Samantha Martin of Bad Dog Farms

The 469th recipient is Samantha Martin of Bad Dog Farms in Franklinton, LA. Samantha writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being, to me, mean making sure I exist outside of the farm. This work asks a lot—early mornings, long hot days, constant physical effort. It’s easy to let it consume every part of me. But I’ve learned that if I don’t take time to care for myself, the farm suffers too.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use the $100 award to invest in something that helps me rest and recharge away from the farm—maybe a yoga class pass, a massage, or even a short day trip with friends.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care need for me as a farmer is rest—real, intentional rest. Farming demands so much physically and mentally, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of always pushing through. But without rest, everything suffers: my body, my decision-making, my creativity, and even the quality of what I grow.”

#realfarmercare