Romondo Woods II of Urban Youth Agriculture

The 349th recipient is Romondo Woods II of Urban Youth Agriculture @u.y.a.detroit in Detroit, MI. Romondo writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Farming and ranching takes such a strain on the mind, spirit and body. It takes farmers so much energy to keep up with managing various tasks that it's hard for us to replenish ourselves mentally, physically or emotionally. Self-care for me is attempting to balance the energy exerted on the farm tasks and managing the earth and utilize it for myself in whichever areas are most in need of support.” 

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use the award to do some form of physical self-care, like massage or a manicure/pedicure. During the winter months, as the farm production slows down, it leaves a small window for farmers and ranchers to tend to their bodies and decompress from the stresses of the growing season.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “The most important self-care needs that farmers and ranchers are faced with is maintaining their mental health. It's very stressful attempting to keep up with the earth's constant evolving and it takes a strain on the mind if you’re not able to keep up as much as you'd like to. And making sure your mind is prepared for the type of endurance and perseverance that farming requires.” 

#realfarmercare