Tanama Varas of Dawnland Farm

The 572nd recipient is Tanama Varas of Dawnland Farm in Barre, VT. Tanama writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care in farming means acknowledging that while we nurture the land, we must also nurture ourselves. As farmers of color establishing an agro-ecological operation, we understand that our bodies are our primary tools, and sustainable agriculture requires sustainable farmers. For us, self-care encompasses creating boundaries between work and rest, embedding cultural practices and ceremony into our farm rhythms, and recognizing when to seek community support rather than pushing through exhaustion. It means approaching our physical wellbeing with the same intentionality we bring to soil health—preventative rather than reactive care. In a profession where burnout is normalized and resilience often translates to self-sacrifice, we believe true resilience comes from building systems that honor our humanity, celebrating small victories, and creating space for joy alongside the inevitable challenges of agricultural life.”

How I might use this $250 self-care award: ”We would dedicate the $250 award entirely to physical restoration practices that counterbalance farming's intense bodily demands. This would fund a combination of professional bodywork sessions ($150)—alternating between deep tissue massage and acupuncture treatments that target the specific muscle groups taxed by repetitive harvesting, planting, and lifting. The remaining funds ($100) would support weekly visits to nearby swimming holes or saunas during peak season, providing therapeutic immersion that eases inflammation and creates mental space away from the farm. As farmers who use our bodies as primary tools, these intentional recovery practices aren't luxuries but necessities that prevent injuries, extend our farming longevity, and honor the reality that sustainable agriculture requires physically sustainable farmers. These restorative practices allow us to approach each day's work with renewed capacity and presence.” 

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Our most critical self-care need is establishing clear boundaries between constant farm demands and our personal restoration time. As beginning farmers with substantial debt and limited infrastructure, the temptation to work endless hours is overwhelming—yet we recognize this path leads to burnout and diminished decision-making. We need structured systems that protect our physical wellbeing through proper ergonomics and tool investments that reduce bodily strain. Equally important is preserving mental health through community connection—creating forums where farmers can vulnerably discuss challenges without judgment. As farmers of color in a predominantly white agricultural landscape, we specifically need spaces to process the unique stressors of our experience while celebrating our cultural relationships to land and food. Ultimately, we need permission to view rest not as luxury but as essential infrastructure for sustainable farming.”

#realfarmercare