In an agricultural county like Pierce, it’s important to address farmers’ mental health, which is not something that used to be talked about much. Farming is not only physically demanding, but it can be emotionally, mentally and financially draining, leading to depression, anxiety and elevated stress, or even suicide.

The Farmer Angel Network of Western Wisconsin will host the second annual Brian Webster Memorial Picnic & Community Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26 at Snø Hill Chapel (N3699 730^th St., Ellsworth). Free-will donations will be accepted to support the non-profit’s mission.

The Webster family founded the Western Wisconsin branch of the Farmer Angel Network after Brian Webster died by suicide Aug. 3, 2023 after living with depression. FAN’s roots are in Sauk County, where the widow of a farmer who died by suicide started it as a way for friends, families and neighbors grieving his death to come together and help other farmers.

Brian Webster grew up on the family farm on County Road D, which has been in the family since 1880. He was a full-time crop and dairy farmer, growing corn, soybeans and hay. He and his son Mitch raised pigs together as well. Brian also sold seed corn and served on the town board as chair.

His daughter Jennifer said Brian struggled with depression on and off through the years.

“Somewhere around 2008 he went and got treatment for mental health and he was in a facility,” Webster said in a 2024 Journal article. “He had made a comment to his doctor and that was enough for him to go get help. His depression was usually around a problem that he had and it kind of ate him up until it was solved. This time there was something, we’ll never know what it is…My dad was really irritable this spring. We had to get stuff done yesterday.”

Farming comes with a lot of stressors, some beyond a farmer’s control; volatility of market prices, modernization and equipment demands, financial burdens, government program changes, labor shortages, weather, not to mention personal expectations. It can be soul-crushing.

The money raised at the picnic and other FAN-WW events stays in the local community, Webster said. FAN uses it to help farmers in need by connecting them to mental health resources, providing them goodies to show they’re not alone (such as a memorial quilt to the Mark family when Bryce Mark died), suicide prevention training, transportation to educational opportunities or facilities, and gift cards for farmers to help them pay for gas or an equipment bill.

“We originally started serving the Ellsworth community and have since expanded into St. Croix County,” Webster said. “One board member teaches ag education in the New Richmond School District. We have more of a volunteer board established now which is extremely helpful. It’s nice to have a committed group of people to provide those resources.”

Webster said the organization has identified gaps in the agricultural mental health community and would like to expand efforts to address them. For example, working with local police departments in handling farmer mental health calls.

“The biggest thing is that we have more steadily present volunteers,” Webster said. “We’re hoping to continue to expand what we do in the areas we serve. I look at what we’ve done and how many people we’ve touched; it’s amazing.”

Sunday’s picnic will feature fare catered by Meatheads, cookies from Marlee’s Bake Shop, door prizes and a silent auction. Top items include a quilt made by Brian’s sister, Sharon Foley, and a hot air balloon ride donated by Lynn Huppert. Kids will be engaged in fun activities, coloring stations and outdoor games.

Shedding a light on farmer mental health is healing for Webster, who thinks of her dad often. She hopes the group is making a difference in helping farmers know they’re not alone.

“We’re always trying to find different avenues, what works, what doesn’t work. Summer is always a busy time for farmers, whether they can come to the picnic for an hour or the whole thing, to give them a break,” she said. “We’re still trying to find our groove after almost three years. What events work for us, what doesn’t. In my opinion the sky is the limit, but we need to be strategic. Being cognizant of how we continue to grow and use our funds appropriately.”

Farmer Angel Network Western Wisconsin will be at the Pierce County Livestock Auction Friday, Aug. 14 at the Pierce County Fair, connecting with 4-H and FFA families. They also hope to host another suicide prevention training in the fall.

If feeling suicidal, Webster encourages people to dial 911 or call or text 988. They can also reach out to the 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Lifeline at 888-901-2558 if experiencing anxiety, depression or needing someone to talk to.  

“Sometimes in a time of crisis, you can reach out to a trusted family member or friend you can call or text with,” Webster said. “Or depending on what your crisis is, you might need to call somebody that’s not in your family or on the farm with you.”

The lifeline number listed above can provide free, confidential, and immediate support any day, any time. Helpline representatives can also make referrals to the​ Farmer Wellness Program for on-going, long-term support. ​Farmers and farm family members can obtain in-person and/or tele-health counseling services from a participating licensed mental health provider at no cost. This service can be requested by contacting the Wisconsin Farm Center Helpline at 800-942-2474 or emailing farmcenter@wisconsin.gov​.

“Make sure you’re checking in with people if you know they’re going through a rough patch, help with chores, bring a meal, be consistent with it,” Webster said. “Having that sense of community is important too, for someone going through mental health issues.”