Roots That Hold

Mary and Leah welcome Brenda, a South Dakota farm woman and leader behind Women in Blue Jeans, for a powerful conversation about resilience, community, and life in agriculture. Brenda shares her journey from growing up on a family farm to building a farming operation with her husband and raising a family through the challenges of the 1980s farm economy. She reflects on balancing off-farm work, motherhood, and the evolving needs of their operation over time. The heart of the episode focuses on a devastating windstorm that destroyed their farm, and the long road to recovery. Brenda offers honest insight into the emotional toll across generations, the practical realities of rebuilding, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. She highlights what truly helps in times of crisis, from neighbors showing up with equipment and meals to the importance of documentation, strong relationships, and preparation. She also shares what was not helpful and how communities can better support those facing disaster. The conversation closes with Brenda’s work helping create Women in Blue Jeans, a conference designed to support, connect, and uplift women in agriculture through education, networking, and encouragement. This episode is a reminder of the strength found in community, the importance of preparation, and the grit and grace required to keep going when life takes an unexpected turn.