Mary and Leah welcome Eliza from Sunstone Orchard & Rabbitry in Vermont. From growing up on a dairy farm to building a thriving homestead and online community, Eliza shares her journey of raising meat rabbits, teaching sustainable food production, and helping others reconnect with where their food comes from.

The conversation goes beyond farming to explore the realities of sharing life online, handling criticism with grace, and building authentic connections through honesty and education. Eliza offers thoughtful insights on resilience, community, and why small steps can lead to big results.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Eliza's path from dairy farming to homesteading and meat rabbits
• Why rabbits are a sustainable option for small scale food production
• How education helps bridge the gap between consumers and agriculture
• The realities of sharing farm life on social media
• Dealing with online criticism and misinformation
• Why vulnerability creates meaningful connections
• The importance of supporting farmers in all forms
• Balancing homesteading, business, and family life
• Building community through teaching and storytelling

Connect with Eliza:

Facebook: Sunstone Orchard & Rabbitry

Instagram: @farmer_jane

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Dairy farmer Dawn Blodgett of VT Blodgett Family Farm joins us for a wide ranging conversation about agriculture, food, and the importance of asking good questions. From fresh eggs and milk myths to beef, dairy, and the realities of modern farming, this episode explores how misinformation shapes the way we think about our food.

We also discuss regulations, food waste, consumer education, and why agriculture needs more voices at the decision making table.

Connect with Dawn on Facebook at VT Blodgett Family Farm.

Mary and Leah celebrate six months of Grit and Grace in the Heartland. They reflect on how the podcast began, what they've learned from one another, and the friendships, conversations, and community that have grown along the way.

They also discuss this season's gardens and crops, the challenges facing agriculture, why sharing stories matters, and how podcasts can connect people across different backgrounds and experiences. It's an honest conversation about gratitude, growth, and the importance of listening with an open heart.

Thank you for being part of this community. If you've enjoyed the podcast, please share this episode with a friend and help us continue growing the conversation.