They discuss prevention, early detection, treatment options, and why awareness is the most powerful tool available. The conversation also explores the importance of personal responsibility, critical thinking, and staying informed without becoming overwhelmed by constant headlines. From wildlife observations to AI generated misinformation, Leah and Mary encourage listeners to pay attention to what is happening in their own communities while protecting their peace of mind. In this episode * Why the New World screwworm has become a growing concern * How screwworms affect livestock, pets, and wildlife * Why biosecurity practices matter for every animal owner * Prevention versus treatment and what producers should know * The role of veterinarians and reporting suspected cases * How ranchers are working to protect animal welfare every day * Why consumers should remain confident in the safety of the U.S. food supply * The importance of questioning sensational headlines and misinformation * Personal responsibility, community awareness, and practical preparedness * Wildlife observations, including black bears and cougars in Minnesota * Finding hope, staying grounded, and focusing on what you can control Key Takeaways Awareness saves lives. Regularly checking livestock, pets, and wildlife can help identify problems before they become widespread. Biosecurity is everyone's responsibility. Preventing the spread of disease and parasites requires vigilance from producers, pet owners, veterinarians, and the public. The U.S. food supply remains safe. Animals showing signs of screwworm infestation do not enter the commercial food chain. Not every alarming headline tells the full story. Verify information through trusted sources and avoid making decisions based on sensational claims or AI generated misinformation. When challenges arise, focus on practical action. Small steps taken by many people make a meaningful difference. Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who cares about agriculture, animal health, and preserving our rural way of life.

Rural Resilience with Michaela Gasseling

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah welcome Nebraska farm wife, healthcare professional, agriculture advocate, and writer Michaela Gasseling. The conversation begins with a look at current drought conditions across Nebraska, including the ongoing challenges facing western Nebraska producers. Michaela shares firsthand insight into what her family and neighbors are experiencing as drought, wildfire recovery, and difficult agricultural decisions continue to impact daily life. Michaela discusses her journey from growing up on a Nebraska farm to pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming an ultrasound technologist, and eventually returning to rural life after insisting she would never live on a farm again. Topics in this episode include: • Current drought conditions in western Nebraska and their impact on ranching and farming operations • Feeding cattle through June due to lack of pasture and forage • The realities of purchasing hay and making difficult management decisions during extreme drought • Rural communities supporting one another through wildfire response and recovery • Balancing multiple careers and responsibilities in agriculture • Working in rural healthcare while also helping operate a family farm • Why agricultural advocacy matters and the importance of hearing farming stories directly from farmers Michaela also shares the remarkable story of a life-changing health crisis that unfolded shortly after the birth of her fourth child in 2020. After months of severe headaches, hearing loss, and balance issues that were initially attributed to pregnancy, Michaela was diagnosed with a six-centimeter brain tumor just days after giving birth. She opens up about emergency brain surgery, recovery during the COVID era, and the incredible support she received from family, friends, and her rural community. Additional topics include: • Navigating trauma, recovery, and postpartum life simultaneously • The importance of mental health support, counseling, and therapy • Processing gratitude alongside grief and anger after a traumatic experience • Why it is okay to acknowledge that something difficult happened even when the outcome was positive • The challenges women face when balancing family, career, and agricultural responsibilities • Letting go of expectations and defining fulfillment on your own terms • Returning to healthcare work and rediscovering purpose outside the farm gate This episode is an honest conversation about resilience, community, motherhood, mental health, and finding the courage to embrace the life that truly fits you. Connect with Michaela Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/michaela.gasseling] Connect with Grit and Grace in the Heartland Website: gritandgraceintheheartland.com Facebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture Thank you for listening. Until next time, have some grit and grace.

Artificial Intelligence Meets the Heartland

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah begin with a seasonal check-in from the ranch and farm. From branding calves and wrapping up calving season to hopes for much-needed rainfall, they share a glimpse into late spring life in rural America. The conversation then shifts to a topic Leah has wanted to tackle for a long time: artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of AI data centers across the United States. Growing up in agriculture, "AI" meant artificial insemination. Today, it means artificial intelligence, and both hosts have serious questions about how quickly AI infrastructure is expanding and what the long-term consequences may be. Topics discussed include: • The proposed PEACE Act in Oregon and concerns about its impact on agriculture and livestock production • The growing number of AI data centers being built across the country • Environmental concerns surrounding data centers, including water consumption, energy use, electronic waste, and noise pollution • Erin Brockovich's involvement in tracking and raising awareness about data center development • Questions surrounding local control, zoning regulations, and whether communities truly have a voice in approving large projects • The strain that data centers may place on water resources, especially in regions dependent on aquifers • The potential costs of infrastructure upgrades and who ultimately pays for them • Privacy concerns related to AI, data collection, and the storage of personal information • The growing use of AI in customer service, healthcare, and other industries • Frustrations with automated systems that replace human interaction • The impact of technology on jobs, social connection, and community life • Whether convenience has come at a greater cost than many people realize Mary and Leah reflect on how technology has changed daily life, from online shopping and digital medical records to automated customer service systems. While both acknowledge the benefits that technology can provide, they challenge listeners to consider the environmental, economic, and social costs that may accompany these advances. The episode closes with a broader discussion about innovation, unintended consequences, and whether society is asking enough questions before embracing major technological changes. Questions for Listeners • What role should local communities have in approving large-scale data center projects? • Are the conveniences of AI worth the environmental and infrastructure costs? • How comfortable are you with the amount of personal information stored digitally? • Have automated systems improved your life, or made everyday tasks more frustrating? • What technologies have genuinely improved your quality of life, and which ones have not? Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland. If this conversation resonated with you, share the episode with a friend and continue the discussion in your own community.

Always Trust the Dog

In this heartfelt episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah begin with a conversation about summer weather, humidity, mosquitoes, ticks, and the unique challenges that come with rural life. As often happens between friends, the discussion turns to dogs, their personalities, quirks, and the special roles they play in our lives. The centerpiece of this episode is a loving tribute to Augustus, known as Gus, the longtime ranch dog who recently passed away at age 14. Leah shares the story of how Gus joined the family during a difficult season, his remarkable work ethic as a 5H composite stock dog, and the unforgettable bond he formed with her father and the entire ranch family. Listeners will hear stories about: * The unique intelligence and instincts of working dogs * The differences between companion dogs and stock dogs * Gus's endless energy as a young dog and his evolution into a trusted ranch hand * The special relationship between dogs, livestock, and the people who care for them * The challenges of aging pets and making compassionate end of life decisions * The important role veterinarians play in helping families through difficult moments * Why choosing the right dog for your family and lifestyle matters * The joy, responsibility, and heartbreak that come with loving animals Mary and Leah also reflect on their own experiences with dogs, from puppies and rescue animals to working ranch dogs, and discuss the lessons these loyal companions teach us about love, grief, responsibility, and family. This episode is a reminder that while our time with beloved pets is never long enough, the memories they leave behind become part of the fabric of our lives. Memorable Takeaways "Always trust the dog." "Dogs are dogs. They all have their own personalities, quirks, and jobs to do." "When it's done correctly, their last memories are of you." "Loving something is a risk. It's worth it." In Memory of Gus A devoted ranch dog, faithful companion, gentle family member, and the best boy. Thank you for listening. Have some grit and grace. grace.

Finding Strength on the Farm with That Fit Agvocate

Episode Show Notes: The Fit Advocate with Andrea This week, Mary and Leah welcome Andrea, better known online as That Fit Agvocate [https://www.thatfitagvocate.com/], for a conversation about agriculture, fitness, mental health, family farming, and finding purpose when life takes an unexpected turn. The episode begins with a discussion about much-needed rainfall across parts of Nebraska and Minnesota, along with reflections on drought, gratitude, wildlife, and the emotional impact of receiving blessings that are completely beyond our control. Andrea shares her journey from growing up in rural Minnesota with dreams of becoming a large animal veterinarian to facing the disappointment of not being accepted into veterinary school. What felt like a devastating setback ultimately led her toward a new path that combined her passion for agriculture, fitness, and education. Today, Andrea works alongside her family on a diversified farm that includes cow-calf cattle, a feedlot, corn, and soybeans. She also runs a successful online fitness coaching business focused primarily on women in agriculture and rural communities. Topics discussed in this episode include: • The challenges of getting into veterinary school and the growing shortage of large animal veterinarians across rural America • How personal setbacks can create unexpected opportunities • Building a social media platform that educates consumers about modern agriculture • Working successfully in a multi-generational family farming operation • Finding strengths within a family business and allowing each person to focus on what they do best • Balancing entrepreneurship with life on the farm • Functional fitness for farmers and ranchers • The connection between physical health, mental health, and resilience • Managing stress during difficult agricultural seasons • Creating supportive communities for women in agriculture • The importance of maintaining hobbies, interests, and identities beyond the farm • Helping consumers reconnect with agriculture and understand where their food comes from • New efforts to bring people onto the farm through pumpkin patches, flower fields, and educational experiences Andrea also shares why helping women become stronger, healthier, and more confident is about much more than exercise. Her work focuses on creating longevity, improving quality of life, and providing tools to navigate the unique stresses that come with rural living and agricultural careers. Throughout the conversation, Mary, Leah, and Andrea explore the importance of community, connection, and telling agriculture's story in an authentic way. Connect with Andrea You can find Andrea, That Fit Agvocate, on: • Instagram • Facebook • YouTube • TikTok Search for "That Fit Agvocate" on your favorite platform to follow her farming, fitness, and advocacy journey. Memorable Moments "Sometimes life is weird. You pray, you ask, you hope for a blessing, something that you need. When it's a gift given to you that you couldn't pay for, and it's just given to you and you receive it, the feelings of gratitude are overwhelming." "Your health is your wealth." "We need all of us healthy and able." "People want to be connected to where their food comes from." Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland. Until next time, have some grit and grace.