Rachel Smedberg of Tulip Tree Gardens

The 544th recipient is Rachel Smedberg of Tulip Tree Gardens in Beecher, IL. Rachel writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Farming and ranching for us is the ultimate form of self care. Through relying on the land, we're forced to come to terms with the things in life we can't control. It teaches humility in its most visceral sense, forces a family to truly work together and offers an opportunity to connect with people by growing the food they eat. It's a pretty noble thing that inherently "should" produce self-care. The reality however, is that we're still full of the same and sometimes unique troubles of being human. Most of the time, it's a moments rest that's needed most. Our approach to self care ensures that while we can't always be ‘well rested’ we can most always take a ‘meaningful rest’.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”We're constantly sore from work. Our backs, arms and knees always seem to be working with an ache. For 6 months we've been saving for our own electric sauna. I've built & purchased everything except for the wood paneling in the room. This $250 dollars would allow us to panel our new sauna and hook up the heater (which we already purchased). It would be an incredible way to ensure continued rest, leveraged value to the dollar and improve our personal farming lives considerably.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "I would say the connection to family and maintaining stable connections based on unbreakable trust. There's so much that the individual relies on others for on a farm. Quite simply the mission falls apart when there isn't a strong and unwavering connection with one’s spouse/partner. I'd say the most important self care needs are ensure that you are properly rested. Be willing to welcome change as it's inevitable and it's better to welcome it than fight it.”

#realfarmercare