The 291st recipient is Samantha Otto of The Woven Trifecta @the.woven.trifecta in Whitehall, MI: Samantha writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being while farming means staying attuned to my physical, mental, and emotional health, finding joy and purpose in my work, and fostering a life that supports both myself and the land I steward. It's about maintaining balance amid the challenges and rewards of farm life.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use this award to purchase a one-month unlimited yoga pass at my local studio. Yoga has been a transformative practice for me in the past, helping to regulate my nervous system and maintain balance during busy times. I used to attend multiple classes a week, but as I transitioned to owning and managing my farm, both time and financial constraints made it difficult to continue.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “The most important self-care needs for a farmer or rancher often revolve around addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being to sustain the demanding nature of agricultural work. For me, one of the most critical needs is intentional restoration and stabilizing my nervous system— carving out time to pause, recharge, and maintain balance amidst the intensity of farming life. This includes practices like yoga, meditation, or nature walks, which help reset my nervous system and alleviate the physical and mental strain of daily tasks. Another vital self-care need is community connection. Farming can be isolating, so maintaining a strong network of peers, family, and friends provides a crucial support system. Sharing experiences, leaning on others for advice, and taking time to enjoy social moments help mitigate feelings of burnout and foster a sense of belonging. Lastly, prioritizing physical care is essential—getting enough sleep, eating nourishing food, and maintaining flexibility with a manageable workload. These foundational aspects of self-care ensure that I can show up for my farm, my community, and myself in a sustainable way. Self-care in farming isn’t just about taking breaks — it’s about creating rhythms and routines that support well-being and recognizing that tending to oneself is as important as tending to the land.”
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