In Memory of a Farmer, Reichling Family Launches Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of Farmer Angel Network

Mineral Point, Wis. — May 22, 2026 — Myles Reichling was, by any account, one of a kind. He was the life of every gathering — the guy with the big, contagious smile who always knew how to make people laugh. He grew up working alongside his dad, uncles, and grandpa on Reichling Farms, a beef and grain operation outside of Mineral Point. Farming wasn't just his career. It was his life. He was 24 years old when he died by suicide on February 4, 2018.

His younger sister McKenna hasn't stopped thinking about what could have been different — and what still can be.

Today, McKenna Reichling is launching the Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of Farmer Angel Network (FAN), bringing peer support, mental health education, and community connection to farmers and farm families across Lafayette and Grant counties — founded in Myles's memory, so no other family has to face the same loss.

"Farmers are used to carrying a lot on their own," said McKenna Reichling, chapter founder. "We want folks in our area to know there's a place to turn — people who understand — and support that fits rural life."

The need is real. Farmers die by suicide at rates 3.5 times higher than the general population, driven by financial stress, market volatility, weather uncertainty, long hours, rural isolation, and deep cultural stigma around asking for help.

Christy Updike, board member of the original Farmer Angel Network based in Sauk County, knows that reality well. "Growing our network is bittersweet," Updike said. "The fact that we need more chapters tells us the challenges facing family farms are only getting harder. But we are so proud to support the Reichling family in turning their pain into something that will help others. That courage is exactly what this network was built on."

Rooted in Community, Built for Farmers

Farmer Angel Network is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to helping farmers lead healthy, resilient, and productive lives through farmer-to-farmer connection, mental health education, and suicide prevention awareness. The Southwest Wisconsin Chapter is FAN's newest — serving Lafayette and Grant counties as part of a growing statewide network built on one conviction: no one farms alone.

A Sheriff's Vehicle, a State Park, and a Message You Can't Miss

From day one, the Southwest Wisconsin Chapter is making mental health visible in places people don't expect it. McKenna Reichling is partnering with the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office to wrap a patrol vehicle with mental health awareness messaging — a traveling reminder that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. The chapter is also working with Mound State Park Natural Area to install 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline signage, ensuring that in the outdoor spaces where people often go to think or cope, the path to help is clearly marked.

These efforts are about one thing: making sure that in someone's hardest moment, they know exactly where to turn.

A Growing Network Across Wisconsin

The Southwest Wisconsin Chapter joins FAN's Western and South Central Wisconsin chapters in a growing statewide presence. Each chapter is locally led, connected through one shared mission: no farmer should have to struggle alone.

Learn More or Get Involved

Farmers, community members, and partners can visit farmerangelnetwork.com or contact McKenna Reichling at mckenna@farmerangelnetwork.com or (608) 574-5750.

About Farmer Angel Network Farmer Angel Network is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of farmers through education, resources, and peer-to-peer connection. Built by farmers and rural community members, FAN works to reduce stigma and ensure every farmer has access to support when they need it most.

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