Stephen Ciancioso of Buena Vista Gardens

The 499th recipient is Stephen Ciancioso of Buena Vista Gardens in Kilauea, HI. Stephen writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Our bodies work so hard in order to do what we do. Giving back to our bodies in the form of bodywork, rest, days off, taking care, is so important in order for us to keep farming, providing for others, and tending to the land.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “Bodywork/massage would probably be the most rewarding way to use this award.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Taking days off. When I first began running my own farm, I took zero days off. The days were long, and I was really pushing the limits. Now I have at least one day off a week and I’m striving to take two days off a week in the future.”

#realfarmercare