Finding Community in the Fields with Tracy of HarvestHer

Mary and Leah welcome Tracy from Harvest Her in Nebraska for a heartfelt conversation about community, identity, and the unique challenges facing women in agriculture. The episode opens with a very real ranch moment as Leah shares about getting knocked down by her daughter’s 4-H market heifer. From bumps and bruises to deeper reflections, the conversation quickly turns to something many women quietly carry: the need for connection and safe community. In This Episode • Leah’s run-in with a Hereford heifer and the lessons that followed • Why women in agriculture often put themselves last • The origin story of Harvest Her and how it grew from a Facebook page into a nine-year retreat community • The power of gathering, from quilting circles to modern retreats • Why community is more necessary now than ever, even in a hyper-connected world • The guilt many women feel about stepping away from home to invest in themselves • Identity struggles tied to agriculture, family roles, and retirement • The realities of custom harvesting life, including traveling from Texas to Canada following the wheat harvest • How regulations and industry changes have reshaped custom harvesting over the decades • Why small, intimate gatherings can create deeper connection • The importance of modeling work-life balance for the next generation About Harvest Her Harvest Her began in 2016 as a Facebook page created to spotlight and support the wives of custom harvesters. It has since evolved into a broader community for women connected to farming, ranching, and agriculture across the United States and Canada. At its heart, Harvest Her is about creating a safe place where women can talk openly about family, faith, identity, burnout, purpose, and everything in between. The annual Harvest Her Retreat is now entering its ninth year and will be held in late February near Ashland, Nebraska. The retreat hosts approximately 20 to 24 women for three days of: • Fellowship and meaningful conversation • Encouragement and personal growth • Meals prepared on-site • A relaxed schedule with room to rest • A special Texas barbecue night • A no-judgment, what-happens-here-stays-here environment Industry sponsors help keep the cost accessible so finances are not a barrier to attendance. A Deeper Theme: Community Over Isolation Throughout the episode, Mary, Leah, and Tracy reflect on how: • Women report feeling more disconnected despite technology • Hyper-independence has replaced relational living • Guilt often keeps women from saying yes to personal growth opportunities • Identity tied solely to work or agriculture can become fragile • Community is not a luxury but a necessity As Tracy shares, many women hesitate before attending. Nearly all who come say it was one of the best decisions they made for themselves and their families. Learn More To find more information or register for the upcoming retreat: Facebook: Harvest Her Website: harvesther.com You can also connect with us at: gritandgraceintheheartland.com Facebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture If you are sitting on the fence about investing in yourself, consider this your encouragement. Community matters. You are worth the time. Until next time, have some grit and grace.