Mark Waltermire of Thistle Whistle Farm

The 407th recipient is Mark Waltermire of Thistle Whistle Farm in Hotchkiss, CO. Mark writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “For Mark, I see him practicing self-care when he cooks nourishing meals (often inspired to do so for others around him) and is sleeping enough! And also when he shares about his feelings. It's always crucial for him to make time to get off the farm, even just for a moment, for some breathing space and to zoom out of the farm world. Well-being is when he takes Spud, our farm puppy, to go visit his family friends at a neighboring orchard dinner.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I think this $100 would help Mark justify the long-desired purchase of a gym membership for winter months for running and staying limber when there's less to do on the farm. He used to find joy in distance running, and I know he would love to get back into that if he had space for it. Or, it could be used to purchase a National Parks pass for him to go camping with his kids. Spending time with them is one of the most important self-care components for him!”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "I know that Mark also finds moments of reprieve when going on hikes or walks. I think for him, leaving the farm (that he has lived on and stewarded for 25+ years) and taking a break can be vulnerable and scary. He has to be able to trust those who are onsite covering while he's away. In a larger, macro sense of this question, having funds to hire more staff (we were the only two full time people this past season) would be an important self-care component for us and allow us both to take more breaks. But on the smaller scale, absolutely having the ability/encouragement to go on a hike, camp, or visit the river is a vitally important need for self-care. And giving ourselves permission and the trust to do so. I believe this self-care funding would help Mark justify leaving the farm for much-needed breaks.”

#realfarmercare