A fourth-generation Wisconsin farm family is sharing a deeply personal story. It focuses on the pressures of farming, mental health, and having hope.
Brian Reisinger says his family’s history of overcoming hardship also comes with an expectation to keep going. But after learning his father struggled with thoughts of harming himself following the loss of their dairy herd, Reisinger realized — the two had been standing side by side — each privately carrying the same fear.
Now, he shares that experience with Teri Barr. And he explains why it’s a reminder for other farmers, too.
Note: This interview is part of a special series brought to you by Rural Mutual Insurance. The Mid-West Farm Report Network and Rural Mutual Insurance reminds farmers and their families that physical farm safety and mental wellness go hand in hand.
For more than a century, Brian Reisinger’s family raised dairy cows on their farm located in the hills of Sauk County, in southwestern Wisconsin. Four generations have worked the land. They’ve weathered economic struggles, changes in agriculture, and the everyday challenges that come with keeping a farm going.
Today, the family is still farming. Reisinger’s dad continues to work the farm, while his sister is preparing to take it over. The operation has changed, too. They’re now raising dairy cows for other farmers, beef for consumers, and a variety of cash crops. But through all those changes, Reisinger says there’s one constant.
“The one thing that is a through line for all of those generations, it’s the way that the hope and the hardship go hand in hand,” he explained.
A family story that almost stayed private
Reisinger recently began talking about more of his family’s story, including something he learned while writing his book, Land Rich Cash Poor.
It happened after his father sold the family’s dairy cows. He remembers standing on the porch, wondering whether his dad was thinking about hurting himself. They knew other farmers who struggled after losing their farms or livestock. What he didn’t know? His dad was having some of those thoughts.
“I learned through the course of interviewing him for the book, that he had thought about that. Here we were, standing right next to each other, me wondering about it, him thinking about it, and us not able to talk about it,” Reisinger shared. “We were a world apart, even though we were standing right next to each other.”
That eventual conversation could have remained a private family moment. Instead, Reisinger asked his dad if they should share their story with others. His dad’s answer was simple.
“People have got to know,” Reisinger recalled.
Four generations of pride and pressure
Reisinger says his family’s experience is not unique. His great-grandfather came to America before World War I and built a life by working the land. His grandparents survived the Great Depression. And his parents made it through the farm crisis. Each generation carrying the farm forward.
And with history comes pride — but also pressure.
“Why can’t I make it?” Reisinger said, describing the question that can weigh on a farmer who feels responsible for continuing what previous generations built. “When you grow up picking rock by hand for part of your day, like I did, you learn to keep your head down and you don’t necessarily raise your hand when you need help.”
It’s an attitude helping generations of farm families get through difficult times. But Reisinger says it can also make it difficult to admit when something is wrong.
His dad is still farming
There is a hopeful part to this story, too. Reisinger’s father is doing well. He’s still farming and loves what he’s doing. His parents are also involved with organizations that support farmers, including the Farmer Angel Network.
For Reisinger, being able to tell this part of the story matters.
“I don’t want people to pity our farmers or feel bad,” he said. “I want people to know that these are resilient people and that they’re.. people.”
Strength isn’t always about keeping your head down and pushing through. It may be about looking up, sitting beside someone you care about, and asking a simple question: How are you?
“That’s where it begins,” Reisinger said. “And maybe it just begins and ends there, and that’s all that person needs. Or maybe it grows into that person getting further help.”
If you need someone to talk to – just call 988. The 988 Lifeline is also available via text or chat. It is free and open 24-hours, every day of the year.
The Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline is also available any time, any day. Call (888) 901-2558.
You can find additional resources here.
