Brian Reisinger grew up on a family farm in Sauk County, Wisconsin, and lives to tell the hidden stories of rural America and farmers. From the time he could walk, Brian worked with his dad on the farm. His book Land Rich, Cash Poor tells the story of the disappearing American farmer.
Brian Reisinger, author of ‘Land Rich, Cash Poor
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In the American cultural imagination, the farmer is often considered an enduring symbol of perseverance, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. Yet, despite this reverence, the reality for many farmers today is one of economic precarity, dwindling resources, and a struggle to maintain their way of life. Brian Reisinger, author of “Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family’s Hope and the Untold Story of The Disappearing American Farmer,” explores these issues based on his lived experience as a fourth-generation farmer from Wisconsin. In a recent interview, Reisinger shared insights into the systemic challenges that have led to the decline of small and medium-sized farms across the United States, offering a candid look at the forces reshaping rural America.
Reisinger’s story is an individual narrative and a microcosm of farmers’ broader struggles nationwide. He traces his family’s farming roots back four generations, beginning with his great-grandfather, who fled pre-World War I Europe to seek a better life in Wisconsin. From the Great Depression to the farm crisis of the 1980s, Reisinger’s family has endured the harsh realities of farming through the best and worst of times. However, as Reisinger poignantly notes, the challenges of today—escalating costs, volatile markets, and technological shifts—are unlike anything his ancestors faced.
At the heart of Reisinger’s analysis is the concept of the “disappearing American farmer.” Over the past century, the number of farms in the United States has plummeted from over six million to just around two million today. This dramatic decline has not only altered the rural landscape but has also had profound implications for the nation’s food supply, economic stability, and cultural identity. Reisinger argues that the consolidation of farms and the increasing dominance of large agribusinesses have created a system in which small and medium-sized farmers are systematically squeezed out.
This squeezing, as Reisinger explains, is driven by a combination of economic forces deeply embedded in the American economy. Farmers, much like many other sectors of the working class, are facing rising costs that outpace the prices they receive for their goods. This is exacerbated by a globalized commodity-based supply chain prioritizing efficiency and scale over diversity and sustainability. Reisinger points out that while this system may lead to cheaper food prices, it comes at the cost of local economies, food security, and the livelihoods of countless farmers.
One of the key issues Reisinger highlights is the disconnect between the price farmers receive for their products, and the price consumers pay at the grocery store. This disparity often results from a highly concentrated food distribution system controlled by a few large corporations that dominate the market. These corporations are seeing record profits and paying ever-increasing dividends while the farmers at the beginning of the supply chain struggle to make ends meet. This imbalance is unfair and unsustainable, threatening the foundation of America’s food system.
Reisinger also delves into the impact of technological advancements on small and medium-sized farms. While technology can potentially improve efficiency and productivity, it has often left smaller farms behind. Reisinger argues that the shift toward large-scale, high-tech farming has marginalized those who cannot afford to invest in expensive equipment or do not have enough land to justify such investments. This has created a two-tiered system in which larger farms thrive while smaller ones are forced to adapt or leave business.
According to Reisinger, the solution lies in reorienting public policy to create more opportunities for farmers of all sizes. He advocates for policies that promote competition, support small businesses, and ensure that farmers have access to diverse markets. This would help preserve the family farm and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system. Reisinger is critical of both political parties for failing to address these issues adequately, calling for a bipartisan effort to revitalize rural America and protect the nation’s agricultural heritage.
Reisinger’s connection to the land and his family’s history adds a powerful dimension to his analysis. He recounts how his grandfather, who grew up during the Great Depression, managed to build a successful farm and climb into the middle class, a feat that seems increasingly unattainable for today’s farmers. He also shares stories of resilience, such as how his father, at the age of eight, took over many of the farm’s responsibilities after his grandfather was seriously injured in a farming accident. These stories underscore the deep ties many farming families have to their land and their sacrifices to continue their way of life.
As Reisinger notes, the plight of American farmers is not just a rural issue but affects all Americans. The hollowing out of rural America has far-reaching consequences, from food prices and supply chain vulnerabilities to the loss of cultural diversity and economic opportunities. By raising awareness of these issues and advocating for policy changes, Reisinger hopes to spark a broader conversation about the future of farming in America and the steps needed to ensure that farmers can continue to feed the nation for generations.
“Land Rich, Cash Poor” is not just a book about farming; it is a call to action. Reisinger’s work reminds us that American farmers’ challenges are deeply interconnected with our time’s broader economic and social issues. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can work towards a future where farming is not just a way of life but a viable and sustainable livelihood for all who choose to work the land.
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