Carah Ronan of Rodi Farm

The 546th recipient is Carah Ronan of Rodi Farm in Laurel, MT. Carah writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care is something often overlooked as a farmer. Generally to be successful as a farmer, it's because you put everything before yourself. Self-care is taking the time to put yourself first so that you can more adequately show up for and on your farm. Easier said than done, at least for me anyways. Generally the expenses that come with self care are the limiting factor in doing them. For my own well being I know this is something I have to get back to, to take care of my physical and mental health. So I can show up for myself and my farm.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”I would love to work with a therapist and receive bodywork. With the weight of everything we are up against in 2025, I am more stresses, tense and overwhelmed than I have ever been at the start of any other season, and the "real" farm season hasn't even started yet! I'd love this award to take care of the small things before they become too big to handle.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Therapy and body work. For myself personally I've struggled with more mental health this year than I probably would like to admit. I now I need to address these stressors for myself as well as my family. I know things are out of my control with the uncertainty and cuts in contracts, but they are adding a whole layer of stress that I know, for myself, need addressed.”

#realfarmercare