REAL FARMER CARE - Care is love in action. Support self-care programs for farmers.

The 589th recipient is Joy Youwakim of Saboon Maazeh in Chester, NY. Joy writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I farm because it helps me breathe and feel grounded and connected to our life force— feeding my community and staying tied to the rhythms of our Earth. This work is all encompassing with my life and as such fills my cup; it is work that I love and I do not know who I would be without it. I have dedicated the past ten years of my life to grow

The 588th recipient is Kimberly Smith of Smithfield Farms in Rosedale, VA. Kimberly writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “To me, self-care and well-being in farming mean creating space to be a whole person, not just a producer. In a generational farm setting, the work carries deep layers of history, responsibility, and unspoken expectations. There is constant pressure to honor the legacy of previous generations, make the right decisions for the land,

The 587th recipient is Jocelyn Chung of Colden Springs Farm, Walden, NY. Jocelyn writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care is taking time to slow down, "treat yourself", and take a break from the normal routine of life that can sometimes wear us down. It's a way to recharge and regain motivation to continue doing the things we love in a sustainable fashion. For me in particular, this is getting time away from the farm that can be mentally and ph

The 586th recipient is Rodger Phillips of Sub Edge Farm in Farmington, CT. Rodger writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I have been reflecting on the need for self care on my farm when I realized that no matter how hard I work, everything will never get totally done. Never. It is a never ending hole of work to be done so sometimes it is necessary to step back, realize that and think about personal and family well being.” How I might use this $100 self

The 585th recipient is Brenda Gonzalez of Finca Seremos in Callicoon Center, NY. Brenda writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “We are all deeply connected with the earth we steward, and as a farmer I seek to care for my body the same way I care for the earth and my plants. My body is my livelihood and my most important tool, so whether it's quality food, staying on top of medical appointments, yoga, quality work shoes and clothes, all of it contributes

The 584th recipient is Jane Hayes-Hodge of Rise & Root Farm in Chester, NY. Jane writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Of all the diverse challenges farming brings, self care is the hardest and most important. It's a field where sometimes the amount of time and effort you put in can really make an impact on how much you get out of the farm. We spend so much time paying attention to weather, and trying to get things done before or after the next rainfa

The 583rd recipient is Achan Akuei of Rock Steady Farm in Millerton, NY. Achan writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “My appreciation for nature runs deep. As an experienced urban farmer, I’m eager to pursue my passion for land stewardship.  I am seeking care and security as I transition into my position as a farmhand at Rock Steady Farm. It’s hard to pour myself into my work when my cup is running so low. Any financial support will significantly help

The 582nd recipient is Pine Giroux of Huunikporoporo in Black River Falls, WI. Pine writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Uncompromised scheduled appointments of time dedicated to physical and mental upkeep of our bodies consecutively for stress management and well being. For myself and my underlying health conditions, self care maintenance is pivotal to run our small indigenous woman owned family farm. If I'm not at peak performance operations could

The 581st recipient is Sarah Chien of Dirt Dance Farm in Kingston, NY. Sarah writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I believe that sustainability and food justice must extend not just to how we treat the earth but also how we treat ourselves and each other. Farming, especially solo, small-business organic veg farming, is a herculean task. It is hard to ask for help and hard to remember to care for oneself when faced with the never ending to-do list of

The 580th recipient is Nick Weinstock of BOTL Farm in Ashford, CT. Nick writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “For me, self-care and well-being on the farm ain't about fancy spas or long vacations – who's got time or money for that, right? It's about keeping myself in good enough shape, mentally and physically, to keep the farm running and not completely lose my mind in the process. Farming, especially something like what we do, is a 24/7 gig. There's

The 579th recipient is Michaela Hayes-Hodge of Rise & Root Farm in Chester, NY. Michaela writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care means taking care of my body and spirit so that I can keep doing the work supporting my farm partners, staff and community. It means being present to my whole self - not disconnecting from my body and what hurts - and honoring my own well being as much as I honor the soil and the plants and the animals around me. I w

The 578th recipient is Caroline Hatano of Choy Division in Chester, NY. Caroline writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Being able to take care of our bodies and minds (and farm communities) in a way that ensures we'll be able to keep farming for as long as we'd like to.” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”I'd use the $100 award to throw a dinner party for my farm crew. Our manager (the owner of the farm) Christina Chan broke her ankle a few w

The 577th recipient is Shiny Flanary of Scrapberry Farm in Portland, OR. Shiny writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I am a permanently disabled farmer - I work my body and my mind more than is sustainable, and yet that is the work. If I don't learn to take care of myself I won't be able to take care of other people via the farm.” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”Therapy and/or body care.”  Most important self-care needs that contribute to

The 576th recipient is Matt Coghill of Canewater Farm in Victor, ID. Matt writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being to me in the context of farming looks like finding ways that allow us to drop our shoulders and recognize the importance of taking care of ourselves to be able to take care of our land and support our community. For me, this sort of well being looks like slowing down and enjoying the morning with the recognition that

The 575th recipient is Delroy Dennisur of Dennisur Farms in Powder Springs, GA. Delroy writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me...

The 574th recipient is Monti Lawson of The Catalyst Collaborative Farm in Millerton, NY. Monti writes: What self-care and well-being mean...

The 573rd recipient is Sienna Viette of Open fArms Retreat in Cumberland, RI. Sienna writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as...

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:...

The 571st recipient is Elle Rahman of Astral Farms in North Plains, OR. Elle writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a...

The 570th recipient is Kaitlyn Kimball of Sunset Farm in Naugatuck, CT. Kaitlyn writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a...