What does it take to navigate the complicated world of agriculture, and what challenges are facing the next generation of farmers and ranchers?

In this episode, Mary and Leah welcome Becky McTaggart of Agricultural Resources Consulting to talk about wetland and highly erodible land determinations, USDA programs, and the roles of the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Becky explains why the paperwork and requirements connected to agricultural assistance can be complicated, why land and water are such significant barriers for young people entering agriculture, and why stewardship matters to producers of every size.

The conversation also explores the growing disconnect between consumers and where their food comes from, the role of community gardens and urban agriculture, and some ideas for reconnecting people with the land and food production.

Along the way, Mary, Leah and Becky talk about the women who quietly help hold agricultural families and operations together.

It is a thoughtful conversation about agriculture, stewardship, food systems, and finding ways to keep the next generation connected to the land.

Find Becky: Visit growscorn.com to learn more about Agricultural Resources Consulting and get in touch with Becky.

What if an ordinary life is actually an extraordinary one?

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah sit down with author Gretchen A. Carlson, whose life has included farming, ministry, quilting, teaching, and writing historical fiction.

Gretchen shares the story behind her books More Than Grit and I Be Brave, both inspired by her family's history and the strength of ordinary people who step up to help others.

The conversation touches on farming, rural life, family stories, community, friendship, faith, aging, and the importance of passing skills and wisdom from one generation to the next.

Gretchen also talks about learning from the women who have shaped her life, why community matters so much, and why she believes there is no such thing as an ordinary person.

This is a heartfelt conversation about remembering where we came from, sharing what we know, building friendships, and recognizing the impact we can have simply by showing up.

In this episode:

• Gretchen's years farming in Colorado
• The women who taught her important skills
• The inspiration behind More Than Grit
• The story of rural electrification in 1939
• Her second book, I Be Brave
• Why ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference
• Preserving family stories and history
• Friendship and community at every stage of life
• Why women need one another
• The importance of sharing our own stories

Gretchen is generously giving one listener a copy of More Than Grit. Listen to the episode for details on how to enter.

Find Gretchen's books on Amazon and learn more about her work at GretchenCarlson.com.

And remember: there is no such thing as an ordinary person.

What happens when you combine pumpkins, livestock, family, and a whole lot of entrepreneurial spirit?

Mary and Leah welcome Crystal, owner of Pumpkins, Pets and Pals in southwest North Dakota. Now in its fourth year, Crystal's pumpkin patch has grown into a family-friendly destination where visitors can pick pumpkins, enjoy a petting zoo, explore a corn maze, ride the barrel train, play in the corn box, and even try a 250-foot zip line.

Crystal shares what it has been like to build the business from the ground up while also running a ranch with cattle and sheep and raising four daughters. She talks honestly about the challenges of growing pumpkins in a dry year, learning through experience, using social media to promote the business, and figuring out how to make an agritourism venture work alongside the rest of the family operation.

The conversation also highlights something especially important to Mary and Leah: giving children opportunities to experience agriculture firsthand.

Crystal welcomes school groups to the pumpkin patch and uses those visits to teach kids about pumpkins, corn, sheep, and where some of the things we use every day come from. She also talks about keeping the experience affordable for families.

It's a fun conversation about agriculture, entrepreneurship, family, community, and creating something special right where you live.

In this episode:

• Starting and growing a pumpkin patch
• Building an agritourism business on a family ranch
• Growing pumpkins in dry conditions
• Learning through trial and error
• School field trips and agricultural education
• Pumpkins, livestock, alpacas, goats and a petting zoo
• Creating affordable family experiences
• Social media and old-fashioned promotion
• The challenges of making a new business profitable
• Supporting locally owned businesses
• Crystal's plans for growing Pumpkins, Pets and Pals

Find Pumpkins, Pets and Pals on Facebook for seasonal updates and information about visiting the pumpkin patch.

Find Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women in Agriculture at gritandgraceintheheartland.com.