This version of a very old story was published on the groaners listserve. The author is not known.

A salesman was in the country visiting clients and over a couple of days he had to drive down the same dusty road.

Each time he drove down the road he noticed that farmer on one farm was standing in his front paddock with his hands in his pockets looking up at the sky. The salesman did not think much of it the first time, but every time he went down the road, the farmer was always there. Eventually his curiosity got the better of him so he pulled into the farm to find out what was going on.

As he got out of the car he was met by the farmer’s wife.

“Ma’am,” began the salesman, “our country is in dire economic straits and our farmers need to be working hard. But this past few days I have noticed the farmer in your front paddock standing around doing nothing. Can you please explain to me what is going on?”

“Well”, replied the farmer’s wife, “the man in the front paddock is my husband.”

“Yes, but why is he not working?” demanded the salesman.

“He wants to get himself a Nobel Peace Prize” came the reply.

“A Nobel Peace Prize?!!” exclaimed the salesman.

“Yes.” replied the farmer’s wife. “The other day on the news they said that were going to give a Nobel Peace Prize to some one outstanding in their field!”