Addison Wagner of Feastland Farm

The 520th recipient is Addison Wagner of Feastland Farm in Scarborough, ME. Addison writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being in farming mean finding ways to refill your own cup when it gets low. This ongoing practice of carving out time to take care of yourself feels like the only way to invest in this work in the long-term. Because of the financial constraints of starting and operating a farm, this investment in mental and physical well-being can often feel hard to justify.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”I would use to $100 reward to replace some of my old work wear for a new pair of overalls for the season. It’s time for an upgrade, and the $100 reward would allow me to invest in something that would last.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "It’s difficult to pick one thing, but the ability to take time off during the busy part of season would probably be the most meaningful contribution to my well-being. This would involve having both financial flexibility to lose a week’s worth of income and also an experienced and trustworthy farm-sitter or staff member to keep things running while I take time away.”

#realfarmercare