FARMER CARE PROGRAMS

Support for farmers' bodies, minds, and spirits — because sustainable agriculture starts with the people who grow our food.

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Real Farmer Care offers a growing suite of programs designed to meet farmers where they are. From direct self-care grants to mental health access and restorative retreats, every program is built around one belief: when farmers are cared for, everything they steward — the land, their families, their communities — is stronger for it.

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SELF-CARE AWARD 

Since 2020, Real Farmer Care's flagship program has awarded $100 self-care grants directly to farmers and ranchers — no strings attached. Over 639 farmers across 45 states have received an award, each choosing exactly what care looks like for them: a massage, a therapy session, a gym membership, a night away from the farm.

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Eligibility:
You are eligible to apply if you—

• Farm or ranch in the contiguous United States or any U.S. territory

• Have an annual farming income of $1,000 or more

• Have not previously received a Real Farmer Care award

 

How It Works:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed in the order received. Awards are distributed in seasonal rounds when funds are available. Late applications are held for future rounds. Grants are delivered either as Visa/Mastercard e-gift cards or ACH direct deposits.

 

Status Notice:
Applications for 2026 will open soon — add your email below to be notified.​

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SELF-CARE SUPPORT SURVEY

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Share Your Experience:

Farmer voices shape everything we do. If you have 10 minutes, please fill out our anonymous Self-Care Support Survey — your responses directly inform how we develop and expand our programs. We read every one.

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WHAT'S COMING

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Tending the Farmer Retreat
This Fall, we will bring a small group of farmers together for a multi-day restorative retreat. Peer connection, healing practices, and guided reflection in a space built entirely around the farmer. Attendance is fully subsidized — lodging, meals, and travel included.
Late October 2026 

 

Body Care & Fitness Support

Physical labor takes a toll. We are developing subsidized access to ongoing body care treatments — massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care — and fitness support designed specifically for the demands of farm work.

In development 

 

Online Therapy Access

We are piloting a program to connect 50–100 farmers with free online talk therapy for up to 12 months. For farmers in rural and isolated regions, access to mental health support is often limited by distance and cost. This program removes both barriers.

Coming 2027

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Every program we offer — and every farmer we reach — depends on donor support. A $200 gift funds one self-care award. A larger gift helps us build the infrastructure to reach hundreds more.

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