The 319th recipient is Jasmine Lee of Locs and Heritage Farm @locsandheritagefarm in Conyers, GA. Jasmine writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “As a disabled farmer, to me self care means taking the time to rest. I started my farm operation this year but got started farming in 2023 with a farmers apprenticeship. I previously grew up gardening with my family. This was the first year that I started and ran a small organic vegetable farm all on my own. I was also working at another farm at the same time. There were weeks I worked 5-6 days. I was so gung ho about following my crop plan and adapting to the environment, as well as working my job, that I burnt myself out. My body forced me to slow down when I had a flare up in August that resulted in two surgeries. I'm still in recovery but I'm doing a lot better now. I've learned that factoring self-care is so important as a farmer. If you're not well you can't work, and in my case, I'm working alone. I don't have people to help me yet. So I need to take my well-being as seriously as I take my business. I've come to realize that my well-being is my business. As such I've decided to make a lifestyle change to accommodate rest and my farming dreams. I'll be working part time from home and put my physical energy and skills into my own farm. I've also planned it where I will have set days off every week to recuperate. I'm hoping to plan a short vacation as well.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I'd use it to help fund a fun day trip with my partner to either Atlanta or Mcdonough, Georgia. There's a few restaurants that I've wanted to try for a while now. Or my other option would be to help fund a weekend stay in a tiny house airbnb in the woods. I've been camping before but not glamping and I think it would be very relaxing.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “Some of the most important self care needs for me would be quality farm gear. I think one of the best things you can do is protect your body as much as you can while working. For me this includes things like button downs, cotton t shirts, thick hiking pants, long socks, quality hiking boots, water bottles, and a wide sun-hat. I think the second most important self-care need for me is things for the bath, like Epsom salt for sore muscles, bubble bath, body scrub, incense, etc. I'm a farmer, yes, but a woman as well. Just because I work outside doesn't mean I don't want to pamper myself every now and then.”
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