Land Rich, Cash Poor: The Disappearing Farmer

Land Rich, Cash Poor was named a C-SPAN Author Series 2024 most important book. Taking on this working-class story of heart and hardship, award-winning writer and rural policy expert Brian Reisinger weaves forgotten eras of American history with his own family’s four-generation fight for survival in Midwestern farm country.

Readers learn the truth about America’s most detrimental and unexplained socioeconomic crisis: How our family farms went from cutting a middle-class path through the Great Depression to barely making ends meet in modern America.

Reisinger describes the working-class grit it takes to survive life on the farm and feed our country: accidents that K*ll or maim, weather that blesses or threatens, resilience against crushing economic crises - from depressions and recessions to COVID-19. In the tradition of the family farm you’re not just fighting for your job, you’re fighting for your heritage.

Land Rich, Cash Poor reveals how the hollowing out of rural America affects every dinner table. A vulnerable food supply chain, food prices for American families soaring far beyond the rate of inflation, environmental and ecological dilemmas, the security of our farmland, a mental health crisis that includes farmer suicides and addictions, a deepening urban-rural divide, and more.

Please join us as Brian Reisinger reveals the urgent, unflinching truth he presents in this book, tells the stories of his family, and offers solutions—before it’s too late. Also watch for Brian Reisinger’s articles in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where he is a guest columnist.

Books will be available for sale at the program. The author can accept credit cards (preferred), check or cash.

As an added bonus: Judy Keyes says this book should be “required reading for the whole country." In that spirit, REI will host an All-Club Read of Land Rich, Cash Poor this fall. Come and see Brian, buy your book, get reading, and stay tuned for the Book Read announcement.

First Course

Brown Sugar and Black Pepper Crusted Salmon

Served on a Bed of Quinoa, Leeks, Kale, and Toasted Almonds

With Warm Cranberry Vinaigrette and Fried Arugula

Second Course

Almond Cake

Served with Crème Anglaise and Fresh Berries

Coffee, Hot & Iced Tea Service

Host or Publisher Woman's Club of Wisconsin