On this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah welcome Elissa Martin, a woman whose life beautifully blends faith, family, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. Elissa grew up on a fourth generation ranch in Nebraska, surrounded by livestock, horses, and the everyday responsibilities that come with ranch life. As the oldest of six children and the only girl for many years, she spent her childhood helping with cattle, riding horses, and showing livestock through 4 H and FFA. Agriculture has always been part of her story. Today, Elissa and her husband Patrick are raising four children on their acreage where horses, calves, and sheep keep life busy. Patrick trains calf…

Spring is inching closer across the Midwest, even if the weather cannot quite make up its mind. In Wisconsin, the sun is shining and early signs of spring are popping up. In Nebraska and Minnesota, it feels unnervingly mild for this time of year. As we juggle graduation plans, farmers market prep, and the usual busyness of the season, one thing feels clear: time is moving quickly. And so is a quiet but powerful movement back toward local food. In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, we had the joy of visiting with Julie Schrader of Open Road Ranch in Greenbush, Wisconsin. What she is building in her community…