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

The 599th recipient is Ellie Brown of Thistle Pass Farm in Millerton, NY. Ellie writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care in the context of farming means having time to rest. During peak season, harvest can feel endless as you're watching the cucurbits size up in front of you and the tomato plants become wilder. Allowing yourself to be away from the farm and resting is self-care.” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”I might use the $100

The 598th recipient is Kelly Holzworth of Pitney Meadows Community Farm in Saratoga Springs, NY. Kelly writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being means finding time to intentionally slow down, reset, and rest. It means taking care of my mental and physical needs off the farm so I can show up at the farm fully present and engaged. As a mom, wife, and farmer, I understand the realities of burnout, stress, and work-life balance. Self-

The 597th recipient is Matthew Went of River Ridge Farm in Portland, CT. Matthew writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Some time to get away from farm, usually in the form of eating out so we also don’t have to cook that night. But something to just get away.” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”Probably to pay the babysitter so we can get off farm.”  Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Something low e

The 596th recipient is Maartje van Velden of Fields of Happiness in Swannanoa, NC. Maartje writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “For us, farming isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life deeply connected to our land, our community, and each other. We grow tulip bulbs for our local market and bake bread to nourish our neighbors. Especially after Hurricane Helene, which devastated our area and closed our only supermarket, the responsibility to feed and supp

The 595th recipient is Katharine Toker of Rock Royal Farm in Walton, NY. Katharine writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Without self care and wellbeing, farming is not sustainable. As a farmer this support is so important. We need to take care of our bodies and mind. As a farmer I suffer from back and other body pains from hard labor and suffer from stress and anxiety related to the hard job of farming.” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”Ta

The 594th recipient is Rhyden Dowd of Brooklyn Grange Farm in Brooklyn, NY. Rhyden writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Prioritizing my body and health over the product. Being able to take the time to equip myself with the tools necessary to protect and support my body in terms of movement and environment.” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”Having a pair of boot with solid soles, sunscreen protection and UV long sleeves.”  Most important se

The 593rd recipient is Carie Starr of Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch in Thornville, OH. Carie writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Farming is hard on the body. It’s our most valuable tool. Finding ways to nurture the body and stay fit is crucial for that tool. I walk at least two miles nearly every day, do yoga and resistance training so that I am strong and able to do the vigorous work needed. I’m also getting older so strength training is important fo

The 592nd recipient is Omar I. Colón Muriel of Proyecto Vereda in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Omar writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Being able to rest well and eat well. Not having anxiety from outside pressures, being able to farm in peace.” How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”Full body deep tissue massage.”  Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "A house by the farm that I can call my own. Reliable ser

The 591st recipient is Billy Fortini of The Sawtooth Ranch in Joyce, WA. Billy writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “We are going so often putting the needs and care of our animals before our own needs that it’s hard to find time or justify spending money on what feel like indulgences, when in reality we should be well rested and cared for ourselves to provide the meaningful care we want our operation to receive.” How I might use this $100 self-care a

The 590th recipient is Nailah Garard of Succotash Gardens in Dix Hills, NY. Nailah writes: What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being in the context of farming means doing my best to manage my time, move efficiently and intentionally, nourish and hydrate my body, and find rest with breaks during a workday. I have struggled to take care of these basic needs while I am in the process of building a nascent community food forest with a predomi

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