Ag Community's Heartfelt Discussions Around 'Land Rich, Cash Poor'
- farmerangelnetwork
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Prairie du Sac, WI - The Farmer Angel Network recently hosted a series of community discussions centered around the book "Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold Story of the Disappearing American Farmer" by award-winning local author Brian Reisinger. This book explores the challenges faced by family farms and offers suggestions of hope for the future.
The discussions were held in collaboration with Sauk Prairie Healthcare and were made possible by a generous grant from The Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin, which provided free copies of the book to the first 20 registrants.
Brian Reisinger, a journalist with roots in Spring Green, Wisconsin, uses his book to highlight the economic and emotional struggles of American farmers over the decades. His work serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the farming community and offers insights on how to save the family farm.
Reisinger is actively promoting the Farmer Angel Network through his book bringing attention to the critical work of the Network, which builds strong rural communities that support agriculture through education, resources, and fellowship, with a focus on mental wellness and suicide prevention. He explains how the challenges facing farm families impact mental health and offers the Farmer Angel Network as a resource in his book.
The Farmer Angel Network organized a book club series featuring Reisinger and his parents, Jim and Jean Reisinger, who are family farmers in Sauk County. The series included three sessions:
March 24: The Challenges - Focused on the challenges of family farming.
March 31: The Future - Discussed the future of family farming.
April 7: Author Brian Reisinger Q&A - An interactive session with the author and his parents.
There were 58 participants joining virtually or in person at Sauk Prairie Healthcare who shared their experiences and insights, making the discussions engaging and worthwhile. Brian Reisinger's comments reflected his effort to incorporate a variety of perspectives in his commentary. Attendees appreciated the open and honest conversations, the diversity of the group, and the discussion facilitation.
A summary of the discussion topics are included here with full list of questions made available so others can replicate the series.
March 24: The Challenges
The emotional and economic struggles of family farming, including the personal significance of the land and the burdens it carries.
Traditions and burdens that need to be addressed to move forward.
The impact of being a small player in a larger agricultural world.
The effects of commodity markets and government programs on family farms.
Resources and resilience that families draw on to keep farming traditions alive or to transition away from farming.
March 31: The Future
Imagining healthy farms, thriving farmers, and sustainable food production.
Hopes for the next generation on the land and the transition process.
Diversifying farm enterprises and weathering economic fluctuations.
The importance of neighborliness and community support.
Long-term visions for the land and farming practices.
April 7: Author Brian Reisinger Q&A
Insights into the author's journey, the impact of the book, and plans for future generations.
Reflections on the healing process and the most significant outcomes from sharing their story.
Words of wisdom for the farming community.
Resources offered during the discussions by FAN and participants included:
Land Rich, Cash Poor discussion questions by Joe Meinholz
Wisconsin Extension's Cultivating Your Farm’s Future
Wisconsin Extension's Resilient Farms & Families Programs
Wisconsin's Farmer Wellness Program - Helpline at (888) 901-2558
Pulling Together: A Handbook for Community Change by Tom Mosgaller and Mike Breininger
For more information, visit Brian Reisinger's website at www.brian-reisinger.com, leave a review of the book on Amazon, or follow him on X/Twitter at @BrianJReisinger.
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