Farmer turns sheep into roadside artwork to lift spirits

Farmer Mike Bowler used his sheep to express how he's been feeling. Photo / Facebook, Mike Bowler

One farmer is using humour to help get him through the tough conditions brought on by drought in North Canterbury.

Mike Bowler, a sheep farmer in Parnassus, has been feeding his sheep grain since January, with the fields left dry by the harsh weather.

The cost of the feed runs into the thousands, and it's a cost Mr Bowler wants the rest of New Zealand to know about - by using his sheep to make giant works of art.

"I feel that if I'm pouring that much money into the ground I might as well get some benefit from it, even if it is just a smile from somebody going along the road," he told Stuff.co.nz.

Mike Bowler arranged his sheep in the shape of a Kiwi. Photo / Facebook, Mike Bowler

His sheep artworks have also expressed what many farmers have been feeling - "bugger".

His posts on the Agri HQ Facebook page have received sympathetic nods of approval.

"Awesome using humour. we support you all the way," Mandy Hindmarsh said.

"Thank goodness still got a sense of humour. Keep the chins up u people. Help is always available," added Jenny Corbett.

Suggestions have also been made for a calendar to raise funds for farmers.

"Make a calendar or something with all these pics mike, may raise some money to pay for some feed," said Sharee Burgess.

"Make a calendar and I'd buy one," Tex Everett added.