Book chronicles Cates family’s journey to land ethic

Dick Cates’ journey to his land ethic wasn’t always a straight line. In fact, it took several twists and turns before he settled on a path that led him to not only preserve but also improve the land under his care.

Cates, a well-known leader in Wisconsin sustainable farming practices and formally trained soil scientist, is sharing his story with others in his latest book, “A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land: A Farm Family’s Journey Toward a Conservation Ethic.” Cates and his family run a managed-grazing beef operation along the Lowery Creek in northern Iowa County near Spring Green, Wis…