On Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m., the Whitney Center for the Arts at Sheridan College will host a special screening of “Grit & Grace,” a documentary created by sophomore Jordan Carroll. The film celebrates the work of women who manage Wyoming’s rangelands, offering a rare glimpse into the daily challenges and triumphs of female ranchers.
From classroom project to community showcase
Carroll’s idea began in a rangeland‑management class taught by Mae Smith, the college’s director of agriculture. In 2025, Smith announced that the upcoming academic year would be the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, urging students to find ways to engage the public and educate them about the importance of rangelands and the ranchers who steward them.
“I thought a video showcase would be a great way to highlight those stories,” Carroll recalled during an interview on Sheridan Media’s Pulse. “We decided to focus each month of 2026 on a different theme, and October’s theme became female pastoralists.”
Women on the front lines of Wyoming agriculture
The documentary follows several women who run cattle operations, tend to livestock, and preserve the cultural heritage of the high plains. Viewers see how these ranchers balance family responsibilities, faith, and the demanding physical labor required to keep their herds healthy.
One participant, a third‑generation rancher, explains that her work is rooted in both tradition and faith: “My family has tended this land for decades, and I see my role as a steward of God’s creation. The ranch is more than a business; it’s a way of life that teaches perseverance and gratitude.”
Community response and educational impact
Local residents and students alike have expressed enthusiasm for the project. The college plans to use the film as an educational tool in future agriculture courses, hoping to inspire more young people—especially women—to consider careers in ranching and land management.
“Stories like these help break stereotypes and show that women are integral to the future of agriculture,” said Smith. “They also reinforce the values of hard work, family, and faith that are central to our community.”
Event details
The screening will be free and open to the public. After the film, Carroll and the featured ranchers will field questions from the audience, fostering a dialogue about the role of women in Wyoming’s agricultural economy.
For more information, visit Sheridan College’s website or contact the Whitney Center directly.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
