James Klett of Fairgrown Farm

The 564th recipient is James Klett of Fairgrown Farm in Hopewell, NJ. James writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being, in the context of farming, mean making space to treat myself like a human — not just a producer. Farming is physically and emotionally demanding work, and it's easy to internalize the idea that exhaustion, isolation, and burnout are just part of the job. But I've learned that taking care of my own body and mind isn’t selfish — it’s necessary for the farm to thrive. For me, self-care looks like stepping away from the farm without guilt to spend time with people I love. It means checking in on my mental health, getting enough sleep, nourishing my body, and doing something restorative just for myself. Some days, that might be a walk in the woods, a yoga class to stretch out a tight back, or finally replacing the boots that have worn down my feet.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”I’d use the $250 award to take better care of my body — specifically to invest in deep tissue massage and new insoles or boots. Farming takes a physical toll, and after scaling our operation rapidly last season, I’ve felt it in every joint and muscle. I push through because the work matters, but the wear adds up. Regular massage would help relieve the tension I carry from long days on my feet, heavy lifting, and stress. It’s something I rarely prioritize for myself, but it makes a big difference in how I move and recover.  I’d also use a portion of the funds for time off the farm — maybe a dinner or day out with the people I care about. Stepping away, even briefly, helps reset my perspective and reminds me who I’m doing all this for.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care need for me right now is physical recovery and mental reset. Farming demands so much — early mornings, long hours, constant problem-solving — and it doesn’t stop when I’m tired. Over time, that kind of grind wears down not just your body, but your clarity and confidence too. Physically, I need help undoing the tension and fatigue that build up from the job. A regular massage or even something as simple as better insoles or recovery tools would go a long way in helping me stay strong and avoid burnout or injury.”

#realfarmercare