Sixty-three percent of farmers and farmworkers surveyed by the American Farm Bureau in 2021 claimed there is a stigma around mental health. This stigma is not exclusive to farmers by any means, but it also disproportionately affects them in the United States. According to data collected by USA Today, 450 farmers across nine Midwest states died by suicide from 2014-18, with the number believed to be even higher due to some unavailable data.

The Pierce County community has had to go through the pain of losing a farmer to suicide, as Brian Webster of the Bay City area died by suicide in August 2023. After his death, the Webster family wanted to make an impact on farmers’ mental health, establishing a branch of the Farmer Angel Network in western Wisconsin.

“Addressing mental health in farming is crucial because farmers often face unique stressors and challenges that can significantly impact their mental well-being. Factors such as financial instability, unpredictable weather conditions, and isolated working environments can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among farmers,” the Western Wisconsin Farmer Angel Network website states.

The network was started by a Sauk County family after their family faced a loss to suicide in 2018.

“After my dad died, we decided to branch up here,” Brian’s daughter Jennifer Webster said. “Our primary focus is to make sure that farmers and those involved in agriculture have those mental health resources available to them.”

The Western Wisconsin Farmer Angel Network is hosting a memorial picnic for Brian Webster from noon-4 p.m. July 27 at Sno Hill Chapel, N3699 730th St., Ellsworth. With a free will donation, silent auction, catering from Meatheads and activities, they hope to raise money to help the cause.

The Farmer Angel Network works to connect farmers with therapy and other mental health resources. Webster said they use some of their money to buy gift cards for farmers or pay some of their bills, taking some of the burden off them.

There will also be mental health professionals speaking at the event. One of the speakers, mental health advocate Shireen Sakizadeh, will discuss navigating and accessing the mental health system as well as sharing her own mental health journey.

“I’m hoping people will come and appreciate the community,” Webster said. “Knowing that mental health professionals will be there, I think that will be a good way in for people.”

Representatives of Western Wisconsin Health will be present and local FFA groups will be helping out.

“Your generous contributions are vital to our mission of promoting mental health, suicide awareness, and prevention among rural communities, farmers, farm workers, and their families in Wisconsin. Every donation helps the Farmer Angel Network provide essential resources, educational programs, and financial assistance to those in the agricultural community who need it most,” the Sauk County Farmer Angel Network website states.