Amanda Heilman of Delmarva Crop Queen

The 434th recipient is Amanda Heilman of Delmarva Crop Queen in Rising Sun, MD. Amanda writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “There is always so much going on at the farm and it causes high levels of stress. Self-care and well-being mean to me that I can have peace of mind in my day-to-day because I know that I am working on myself and always trying to better the situation. I am constantly physically working coming home with an achy body having the ability to see a chiropractor regularly or get a massage is huge. Self care also means prioritizing mental health. This job is stressful and isolating and it’s intertwined with relationships, life, and love. To be able to talk with someone that is non biased is huge. To be able to get your feelings out in the open and just have the chance to speak about how you feel with someone is huge.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “This $100 would probably go to getting a body massage. I am dealing with shoulder pain a lot and would love to be able to relax one day.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Honestly I need help with child care. I can’t afford it and I also can’t afford to not work. My child is with me 24/7 and it’s terribly hard and stressful but am I supposed to quit farming to raise a child and have no income? Or am I supposed to not have a family because I farm?”

#realfarmercare