Nothing but the Dirt: Stories from an American Farm Town

Nothing but the Dirt: Stories from an American Farm Town is a creative nonfiction work that provides an intimate look at the present-day residents of Courtland, Kansas, a town whose economy depends almost entirely on agriculture. The book paints a picture of a community that is unwilling to give up on each other, despite macro-level issues such as rising tariffs, operation costs versus sinking commodity prices, and federal farm subsidies. The locals are a diverse group, including fourth-generation farmers, young professionals, transplants, small business owners, and a community that is nuclear, blended, straight, gay, red, blue, religious, and anything but. Despite the challenges, the community is thriving and finding creative ways to overcome, adapt, improve, and move forward.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University Press of Kansas

In this captivating work of creative nonfiction, author Kate Benz delves into the lives of the current residents of Courtland, Kansas, a town whose economy is heavily reliant on agriculture. Through delightful, first-person narratives, Nothing but the Dirt: Stories from an American Farm Town unfolds the entire tapestry of life in Courtland, challenging the pervasive narrative that rural America is on the decline.

Throughout the book, Benz portrays a vibrant community that remains steadfast in its support for one another. Macro-level concerns such as escalating tariffs, the juxtaposition of rising operational costs against declining commodity prices, and the influx of federal farm subsidies impact the daily lives of the locals, yet their unwavering love for their community drives their collective efforts to maintain the vitality of Main Street and keep Courtland firmly on the map.

These are the stories from one corner of rural America, narrated by the people who call it home: fourth-generation farmers, young professionals, transplants, small business owners (many of whom are women), a community that encompasses a diverse spectrum of identities, including nuclear families, blended families, heterosexual individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals of different racial backgrounds, and individuals with varying religious beliefs. Young individuals who were raised in Courtland are returning to raise their children there, but rather than pursuing traditional farming pursuits, they are venturing into entrepreneurship by opening breweries, boutiques, marketing agencies, or hair salons. They cherish the rural lifestyle but seek a fresh perspective to redefine it.

Courtland is a community that resolutely refuses to allow challenges to define or hinder its existence. Instead, they continually find innovative ways to overcome, adapt, improve, and progress. They embrace the spirit of resilience and adaptability, continuously seeking new opportunities to thrive and contribute to the rich tapestry of rural America.

Through her poignant storytelling, Benz invites readers to explore the complexities and nuances of life in Courtland, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of its residents. Nothing but the Dirt: Stories from an American Farm Town serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit and determination of rural communities, reminding us of the importance of preserving and nurturing the unique beauty and richness of our rural heritage.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780700633456