Ashley Smith of The Pampered Farm

The 448th recipient is Ashley Smith of The Pampered Farm in Spartanburg, SC. Ashley writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “When it comes to farming, self care is making sure that you take the time to relax once in a while so that you don't get burnt out. Farming is a wonderful experience. It's rewarding and relaxing in its own way, but it is also exhausting and takes a toll on your body. I am a very petite person so for me, self care is also knowing your limits. It's knowing when to ask for help with lifting heavy feed bags and also it means wearing the proper equipment like ear plugs when sawing down trees that have fallen on the fence after a storm. Self care is also knowing when to stop for the day and pick up on the task the next day. Self care is taking care of your body so that you have the mental and physical strength and fortitude to continue to farm, not only because you want a sustainable income, but because it's something you enjoy doing.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “In all honesty, I would likely get a full body massage or get my fingernails done for once. I am always cleaning up after animals, helping my goats birth oversized kids, lifting heavy feed bags, and digging around in the soil. Getting a manicure is usually not on my list of self care because I work so much with my hands that it seems pointless. But, it would be nice to get my nails done for once. I'd also like a nice pair of really good boots or gloves with really good insulation to keep warm while I'm out working at the farm because having the proper equipment to work safely and efficiently is also self care. Either way, any of these choices are on my list!”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "I think that the most important self care needed as a farmer is to know why you're farming. Are you doing it to survive? To help the community? Or because it brings you joy. Self care is knowing the who's, what's and why's of farming. When you know the answers to these questions you will always make the best decisions for your family, your livestock, and for your farming practices. Doing so allows you to take pride in your work as a farmer and the food that you grow for the community. Having the physical and mental fortitude to farm is so important because the products that you are growing will be nurturing your family as well as others in the community. You have to take care of yourself so that you can farm with pride. Knowing yourself and what you want to accomplish as a farmer, the who's, what's, and why’s you farm are the most important aspects of self care that I can think of.”

#realfarmercare