A NZ farmer's view

2 June 2001 — John Barker, formerly of The Key and now of the Czech Republic, kicks off his first book of farm poetry by saying that it's: "Something funny, something serious, something true and something probably about you." John Barker with his book of farming poems.

Farmnews subscribers of old might remember John as the down-to-earth poet who liked to write about the way it is and was in farming, and down on the farm.

More recent subscribers might recall the article about his move from Fiordland to the Czech Republic and his reason why.

His book "Farming Time in Rhyme" tells how it is on the farm in New Zealand with most of the tales being true or at least having that "ring of truth" to them.

His poems take in everything from the Mararoa Dog Trials and shearing and lambing time through to what happens on a deer farm, doing tractor work and the weather.

In total John presents 25 of his favorite poems in this easy to read soft cover book.

The humorous illustrations by Te Anau artist David Healy set this book off and make it sure to be a hit with farmers and New Zealand tourists alike.

Finally a book of poems, which is written by a farmer for farmers. In this book John Barker gives an insight into New Zealand farming practices and what it's like to be a farmer in New Zealand.

John's poems are not about the pretty, romantic side of farming - they're about farming as it is and the day-to-day happenings on a typical New Zealand farm.

Perfect as an easy-read, a collector's item or as a gift - particularly for townies or friends overseas.

Availability

Books will soon be available from:

THE GLOBE - Bookstore, Cafe and Internet, Pštrossova 6, Praha 1

They are also available in New Zealand from Farmnews for $9.95.

To order your copy of "Farming Time in Rhyme" send a cheque for the appropriate amount to:
Farmnews, Mokotua RD5, Invercargill.
And, don't forget to send the details of where you would like your book posted.

Note - delivery is free within NZ