Stacey Carlson of Ponderosa Poultry Farm

The 421st recipient is Stacey Carlson of Ponderosa Poultry Farm in Belvidere, IL. Stacey writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Times are tough for everyone, and farmers, whether large or on a small scale like myself, are definitely no exception. Anything that affords a farmer relaxation and a sense of ease which will definitely be vastly different from farmer to farmer. In my mind, taking time for oneself to relax preferably with family and close friends around the dinner table or bonfire.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “But honestly, an actual haircut and manicure would be heaven sent.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "As a woman who does the poultry farming and large scale vegetable gardening (or small scale vegetable farming) primarily solo, it’s often lost that I am quite feminine. My husband is a truck driver who works a great deal just to pay our household bills often keeping the farm expenses afloat as well. To that end, vain things like haircuts and nails are left along the wayside.”

#realfarmercare