Nick Weinstock of BOTL Farm

The 580th recipient is Nick Weinstock of BOTL Farm in Ashford, CT. Nick writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “For me, self-care and well-being on the farm ain't about fancy spas or long vacations – who's got time or money for that, right? It's about keeping myself in good enough shape, mentally and physically, to keep the farm running and not completely lose my mind in the process. Farming, especially something like what we do, is a 24/7 gig. There's always something to fix, something to feed, something to worry about, whether it's the weather, the markets, or just a busted fence. It's a grind, and it can wear you down if you don't find ways to recharge.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”I'm taking my farmer friends out for some drinks. Seriously. It might sound simple, but for us, it's gold. We're all in the same boat, dealing with the same crazy hours, the unpredictable weather, the animal quirks, and the constant hustle. Getting together, even for a couple of hours, to just shoot the breeze, complain a little, share some laughs, and maybe even swap a few tips, is incredibly important for my well-being. It's not just about the drinks; it's about the connection. Farming can be pretty isolating, and sometimes you just need to be around people who get it, who understand why you're talking about soil health or feed prices at 8 PM on a Tuesday. That shared understanding, that camaraderie, it's like therapy. It helps clear my head, reminds me I'm not alone in this, and gives me a much-needed break from the farm's demands. It's a way to decompress, build community, and just feel human again after a long stretch of hard work. That $100 would go a long way in making that happen for a few of us.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "For me, the single most important self-care need as a farmer is real, unfiltered social connection and mental decompression with folks who truly understand the farming life. We spend so much time alone, or with just our animals, out in the fields or barns. It's peaceful, sure, but it can also be incredibly isolating. The mental load of farming – the constant planning, problem-solving, and worrying about things completely out of your control – can build up fast. That's why getting off the farm, even for a few hours, and just being able to talk (or not talk) with other farmers is crucial. They're the only ones who really get the unique pressures, the triumphs, and the gut-wrenching losses that come with this job. It's a chance to vent about a broken tractor without having to explain what a PTO shaft is, or to celebrate a good harvest with people who actually appreciate the effort it took. This kind of social interaction isn't just "hanging out"; it's a vital release valve. It helps put things in perspective, reminds you that your struggles aren't unique, and offers a chance to learn from others' experiences. Without these moments of genuine connection and mental escape, the stress just piles up. It leads to burnout, poor decisions, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. Being able to step away, even briefly, and engage in something completely different, especially with a supportive community, is what truly recharges my batteries and keeps me passionate about what I do. It’s about tending to the farmer, not just the farm, so both can thrive.”

#realfarmercare