New book images plight of today's farmer

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

When the Levee Breaks is by Patrick Chalfant, who grew up on a farm in Oklahoma. -- Courtesy photo of book cover

July 8, 2004 -- Obtaining a book contract on his first attempt took Patrick Chalfant by surprise.

"I was very blessed," he said. "I bought a book with all of the publishers in the United States listed, and I noticed one in Tulsa (Hawk Publishing), so I contacted them."

In his debut novel, When the Levee Breaks, author Patrick Chalfant discusses the battles of the American farmer. Released in November of 2003, the story is about two boys and their initiation into manhood. While the farmers are working hard and oftentimes struggling to make a living, they must deal with money, inconsistent market prices and most of all, corrupt bankers.

"It's unique because it's told through the eyes of the oldest son," Chalfant explained. "You see how his innocence is lost and that perspective helps readers identify with the story because they can remember what it's like to be a child and have their childhood chipped away."

Sex and violence is not included in Chalfant's novel, and he is often praised for excluding it.

"That (being thanked) is the greatest compliment. Entertainment is dominated by sex and violence. I wanted to write an engaging story that doesn't relate to sex and violence," Chalfant said. "It's exploited too often and writers rely on them too often to sell books."

Chalfant was inspired to write the novel because "I'm afraid we're seeing the end of a dying breed." He is perturbed by the growth of corporate farms buying out smaller family farms, taking over the farming industry and putting hardworking farmers out of business.

"The average age of a farmer is 54-years-old, and that tells us that kids aren't going back to the farm," Chalfant said. "It's a terrible shame because people in rural life have more traditional values. If this industry stops, we'll lose an important part of our culture."

When farmers and ranchers can no longer live off of the products produced on their farms, they often sell their farms to large corporations. Chalfant explained that a 2000 census stated that rural people are moving into larger cities. "This affects everyone and I wanted to bring the struggle into the main stream," he said.

Chalfant is a 33-year-old fifth-generation Oklahoman. He grew up on a ranch, where his family raised several thousand cattle and horses. He traveled throughout Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas competing in calf roping events, while growing up.

Now, Patrick lives in Tulsa with his wife and baby son, Drake, who was born on May 24. His life is busy and "it's difficult to find the time" as Chalfant travels to different towns promoting his book. He is giving a portion of his proceeds to non-profit charities to aid in farming organizations.

Chalfant has also written screenplays in his past. He has written westerns and a psychological thriller which he is currently turning into his next novel.

Growing up on a farm, Chalfant can relate to his main character, Hadley.

"He witnesses a lot of the things I saw and went through," Chalfant explained. "It draws on the aspect of evil bankers. That's a dark truth that not many people know about. The story is set on a ranch, but it's more of a story about growing up."

The novel not only relates to Chalfant, but it also relates to his life.

"It's a fact that the farming culture is one that highly respects values and I try to live that way," he said. "I see America getting away from that, and I don't think America should get away from that."

Chalfant believes that not only is the disappearance of small farms and ranches a loss to our society, but the emergence of corporate agriculture has effects on our culture.

"One problem is the animals that are cared for in large corporations. I think that when 10,000 hogs are together they are treated differently from a few hogs on a small farm. I wonder if it would be inhumane? There are many pollution and animal rights issues involved, too," Chalfant explained. "For me, it's the loss of the way of life. Members of my family were home setters and we still own that land. Now, generations have to sell out to the corporations. I want to raise awareness about the plight of the farmer."

Chalfant's book is available or can be ordered in most book stores. For autographed copies, please see www.patrickchalfant.com.