Jared McCool of Steadfast Farms

The 551st recipient is Jared McCool of Steadfast Farms in Bethlehem, CT. Jed writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “To me, self-care in farming is like sharpening the saw. If you're cutting down trees with a chainsaw and it starts to dull, you may feel pressure to keep going to meet your deadline. But the longer you avoid sharpening it, the slower and harder the work becomes. In this case, I’m the saw, and if I don’t take care of myself, the farm suffers. Steadfast Farms isn’t just a business, it’s a mission. We operate Connecticut’s only USDA poultry processing facility, raise birds from hatch to harvest, mentor producers, and support over 70 farms across the region. Thirteen employees—and hopefully 20 within the next year—depend on this farm for their livelihoods. If I’m not mentally, physically, and emotionally sharp, the impact ripples through everyone we serve. Self-care means taking time to recharge so I can continue showing up for my team, my farm, and our regional food system.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”I’d use it to carve out time to reconnect with the parts of myself that farming often leaves little room for, mainly fishing, reading, and spending time with my brothers. Even just a quiet morning on the water or an evening swapping stories helps me reset mentally and physically. Running Steadfast Farms takes everything I have most days, physically managing the farm, processing, and mentoring others while navigating regulatory pressures and long hours. It’s hard to step away, even briefly, without guilt. But when I do, I come back clearer, more focused, and better equipped to lead. This award would help me plan a weekend away with my brothers, buy gear I’ve put off, or simply create space to slow down and breathe. That small reset makes a big difference in how I show up for my team, my farm, and the people we serve.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care need for me as a farmer is time to rest without guilt, and tools that help me disconnect and reset. Farming, especially at the scale we operate, Steadfast Farms, isn’t just a job. It’s physical, emotional, and mental. I’m leading a team, handling regulatory compliance, raising birds, mentoring other farmers, and showing up as a business owner in a complex food system. Rest for me doesn’t mean inactivity; it means doing something that helps me reconnect to myself. Fishing is meditative. Time with my brothers recharges me. Reading lets my mind slow down and think creatively. These moments of intentional pause are how I stay grounded. Without space for recovery, fatigue builds up. That’s when good decisions get harder, leadership becomes reactive, and the mission starts to suffer. For me to lead well, I need the space to come back rested, clear-headed, and ready to serve.”

#realfarmercare