Rural Lifestyle on Highway 6

The Thanksgiving...

Tomorrow most Americans will gather around tables for Thanksgiving.  This week has been full of shopping, cooking, cleaning and getting ready for the "big day".  We, like many of our friends, will also mark the date with as many traditions as we can.

Over the years Thanksgiving has changed from being a day set aside to be thankful for the blessings of a good harvest to simply being, "thankful".  That's not surprising because, today, there are so  many folks that have never had a farming experience.  So, I thought I'd infuse a little "rural thanks"...into Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow the kitchens and dining rooms located in the farm homes and acreages that dot this country will be wild with activity.  Folks will rise early to finish chores and then help where they can to prepare the meal.  There will be chopping, slicing, dicing, pie-baking and mixing.  The houses will smell of fresh bread, sage and pumpkin.  Even if it's cold, windows will be open and the smells and sounds will drift out to the pasture, across the fields and a mile down the road to the next home-place where the activity is just as intense.

And then, at a time agreed upon by the adults in charge, people will make their way, quietly to the place where the meal will be served.  And there they will bow their heads and offer a prayer of gratitude.  And some, looking out the window, will see the images of livestock and field stubble and they will forget the hard work, the bills and the struggle it takes to be in agriculture.  With heads bowed and a sense of pride in their hearts coming from the knowlege that they have fed thousands of others...they will quietly say, "Amen".

Thank you...thank you for what you do.

 

 

The Road...

Last week I traveled back from the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association meeting held in Atlanta.  I had a five hour lay-over so I filled the time with a book.  Before I boarded the plane...I had finished the book.

That's not what usually happens...

"The Road" by Cormac McCarthy ("No Country for Old Men") is a fascinating book that looks at the journey of a father and son following the distruction of the world...or at least most of it.  Light on details as to why the earth is a charred reminant of itself, "The Road"  took me on this fearful rural journey as "the man" and "the boy" attempt to head "south to the coast". 

One of the amazing things about "The Road" were the visuals regarding rural life.  There were word images of farms, fields, cattle and homes.  All lifeless now but it's clear that what was rural survived and helped these travelers survive on their journey.

"The Road" will soon be released as a movie starting Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce and Charlize Theron will be in theaters November 25.  But...do yourself a favor BEFORE seeing the film.  Get the book...it is powerful and a different read.

Thanks for coming by for a visit - 

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner... 

End Crop Payments To Farmers?

When we started Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country three years ago, we said we would attempt to connect on a regular basis with folks who make up the small farms and acreages dotting this nation.  At a recent meeting in Atlanta I posted this article regarding a visit with Dr. Barry Asmus.  I'd love to hear back from you with your thoughts.

Barry Asmus at FEMA

You don't get to be the Senior Economist with the National Center for Policy Analysis and miss a chance to bang the drum for free market systems and smaller government.  And, that is exactly the message coming out of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) event this morning in Atlanta.  Dr. Barry Asmus did not leave the faithful wanting as he railed on any sort of free trade barriers, public health options and leftist agendas.  Oh my...

It was the "red meat" 90% of the membership yearned for..

One thing was missing from Dr. Asmus' 90 minute political/economic speech to nearly 300 people dependent on agriculture.  What?  U.S farm subsidies.  He didn't take questions from the floor but as soon as he was finished speaking the "less government" disciples gathered around him for more.

So, I asked, "Dr. Asmus in calling for free trade, less government handouts and lower taxes what is your position on calling for a halt on farm subsidies."

The farm machinery people ringing Dr. Asmus looked stunned.  It got very quiet.

Barry didn't miss a beat.  "I am all for it!", he exclaimed.  "There are enough hungry people in the world that if the United States halted farm programs tomorrow we would see the economics come into play and farmers would be fine."   And then he really spoke the truth, "The trouble is, even the most conservative farmer, even those in my family who raise the GOP flag with their right hand take the cash with their left.  When it comes to this issue people like to say the word, 'but'.  As in, 'I am against handing out government money BUT I want my crop payment..."

It was enough to send shock waves through the 20+ people around him.   Can you imagine what impact this might have on the congressional delegation from Iowa?  Which of them might be the first to float that idea?

And, that is the problem with some of the "less government" ideas.  Less is always good, unless "I" am getting less.

Barry Asmus was a great speaker and what he said gave many folks hope and heartburn.  For sure it was reason to pause and think...even for just a bit.

You don't get to be the Senior Economist with the National Center for Policy Analysis and miss a chance to bang the drum for free market systems and smaller government.  And, that is exactly the message coming out of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) event this morning in Atlanta.  Dr. Barry Asmus did not leave the faithful wanting as he railed on any sort of free trade barriers, public health options and leftist agendas.  Oh my...

It was the "red meat" 90% of the membership yearned for..

One thing was missing from Dr. Asmus' 90 minute political/economic speech to nearly 300 people dependent on agriculture.  What?  U.S farm subsidies.  He didn't take questions from the floor but as soon as he was finished speaking the "less government" disciples gathered around him for more.

So, I asked, "Dr. Asmus in calling for free trade, less government handouts and lower taxes what is your position on calling for a halt on farm subsidies."

The farm machinery people ringing Dr. Asmus looked stunned.  It got very quiet.

Barry didn't miss a beat.  "I am all for it!", he exclaimed.  "There are enough hungry people in the world that if the United States halted farm programs tomorrow we would see the economics come into play and farmers would be fine."   And then he really spoke the truth, "The trouble is, even the most conservative farmer, even those in my family who raise the GOP flag with their right hand take the cash with their left.  When it comes to this issue people like to say the word, 'but'.  As in, 'I am against handing out government money BUT I want my crop payment..."

It was enough to send shock waves through the 20+ people around him.   Can you imagine what impact this might have on the congressional delegation from Iowa?  Which of them might be the first to float that idea?

And, that is the problem with some of the "less government" ideas.  Less is always good, unless "I" am getting less.

Barry Asmus was a great speaker and what he said gave many folks hope and heartburn.  For sure it was reason to pause and think...even for just a bit.

Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey - October 14

As you know we've been doing our daily business radio show, Insight on Business for the past five months.  And, we promised you that when we were doing a show with a focus on agriculture we'd let you know.  Today is another of those days.

Our special guest today at 12:30PM Central is Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey.  Secretary Northey will be in studio talking about the World Food Prize, agri-business in the Midwest, the rural economy, rural manufacturing and technology, Iowa and our fight against hunger...and we'll also discuss the budget cuts his department will have to make in the wake of Governor Chet Culver's order to reduce spending, across the board, by 10-percent.

Come on by and join the discussion with Secretary Northey and our guest Cathy Erickson from the Great Iowa Pet Expo.    Insight on Business is on Monday - Friday starting at 12:30PM Central and you can watch and listen by heading to this link:  www.MacsWorldLive.com

Thanks for reading, watching and listening: 

Michael Libbie - Host, acreage owner and advertising agency guy.  You can keep up with us before, during or after the show on Twitter - @RuralLifeRadio or @MichaelLibbie

Banking on Social Media for Rural Development?

Early this week I traveled to Creston, Iowa (pop. 7,500) my host was Iowa State Savings Bank.  I was there to share with them ideas to use social media for their bank. We spent the morning together as they learned about the opportunities in blogging, Twitter and other forms of social media.

Like many small rural towns Creston has been hit by the recent economic downturn. I centered on that issue during my visit and gave them some ideas of how to use social media to market the bank. OK, I know, you're going to say, "What about financial liability issues and compliance?  Financial institutions and insurance people and financial planners can't possibly use social media because they have to send everything through some compliance officer!"

Nope.

I talked about that very issue on our daily business radio show, Insight on Business.  In addition I gave several suggestions right at the top of the show as to how financial people should use social media to build the relationship.  Have a watch...and a listen?  Let me know what you think...and how social media can be very helpful in rural development issues.

 

 

Sean Skeehan & Insight on Business - October 2

(Many of you know that we ceased our land based radio show, Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country and have begun a new Business Radio Show, Insight on Business.  Highway 6 was a passion...but paying the bills was critical.  Now, with our new radio show we have a focus on small business, marketing and advertising (our real jobs).  From time to time we talk about small farms and acreage living.  Today is one of those days.  Enjoy and perhaps tune us in?)

Welcome back to Insight on Business this nation’s only live, 90-minute, daily radio talk show about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and business practices.  We’re part of Des Moines Local…LIVE and can be heard Monday – Friday starting at 121:30PM Central on www.MacsWorldLive.com.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and we are responsible for it’s content.  You can keep up with us before, during or after the show on Twitter – @MichaelLibbieor @InsightADV.  Join us? 

Fall is in the air and here in Iowa that means harvest time.  When most folks think about farming and Iowa it means row crops like corn or soybeans and cattle and hogs.  That truly is part of the landscape of our great state.  However, and this may come as a surprise to many, there are more folks living and working small acreage farms between two and two-hundred acres than large production agriculture farms of 1,000+ acres.  Today we’re going to visit with one of these owners who migrated from the city to the farm and is much of the organization behind an event happening this Sunday.

Sean Skeehan and his wife , Jill Beebout, operate Blue Gate Farms one of seven who have banded together to create Farm Crawl 2009.  And, no, this is not a “new thing”.   Farm Crawl first started back in 2007 and has grown each year with Farm Crawl 2008 being the largest to date with over 600 people flocking to the southern Marion County, northern Lucas County area.  (About an hour  south and east of Des Moines)  The idea is for folks to leisurely “crawl” from farm to farm taking in the rich diversity of each and learn about Community Supported Agriculture and life on small sustainable farming operations…that actually make money.  You are in for a small business treat with Sean Skeehan as we discuss the challenges of starting and marketing a new diverse business venture.

In other news – Yesterday we had our good friend Janet Tingwald on and I didn’t get to the real life story about a company with an outdated website and what it really costs when “a friend” takes over the hosting responsibilities.  Dreadful but very real…and our fix to the problem…we’ll tell you about it.

That story and one or two others that we are following (It’s 4:45AM…not everything is ready.  K?) today on Insight on Business proudly brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – You will be amazed at the quality and design in the corporate announcements and wedding invitations available from www.LotusMoments.com.  If you are seeking unique and value visit with Tammy today.  (I’ll be doing that right after the show with announcements for an event coming November 1st.)

SpotGone from NatraTurf- Dogs and Lawns = Yellow Spots from pet urine.  Get rid of them (the spots) with SpotGone from www.NatraTurf.com.  No chemicals, no dyes, no foreign grass seed.  Great stuff that works.  Keep the DOG – Lose the SPOTS!

Exceptional Speciality Products – Getting the attention of existing customers or making new ones takes and investment.  Now with www.ESP4All.comand Cindy Taylor the investment and the ideas are complete.  You’ll be very pleased and surprised at the quality and selection.  Go buy something already!

Thanks for reading, watching and listening!

Michael P. Libbie – Host and Advertising Guy

The "N-Word" & Other Iowa State Fair Thoughts

Meet Edward Lewis from rural Montgomery County...yes, Iowa.  If you were one of the one-million+ fairgoers to the 2009 Iowa State Fair you no doubt saw him and wondered who in the heck was this guy walking quickly through the fairgrounds holding, high, a flag of Iowa.  He wouldn't say anything he would just walk and walk and walk.  Did you see him?

You couldn't have missed Edward Lewis....he was there...everyday...eleven days....ten hours a day...rain or shine.

Why?  That's what we wanted to know so I stopped him and asked him what was up.

"I'm a proud Iowan who enjoys the fair and see an opportunity to share my joy of living here with others", said Lewis.  Edward is 45 years old and has a reason to celebrate.  "I've had open heart surgery, my arteries were blocked and they did five by-passes.  I think I've had maybe four heart attacks in my life.  I shouldn't really be here but I am and as long as I am I want to help celebrate the goodness of Iowa."

So far...so good.

"I also want folks to cut down on the use of the "N-Word" if you know what I mean", said Lewis.  "No, not quite sure what you mean," said I.  "Well, you know, that state to the west of us."  "Nebraska?", I asked.  "Oh NO!  There you go!  Don't say that...."

I'll try not to do that Edward.  But seriously, what if this action by Edward Lewis catches on?  Might there be TWO people at the Iowa State Fair next year holding high an Iowa flag and silently proclaiming what a great state we have?  And, then three and four....how cool. Bet it wouldn't happen over in...you know..."over there".

Also spent some time on Sunday afternoon with Bob Schultz who has been on the Iowa State Fair Board for years.  We talked about the numbers and he said that if Saturday was over 100,000 people and Sunday hit 100,000 they would reach that one-million attendee mark.  He was right on.  Saturday was about 105,000 and Sunday 100,143 folks came through the gates.  Well done.

I also had to ask Bob about the Michael Jackson butter sculpture and the flap that created.  "It was all staff driven. The last thing we knew was that the theme was going to be "Field of Dreams" and somehow it ended up being about the Moon Landing complete with a Michael Jackson doing the "moon walk".  They did that and we caught the grief."  The State Fair Staff opened it up for a vote by Iowan's.  And the issue was smacked down 66% opposed to an Butter Michael and 32% approving.  Funny how things happen huh?

The Iowa State Fair is a great place to be...with or without an Iowa Flag or a State Fair Board Member pin.  Ask Edward Lewis or any number of his 999,999+ friends.

Thanks for reading - MIchael Libbie- Acreage Owner and Host

You couldn't have missed Edward Lewis....he was there...everyday...eleven days....ten hours a day...rain or shine.

Why?  That's what we wanted to know so I stopped him and asked him what was up.

"I'm a proud Iowan who enjoys the fair and see an opportunity to share my joy of living here with others", said Lewis.  Edward is 45 years old and has a reason to celebrate.  "I've had open heart surgery, my arteries were blocked and they did five by-passes.  I think I've had maybe four heart attacks in my life.  I shouldn't really be here but I am and as long as I am I want to help celebrate the goodness of Iowa."

So far...so good.

"I also want folks to cut down on the use of the "N-Word" if you know what I mean", said Lewis.  "No, not quite sure what you mean," said I.  "Well, you know, that state to the west of us."  "Nebraska?", I asked.  "Oh NO!  There you go!  Don't say that...."

I'll try not to do that Edward.  But seriously, what if this action by Edward Lewis catches on?  Might there be TWO people at the Iowa State Fair next year holding high an Iowa flag and silently proclaiming what a great state we have?  And, then three and four....how cool. Bet it wouldn't happen over in...you know..."over there".

Also spent some time on Sunday afternoon with Bob Schultz who has been on the Iowa State Fair Board for years.  We talked about the numbers and he said that if Saturday was over 100,000 people and Sunday hit 100,000 they would reach that one-million attendee mark.  He was right on.  Saturday was about 105,000 and Sunday 100,143 folks came through the gates.  Well done.

I also had to ask Bob about the Michael Jackson butter sculpture and the flap that created.  "It was all staff driven. The last thing we knew was that the theme was going to be "Field of Dreams" and somehow it ended up being about the Moon Landing complete with a Michael Jackson doing the "moon walk".  They did that and we caught the grief."  The State Fair Staff opened it up for a vote by Iowan's.  And the issue was smacked down 66% opposed to an Butter Michael and 32% approving.  Funny how things happen huh?

The Iowa State Fair is a great place to be...with or without an Iowa Flag or a State Fair Board Member pin.  Ask Edward Lewis or any number of his 999,999+ friends.

Thanks for reading - MIchael Libbie- Acreage Owner and Host

Agriculture & Social Media

Over the past few years we've tried like crazy to get folks involved in agriculture to embrace social media.  We've had some great success with our advertising agency clients, Calcium Products and NatraTurf and limited success with several others.  But, most of the folks we talk with are not interested or see the value in putting social media tools in their marketing toolbox.

But, maybe this story might change some minds.

Last week on our daily business radio show, Insight on Business we featured Brent Pohlman the Director of Marketing & Business Development for Midwest Laboratories.  Midwest Labs has, for years, been involved in soil testing for farmers out of their Omaha location.   About a year ago Brent started using a Blog and then added Twitter @MidwestLabs and @BrentKPohlman and built his profile for LinkedIn and Facebook.  The result has been increased business opportunities and a better understanding of current and future client needs.

"We've been able to connect with our customer base and be seen as a help and not just always pushing a service", said Pohlman.  "We've experienced a much higher degree of understanding and many, many more qualified visits to our website."

And...Twitter has actually helped forecast an increase in business:

"Several weeks ago I noticed a number of Tweets about India testing for melamine in chocolate and in milk the country was importing from China.  I went back to our food research department and asked if we had seen any increase in the number of melamine tests.  He said we had not.  I suggested to him that he might be ready for a rush.  Sure enough about four days later we saw a 100% increase in requested tests for melamine."

So, how about you?  If you are in manufacturing, farming, niche farming, organics...what ever the business if you are looking to increase your visability....you might be ready to dive in and see what you might be able to accomplish by using social media in agriculture.  Give us a call...

You can keep up with us any number of ways:  On Twitter we're at @MichaelLibbie, @InsightADV or @RuralLifeRadio.  You can drop by our website, www.InsightCubed.com to learn more about what we do.

A quick shout out to our friends at Capital City Equipment Kubota dealers in Ames and Des Moines and to Iowa Water Solutions for water that is perfect...every day!

Reuniting With Twitter In Red Oak, Iowa

Last week my son and I traveled from Des Moines to Red Oak (pop 5,754) to do a seminar for the Western Iowa Tourism Region.  The region is large...very large...stretching from north of Sioux City to well south of Council Bluffs and from  Council Bluffs east to within 30 miles of Des Moines.  About 80 folks came to learn about social media and how it can help any business connect and get found.  We had a great time.  And, if you want to see the "business side" of the story head to our advertising agency site and have a read.  This post is more personal and it shows the value of social media.

This is Leah Guffey Banister, and her husband Sgt. Banister (who is currently in Iraq).   Leah lives and works in Springfield, Illinois for the convention and visitors bureau.  She too is a former Farm Broadcaster.

Leah and I "follow" each other on Twitter.  Me = @RuralLifeRadio and Leah = @Farmerspice.  When I posted a week ago that I was headed to Red Oak for this seminar she responded with a note that Red Oak was one of her favorite places and that she had so many fond memories about her grandparents, Jack "Buford" Guffey and Betty (Wigg) Guffey.(pictured) "They are buried in Nyman", she told me.  "But, I have two aunts still living there, Mary Guffey and Martha Guffey Heckert."

So, when doing the seminar last week I got on Twitter and asked for folks to shout back.  Up until now most of the people in the seminar saw, I believe, little to no value in Twitter.  Until Leah "came back" and offered a shout out and used her aunt's names, Mary Guffey, Elizabeth Guffey and Martha Guffey Heckert. 

Right away several people in the audience gasped.  "Oh my!  I know those people!", said one.  Another, "They come to the Red Coach Inn all the time for dinner!"

And, so the personal connection was made. And when Leah mentioned that her favorite house in Red Oak was on North 4th Street the people watching this projected conversation, who knew Red Oak, nodded in agreement.

The connection was made and Twitter honestly meant something.  No doubt we'll be seeing more from folks in Western Iowa as they work toward improving our Rural Economics by encouraging people to come and experience the beauty of Western Iowa.

See, it's all about the technology bringing about relationships...  When you think of it that way, it makes sense.  Oh, and another reason to call out for high speed broadband internet for Rural America...think of the possibilities.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner

 

On The Road To Red Oak, Iowa - Rural Economic Development

Economic Development for Rural America.  It's a passion of ours and that's one of the reasons we're thrilled to be able to do a social media presentation for the Western Iowa Tourism Region today.  In total we're expecting about 80 tourism professionals from a large chunk of the state all the way from Sioux City, in the northwest, to Sidney, Iowa in the southwest.  Not only a big region but there is plenty to see and do...especially now when family vacations may NOT include a costly airline trip.

We'll no doubt be met with loads of questions as we help our friends learn more about blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  It's scheduled to be a quick overview and hands on experience to help them learn the power of social media in their marketing efforts.

And...the bottom line is it's great for rural economic development.  OK, I know...Sioux City and Council Bluffs don't "think" they are rural... ;-)

Coming along with me is my son, Aaron... so we'll also have time to talk about his new business.

No doubt we'll call out later this morning on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio so if you could jump in and give us a "shout back" that would be very cool!

Thanks for reading and catch you later!!

To learn more about us visit our site, www.InsightCubed.com we're Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications, a full service advertising agency, based in the Middle of the Midwest.

Michael Libbie - Acreage owner....and today's driver.