Kimberly Smith of Smithfield Farms

The 588th recipient is Kimberly Smith of Smithfield Farms in Rosedale, VA. Kimberly writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “To me, self-care and well-being in farming mean creating space to be a whole person, not just a producer. In a generational farm setting, the work carries deep layers of history, responsibility, and unspoken expectations. There is constant pressure to honor the legacy of previous generations, make the right decisions for the land, protect the future for the next generation, and never appear to be struggling. That weight can make it easy to ignore our own needs, silence our emotions, and push past exhaustion until the body or mind forces a pause.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”With $100, I would plan a mid-week overnight stay at a nearby state park. Being surrounded by nature—without the constant pressure to work in it—creates a rare opportunity to breathe, reset, and reconnect with myself and my husband. Life on a generational farm offers very little quiet or separation from responsibility; even our most beautiful spaces are tied to tasks, decisions, and worry. Stepping away, even briefly, allows us to experience nature as a place of rest rather than labor. A simple night in a cabin or lodge gives us uninterrupted time to talk, decompress, and remember who we are outside the daily demands of the farm. This kind of intentional pause helps protect our mental health, strengthen our relationship, and return home feeling grounded, restored, and better able to meet the challenges of agricultural life.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "What would contribute most to my well-being is having intentional time that allows my mind and body to fully unwind. Farming creates a constant mental load—plans, contingencies, weather, livestock needs, and generational expectations—that rarely turns off. The chance to step away from that rhythm, even briefly, gives me space to breathe, reset, and feel present again. Quiet time in nature, away from the pressure of the operation, helps me return with more clarity, patience, and emotional steadiness. That ability to genuinely rest is what most supports my well-being and allows me to show up healthier in all areas of my life.”

#realfarmercare