Maris Linder of North Tabor Farm

The 423rd recipient is Maris Linder of North Tabor Farm in Chilmark, MA. Maris writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Farming tasks require my body to lift, bend, hold, and move in ways that are challenging and uncomfortable at times. To me, self care and well-being means tending to my physical and mental health, so that I can continue to tend to the farm in a healthful and sustainable way. I believe that an important factor in proving for a farm to be sustainable is within its workers well-being. Are the farmers treated and taken care of in a way that makes this job sustainable for them? Diversified and low-till agriculture is extremely taxing on the body. There is a lot of burn out in this field. People say, ‘I’m not sure how long my body can continue to do this work.’ Farmers need the resources and support to be able to take care of themselves both physically and mentally.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would get a massage for myself. I have never gotten a massage before but I would imagine that it feels good! This would be a nice reset for my body in order to prepare for another busy farm season.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care needs as a farmer are to be able to relax and eat well. As a farmer, we are surrounded by good food! I believe it is important for a farm to provide access to that food to their workers. At North Tabor Farm, we eat all the fresh fruits and veggies all season long. Farmers are constantly in motion and exerting themselves in the fields. Moments of rest and self-care are crucial to feel rejuvenated and ready for the next project.”

#realfarmercare