Reclaiming balance in farming

My body decided to quit being a diversified vegetable farmer long before my mind did. After 15 years of relentless planning, hiring, training, marketing, planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, selling, and delivering - the toll was evident.

Adding to that were the challenges of climate change, a global pandemic, social unrest, a persistent shortage of employees, and the complexities of farming with my spouse.

My body and mind eventually broke. I remember one particular day when a sudden panic overwhelmed me as I walked to the mailbox. The gravel lane seemed to disappear, and I gasped for air as things went black. It was terrifying. Insomnia, deep sadness, regret, irritability, chest pains, heart palpitations, migraines, and pervasive physical pain became my norm. I was broken and burnt out. 

You might wonder why I didn't just quit. If you're a farmer, you likely know the answer. I loved farming and the work itself. I had invested everything into this farm. When the diamond fell out of my wedding ring a few years into farming, we used the insurance money to buy a tractor. Customers and employees depended on me, and I had a new packshed to pay for. I had left a cushy corporate job for this farm. What else could I do? The farm was my identity. I was too tired and emotionally spent to consider quitting. 

One day, while making deliveries, I ran into an old customer. She asked how I was, and I smiled and said "good" because, being from the Midwest, that's what we do. She saw through me and invited me for coffee. I knew she was a life coach and suspected she wanted to pitch me her services, but I agreed anyway. It was the best decision I had made in a long time. 

Over a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin, I spilled it all. I told her how much I loved and hated farming. She listened empathetically, asked insightful questions, and created a safe space for me to consider my options. I walked away with hope and the self-empowerment to make significant changes. I also felt inspired to offer farmers the same experience I had just had. 

Before the year was over, with help from the awesome folks at FairShare, Peer to Peer Farm Coaching was born. Farm coaching is a unique program designed to address the many challenges faced by farmers. Unlike traditional consulting or therapy, farm coaching offers a personalized approach focused on well-being, problem-solving, and practical solutions tailored to each farmer's needs. 

It's not about prescribing fixes, but rather empowering farmers to uncover their own solutions, creating a sense of ownership and confidence. What makes this program truly effective is that the coaches have walked in the farmers' shoes. They genuinely understand the unique struggles and challenges farmers face. 

My journey from the vegetable fields to co-creating the Farm Coaching program and becoming a certified life coach has been deeply fulfilling and healing. This program has provided a much-needed lifeline to farmers, offering support that is both empathetic and practical. By empowering farmers, this program is helping many achieve better work-life balance, manage stress, and make informed decisions about their farming operations.

In the end, my husband I stopped being diversified vegetable farmers. It was for many reasons, not just burnout or stress. But having regular support and investing in farm coaching made the transition easier. I am confident we made the right decision. My coach helped me feel empowered to reclaim my life and wellness, and I am now committed to helping farmers navigate their challenges and find sustainable paths forward. 

~ Katie Bishop

Farm Coach

You can support the Peer to Peer Farm Coaching program, and other programs that invest in & empower farmers, at fairshare.kindful.com.