Bryan Zesiger of Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery

The 555th recipient is Bryan Zesiger of Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery in Lawrence, KS. Bryan writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “To me, self-care and well-being in the context of farming means giving ourselves permission to step back and enjoy the actual fruits of our labor. It’s about celebrating who we are beyond the daily grind—reconnecting with why we chose this life in the first place. After the military sitting under the Kansas sky with a book that has nothing to do with farming, or taking time each day to just breathe and be still would fuel us. It’s also about getting off our own land now and then to appreciate what others in our community are doing—sharing a meal, a glass of wine, or a conversation that fills our cup. Gina and I should make time to visit other farms not just to support them, but to remind ourselves of the joy and diversity in this life. Self-care means we’re not “on” 24/7—we’re whole people, not just farmers.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”We must enjoy the life we’ve worked so hard to build—not just tending to the land, but tending to ourselves. With $250, I’d invest in a balance of small but meaningful experiences: $200 could go toward two comfortable outdoor chairs to sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of a Kansas sunset after a long day. The remaining $50 could fund a simple farm date—maybe a Sunday lunch after church at another local agri-tourism business. Visiting other farms reminds us of the joy and diversity in agriculture, and it helps us stay connected to our community. These little moments away from the daily demands of our vineyard help us recharge, reconnect, and remember why we love this life. Self-care doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be intentional. The chairs would be a visual reminder to sit back and relax. ” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "As farmers, we pour so much of ourselves into the land, our business, and the people who rely on us. In the rush to meet deadlines, manage employees, navigate unpredictable weather, and make ends meet, it’s easy to lose sight of our own well-being and be stressed. Self-care and mental health are not luxuries—they’re essential…we just forget to take time. Taking time to simply walk the vines together or cast a line in our pond reminds us why we started this life in the first place. It gives us space to reconnect—not just with the land, but with each other. The most important thing we can do is take care of our relationship and ourselves. We can’t pour from an empty cup, and in this lifestyle, it’s too easy to run dry. Intentional moments of rest help us reset, recharge, and continue farming with heart, purpose, and resilience.”

#realfarmercare