Grit & Grace: From the Barn to the Boardroom and Beyond

In this episode of the Grit and Grace Podcast, Rachel is back and is joined by Amanda Wall, a Hereford seed stock producer and genetic consultant from Iowa. Amanda shares her journey in the cattle business, beginning with a friendship formed over Facebook and growing into a close relationship. The podcast covers Amanda's inspiring career path, starting from her education at Iowa State University to working with organizations like Elanco and the Iowa Soybean Association.

Amanda discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in the agriculture industry, including encounters with sexism, and how she navigated them...

In this episode of 'Grit and Grace from the Barn to the Boardroom and Beyond,' Rachel interviews Kristen Davis, a dedicated graphic designer at Ranch House Designs. Kristen shares insights into her personal life, including her marriage, family, and her significant role as a show mom. She opens up about her harrowing battle with acute myeloid leukemia, describing the physical and emotional challenges she faced, and how her faith and support system helped her conquer the disease. The discussion highlights Kristen's remarkable strength and resilience, emphasizing the importance of staying positive and relying on God during hard times...

In this episode of the Grit and Grace podcast, Rachel interviews Becky Allan, a Hereford show mom and entrepreneur with a rich background as a military brat. Becky grew up with no experience in the cattle business, yet she has become one of the most successful figures in the industry. She shares her journey of raising a family while managing multiple businesses, including the Brand Co and Gene Source, alongside her husband, Dave. Becky discusses the importance of personal service in her promotional products business, the challenges and joys of working with family, and the value of youth engagement...

In this episode of 'Grit and Grace,' Rachel welcomes Ashley Fitzsimmons, co-owner of Fitz Genetics, a powerhouse in agricultural marketing, for a detailed conversation about her journey and daily life. They engage in rapid-fire questions to break the ice before delving into Ashley’s personal and professional background. Ashley shares her insights on issues like mean girls, balancing multiple roles, the significance of perseverance, and her transition into senior portfolio management at Purina Animal Nutrition. The episode also highlights Fitz Genetics' Grand Drive Training program, dedicated to mentoring young cattle handlers. Ashley offers profound reflections on the unique st...

In the inaugural episode of the Grit and Grace podcast, hosted by Ranch House Designs, the focus is on celebrating women in agriculture and specifically the purebred livestock industry. Our first guest is Traci Middleton of Mill Creek Land and Cattle, based in Puryear, Tennessee.

The conversation covers Traci's background, from her involvement in 4-H and FFA to running her own successful cattle operation and participating in industry leadership. Traci discusses the challenges and joys of being a working mom, rancher, and cattle judge, sharing insights on balancing professional life with personal passions. The episode also touches...

The first episode of the podcast 'Grit and Grace, from the Barn to the Boardroom' introduces hosts Rachel Cutrer, Erin, and Elizabeth, who share their backgrounds in the livestock industry and their passion for celebrating women's contributions to it. Sponsored by Ranch House Designs, the podcast aims to inspire, encourage, and connect women across generations in the purebred livestock sector by sharing real stories of grit and grace. The episode discusses the motivation behind starting the podcast, emphasizing the challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated field and the importance of visibility, community, and support.

This is...