Patty Lacrete of Bed Head Plant Nursery

The 493rd recipient is Patty Lacrete of Bed Head Plant Nursery in East Point, GA. Patty writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “To me, self-care and well-being in farming mean nurturing mind, body, and spirit, because sustainable agriculture starts with the farmer. Farming isn’t done in isolation; it’s deeply tied to community, food systems, and our collective well-being. I’ve seen too many farmers push themselves to exhaustion, but I’ve come to believe that true productivity and abundance begin with caring for ourselves first.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I’d put the $100 toward my monthly self-care routine, either a deep tissue massage or a day of rest at our local Korean spa. As a recovering workaholic, I’ll admit it’s hard for me to step away from the farm, especially when I’m so committed to growing high-quality herbs for my community. But I’ve learned that my energy isn’t infinite, and sustainability starts with me.  ”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "For me, self-care begins with the fundamentals: eating well, sleeping enough, going to therapy, and maintaining my physical health. Without these basics, I can’t show up fully for my land, my community, or myself. But beyond survival, I’ve learned that thriving requires intentional pauses. Yoga and meditation have been transformative over the past five years, sharpening my focus and even deepening my connection to farming. And recently, I’ve prioritized monthly massages and scheduled mental health days to recover from seasonal labor’s physical and emotional toll. Play is just as vital as work. I’m learning to embrace activities I’m not naturally good at, like tennis or Spanish, because discomfort is where growth happens. Farming teaches patience and resilience; my self-care practice reminds me that I’m part of that ecosystem too. When I nurture myself, everything I cultivate grows stronger.”

#realfarmercare