Gale Livingstone of Deep Roots Farm

The 543rd recipient is Gale Livingstone of Deep Roots Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD. Gale writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Being a female farmer means there is always soil in my nails, my hair is always a month or two behind getting done, and every piece of clothing has a stain or two. For me, self-care is being able to take a day and pamper myself - take a bath, get my hair and nails done, and eat a meal prepared by a friend in an outfit that definitely does not have soil in it. It's taking care of the body that takes care of my farm and letting myself enjoy the small things that woman (and willing men) get to find solace in. And yes, the nails get dirty quickly, but it is worth it.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”I would get a manicure, take a long bath, and it would cover part of getting my hair braided.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Right now, security in funding, promises being filled, a stable government. I have never had to question the NRCS before, and these past 3/4 months have sown seeds of doubt in my mind with these agencies. It makes a farmer wonder where they can turn to in the future when they just need that last bit of help. Everything I have I worked for, learned in the fields, and built with my own hands. Yes, taking care of my body is helpful, but the anxiety of this moment doesn't have a simple solution, and I think every farmer is feeling it in one way or another.”