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, 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.