Richard Cates to Read from 'A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land'' in Decorah

Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — Join Richard Cates, author of "A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land: A Farm Family's Journey Toward a Land Ethic," the Johnson Center for Land Stewardship Policy and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation Staff on Tuesday February 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pulpit Rock Brewing events room for a social hour followed by a reading, Q&A, and book signing at 7:00 p.m. Richard and his wife, Kim, co-own the Cates Family Farm LLC in Wyoming Township of Iowa County, Wisconsin, with their children and their spouses. A lifelong farmer, Dick grew up working on various farms and pursued professional studies in soil science, earning an MS from Montana State University and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He took over the family farm management in 1987, and he and Kim built their own farming business. Dick also contributed to sustainable agriculture programs and developed the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers, where he taught until retiring in 2018. The Cates family participates in watershed conservation projects and has earned numerous awards for their efforts, including the 2013 Sand County Foundation Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. Dick has authored several books, including "Voices from the Heart of the Land" and "A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land." Dick and Kim enjoy walking on the farm and in wild country anywhere, canoeing, skiing and dancing together. They have four grandchildren who are the love and joy of their lives. "A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land is the story of the Cates Family Farm," told with honesty, emotion, and inspiration. Spanning three generations (and a rising fourth), the family's journey reflects a shift from seeing their land as a commodity to embracing it as a community of pastures, fields, forests, streams, and countless species. The book explores the farm's prehistory, history, and current use, offering a paradigm for restorative and regenerative agriculture. It illustrates a move away from industrialized, chemically dependent farming to a sustainable, nature-inspired approach that honors the land's past inhabitants while ensuring the health of future generations. This event is part of Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation's author event series, which brings writers of all genres to Northeast Iowa to lead in conversations about literature and writing. Knowledge is power! Stay empowered by subscribing to the free newsletter, packed with valuable insights, stories of local newsmakers and ideas to get your weekend started.