(This event is supported by USDA NIFA Award 2020-70028-32728)
Michael Perry’s new novella is a departure from his previous works of fiction. Set in a world of stark wintry beauty, Forty Acres Deep is the brief, unrelenting tale of one person's attempt to make sense of a world he no longer recognizes while pitilessly calling himself into account. Seamed with grim humor and earthy revelations, it is an unforgiving story...and yet leaves open the idea that we might surrender to hope. Michael will talk about his inspiration for the novella and his decision to self-publish it. The evening will include a panel of farmers, moderated by Joy Kirkpatrick, responding to the story and sharing their experiences about what it means to farm today. The panel will include farmers Dorothy Harms, Robert Nigh, and David Unbehaun.
Dinner will be available for purchase from Chef’s Hideout beginning at 5:00 p.m. Choose from brisket or pulled pork sandwich (with fries, $12) or dinner (with fries, coleslaw, and cornbread, $20).
Michael Perry is an accidental New York Times bestselling author, humorist, singer/songwriter, amateur snow plow driver, and playwright from New Auburn, Wisconsin. Perry’s bestselling memoirs include Population: 485 (subsequently adapted for the stage), Truck: A Love Story, Coop, Visiting Tom, and Montaigne in Barn Boots. Among his other dozen titles are The Scavengers (for young readers), his novel The Jesus Cow, Peaceful Persistence, Hunker, and his most recent book, the novella Forty Acres Deep. Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then detoured into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he still makes an occasional call with the local volunteer fire and rescue service. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds. His three live humor albums include Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues. He can be found online at www.sneezingcow.com. Michael also hosts a subscription audio newsletter at www.michaelperry.substack.com.
Joy Kirkpatrick has worked for the University of Wisconsin for 29 years. She began her Extension career as a county-based educator. In 2004 she became the Farm Succession Outreach Specialist for the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Profitability. In this position she collaborates with colleagues to provide educational programs and information on farm succession planning. Kirkpatrick has extensive experience facilitating farm succession discussions with farm businesses and farm families. Joy is honored to work with farm families on some of their most personal issues when working on farm succession planning. Since 2016, Kirkpatrick has also focused on farmer wellbeing and mental health and is a certified adult Mental Health First Aid trainer.
Dorothy Harms and her husband, Don, own and operate Valley Springs Farm outside of Reedsburg, Wisconsin for the past 41 years. They recently transitioned from dairy to direct marketing grassfed beef and run Valley Springs Farm Bed & Breakfast. Giving back to the community that supports them, Donald and Dorothy have both served on local agricultural co-operative boards, government boards, and as 4-H leaders. She is also active in the Farmers Angel Network, a grassroots organization in Sauk County. The Farmer Angel Network’s goal is to reduce the fear and shame that the agricultural community holds when it comes to dealing with mental health concerns.
Robert Nigh has farmed with his brother, Randy, for 57 years. Their Viroqua farm is diverse with goats, a small beef herd and dairy cows. Robert and Randy farm with Robert’s son, Ryan. Other family members including Robert’s wife Betty, son Brady, daughter Rachel and son Brandon, who is an engineer, help with farm tasks when needed. Robert is active in his community and agricultural organizations. He has served on the local school board and as a volunteer firefighter. He is currently on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Board of Directors, representing District 3. He is also on the Advisory Boad of the Resilient Farms & Families, which is funded by the USDA NIFA Farm & Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
David Unbehaun is a Richland County farmer whose family has been on the land for six generations. They transitioned to feeding out beef cattle at Unbehaun Acres after selling the dairy herd. David and his wife, Cathy, have three children. Lucas operates the farm with them, and Megan and Heidi both work in the medical field. They have five grandchildren. He has served on the Premier Cooperative board (previously Consumer’s Cooperative of Richland County) for the past 12 years. He serves on the Farm Well Wisconsin Advisory Board. Farm Well Wisconsin was founded in 2020 and is funded through a five-year grant associated with the Wisconsin Partnership Program and the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. Farm Well focuses on suicide prevention and resources for the farming community in southwest Wisconsin.