Farming in a Nuthouse

George Jackson is a retired professional agrologist.

This is Precht’s first book and it is evident that he has a way with
words. His humorous insights into the frustrating happenings of Prairie
farming and the paradoxes of the farm business will bring forth many a
quiet chuckle.

In Chapter 1 we read “there are many differences between the theory
and practice of farming—many verses to the chorus of the farmer’s
lament, ‘My grain is a headache’.” Precht goes on to expand on
this theme. Chapters entitled “Notes on Becoming a Farmer,” “What
Computers Are Really Used for on the Farm,” “Don’t Bank on Farming
Profits,” and “The Theory and Practice of Farming” provide
insights on how to “really” understand and manage farm problems.
(For example, he proposes that while in theory “a farmer is an
individual who makes a profit growing food for others,” in practice
“the farmer is an individual who, in growing food, makes a profit for
others.” One could write a whole book on this thesis.)

This it that kind of book that is picked up and read for awhile, laid
down, and picked up again. It is simply fun to read and re-read.

Precht, a native son of the Prairies, spent 10 years exploring Canada
before beginning his writing career as a Newfoundland reporter. He
currently resides in Fielding, Saskatchewan, where he is a writer,
broadcaster, farmer, and recreational vehicles’ repairman.