Freedom Gerardo of SEAmarron Farmstead

The 545th recipient is Freedom Gerardo of SEAmarron Farmstead in Danbury, CT. Freedom writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “To me, self-care and well-being in farming and ranching mean sustaining the health—physical, mental, and emotional—of both the land and the people who steward it. It’s recognizing that a farm’s resilience depends on the resilience of its farmers. Physically, it’s pacing labor to avoid burnout, using ergonomic tools, and prioritizing rest, because exhausted bodies make mistakes, and farming demands sharp attention. Mentally, it’s setting boundaries (e.g., not checking irrigation at midnight), celebrating small wins, and accepting that weather, pests, and markets are beyond perfect control. Emotionally, it’s staying connected to why we farm—whether that’s through quiet moments in the field, community support, or creative problem-solving rather than self-blame.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”With the $250 award, I’d invest in restorative care to sustain my ability to work the land—prioritizing yoga to ease the physical strain of farming, a chiropractor to realign my body after long days of labor, and a massage to release the tension that builds from both manual work and the mental weight of managing a farm. These small acts of maintenance aren’t indulgences; they’re essential tools to keep my body and mind resilient, so I can continue tending the soil and growing food with clarity and strength.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most pressing self-care need for me as a farmer is addressing my chronic back pain—the physical toll of daily labor that, if left unmanaged, threatens both my productivity and my long-term ability to work the land. Relief would come through targeted care: chiropractic adjustments to correct misalignments from heavy lifting, therapeutic massage to release knotted muscles, and guided yoga to build core strength and flexibility. Investing in this care isn’t just about comfort; it’s about sustaining my body as the foundation of my farm’s future. When my back is supported, I can operate equipment safely, tend crops without distraction, and model resilience for other farmers who often neglect their well-being in the grind of harvests and seasons.”

#realfarmercare