From Non Ag to Sandhills Prairie Girl

In this heartfelt episode, Mary and Leah welcome Nicole, creator of Sandhills Prairie Girl, joining from the breathtaking Nebraska Sandhills. What begins as lighthearted weather talk turns into a deeply meaningful conversation about marriage, ranch life, faith, creativity, and finding beauty in wide open spaces. Nicole shares how a non agriculture girl from Cozad, Nebraska, fell in love with a rancher and stepped into a life she never imagined. From clobbering her head on a gate to fainting during her first prolapse experience, her introduction to ranch life was anything but gentle. Yet 23 years later, she cannot imagine raising her family anywhere else. From Non Ag to Ranch Wife Nicole opens up about: Moving 200 miles west into the rugged Nebraska Sandhills Marrying not only her husband, but the ranch itself Learning the financial realities of ranching versus a weekly paycheck Adjusting to spring calving season immediately after her February wedding The emotional and practical challenges of rural isolation She speaks honestly about how transformative that shift was and how commitment, communication, counseling, family support, and faith helped sustain her marriage. Her transparency around marriage counseling and seeking help in agriculture communities is powerful. She emphasizes that asking for help is not weakness. It is wisdom. The Art Behind the Lens Nicole’s photography has become a daily ritual for thousands who begin their mornings with her page. She shares: Receiving a Fisher Price 35mm camera in third grade Teaching herself DSLR photography beyond auto mode Learning manual settings to capture the night sky Chasing her dream shot of the Milky Way over a Sandhills windmill Building her skills through online courses and practice With almost zero light pollution, the Sandhills offer her a canvas of stars, curves, shadow, and light. She describes the hills as showing off their curves at sunrise. Her audience spans the globe, from Italy to Australia, from former Sandhills residents to lifelong Nebraska lovers. Some follow for ranch life, others for hymns, and many for the peace her page brings. Hymns, Healing, and Faith One of the most beloved features of Nicole’s page is her Sunday hymn posts. She shares the deeply personal story behind them: Growing up in a strict Christian household Rebelling from faith in early adulthood Experiencing her parents’ divorce shortly after her marriage Feeling her spiritual foundation crumble during her transition into ranch life Finding her way back to a faith that became her own The hymns she shares are not random selections. They are rooted in memory, music, and healing. Many were written during intense personal trials, which makes them even more meaningful. Through photography and hymn research, Nicole has found redemption in parts of her story that once felt broken. The Beauty of the Sandhills The Nebraska Sandhills are often described as untouched and singular. Visitors from New York City to Wisconsin stand in awe of the vastness. In this episode, the conversation also explores: The migration of sandhill cranes along the Platte River Trumpeter swans wintering in western Nebraska The way light moves across grass covered dunes The feeling of standing somewhere so open it makes you feel small Nicole describes the Sandhills as magical and fragile. A place of both beauty and difficulty. Not for everyone, but life changing for those who truly see it. What Is Ahead for Sandhills Prairie Girl Nicole hints at a dream for the future: expanding her Sunday hymn posts into a devotional or coffee table style book featuring longer reflections and full page photography. She continues to: Publish annual calendars featuring her photography Share regularly on Facebook and Instagram Connect with readers across the world Why This Episode Matters This conversation is about more than ranch life. It is about: The courage to seek help in marriage Faith that evolves and deepens over time The beauty of rural America Creative expression as healing Stewardship of land and legacy Nicole’s vulnerability reminds us that grit and grace are often woven together quietly, in places far from the spotlight. Connect with Nicole Follow Sandhills Prairie Girl on: Facebook Look for her annual calendars and upcoming creative projects. If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying the voices of women in agriculture. Find Mary and Leah at: Facebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture Website: gritandgraceintheheartland.com Thank you for spending time with us. Until next time, live with grit and grace.