Rural Lifestyle on Highwy 6

Rural Lifestyle Radio with Sharon Krause

Rural Lifestyle - Let's talk about it!  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is heard each Sunday morning here in Central Iowa on 98.3 WOW-FM.  (Or you can listen anywhere on the planet if you use your computer and log on)

Each week we talk about and to folks who have made or want to make that move to the rural lifestyle.  We discuss the issues folks face who live on small farms and acreages.  Horses, cattle, small farm equipment, home remodeling and a host of topics make up the conversation.  And, you're invited.

This week our guest was Sharon Krause from the Dalla Terra Ranch which raises and sells high quality lamb products.  Dalla Terra Ranch is located just west of Des Moines and provides meat to scores of individuals both here in Central Iowa and other locations.

A great conversation about how to use an acreage and the work that goes into being Eco-friendly.  Our thanks to Sharon for joining us this morning!

Sharon Krause and Dalla Terra Ranch this Sunday morning at 8 only on 98.3 WOW-FM.

Last week was "National Ag Week".  No doubt you missed all the events.  And, that's probably because they were scant.  The United States currently produces 46% of the world's soybeans, 41% of the world's corn, 20% of cotton, 13% wheat.  But...the number one agriculture product in the US...cattle.  And, what is really stunning is the average size herd is roughly 35 cows.  If you would like to see the entire report....here it is.

Raw Food?  Yep...in some parts of the country this is becomming a big hit.  We had a story about our friend Michael Levelle of the Embassy Club of Des Moines and how a noon-time event drew over 90 people to the club...on a weekday yet.

But...did you know it is illegal to sell "raw milk" in Iowa?  We didn't until we did a little searching around.  Iowa is one of 18 states in the nation where it is against the law to sell non-pasturized milk.  We think it's silly...but what would we know?  Never mind that for years that's all we had.  Two Brown Swiss cows were the contributors...and nobody got sick.  But, that was a different story.  And, one that made it to our "Rural Memories" section.

Recession?  What recession?  At least that might be the message from many  traditional rural type stores.  Consider that Tractor Supply actually had a stock gain last month...or that Wal-Mart stock price is going up.  All while upscale stores like Saks are tumbling.  Why?  Here is the whole story from our friends at The Daily Yonder.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - For over 75 years Allied Insurance has been serving people just like you.  New to the rural lifestyle or living it for years, Allied Insurance has a product for your home, acreage, business or auto.  Find your local independent Allied Insurance agent by going to the Allied Insurance Website.  Allied Insurance with "CountryChoice, for the way you live".

Iowa Horse Council - The 24th Annual Iowa Horse Fair rolls into Des Moines on April 11 - 13 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.  Learn more about the event, the trade show, the Bulls & Barrel Extravaganza and so much more by visiting the Iowa Horse Council Website.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - It doesn't matter what activity level your horse is at, Running Horse has a feed designed to improve conditioning, coat and flexibility.  Find out more and locate your local dealer by going to the Running Horse Website.  Running Horse - For the Long Run.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency based in the "Middle of the Midwest".  You won't have to explain the difference between an horse and a mare to our group.  We get it...and would love to help you take your product or service to millions of folks living the rural lifestyle or making a living in agriculture.  Come on by for a visit.

Thanks for reading and for listening!

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Easter Sunday

Rural Lifestyle, let's talk about it.  Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only live full hour radio program dedicated to living on small farms and acreages.

We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Central Iowa.  If you would like to listen anywhere in the world all you need to do is head to this link and log on. Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country streaming live each Sunday morning at 8.

We've got a great show lined up for you this Sunday.  We told you about a conversation I had with National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) Mike Parry, an old radio buddy who now goes around the country talking about...the Rural Lifestyle.

What is interesting about this is the effort and the expense the NAFB is expending on this message.  And why?  It's the numbers.  Today in the United States there are 2.1 million farms...and remember a farmer is ANYBODY with a farm income of over $1,000.  Contrast that with the number of people out here living on 3 - 100 acres of land...47 million households.  It's the numbers and very, very few people "get it".  So...Mike is out there telling the story in a positive way. 

And other traditional farm broadcasters are getting into the mix.  Including Gary Truitt our friend from Indiana who seem to have just discovered this huge market.  In fairness for many traditional farm broadcasters they are way too busy discussing row crops and markets to pay much attention to the "lifestyle" folks.

It needs to be said:  We've been telling the story locally for nearly 18 months...

We knew it wouldn't be too far behind our constant conversation about the plight of unwanted horses.  The Iowa Legislature weighed in this past week with a Senate Study Bill asking Congress to bring back horse processing.   That they have finally taken a stand is not too surprising.  Nor are the folks lining up against the measure.  Lobbyists who, as of the 19th support the measure:

• Jill Altringer - Iowa Cattlemen's Association
• Susan Fenton - Iowa Department of Agriculture

Lobbyists opposed:

• Kimberly Haus - Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Humane society of the United States and the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies.  Kimberly, from Earhlam, also represents Phillip Morris our tobacco friends.

Lobbyists Undecided (Usually waiting to see where the shoe drops):

• George Appleby, Jennifer Tyler, Jim Carney - IA Veterinary Medical Association.

We talked about the business of raising money for animal rights groups and just how much of an increase they saw in giving.  It seems 2006 (the most recent year figures are available) was a very good year for PETA and others.  Donations to PETA increased by 17% and in total "animal rights" groups reached $295.8 million. 

We're likely to see more money sent their way.  Of particular concern are reports of cruel treatment of "downed" cattle as seen on a number of videos and reported, once again, by the Des Moines Register this morning.  If the industry does not clean up their act...somebody else will.

We took a look at the food price issue.  WOW...the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas CIty projects food price increases will continue not only in 2008 but perhaps forever.  Gone, they say are the cheap food value Americans have enjoyed for generations.  Who to blame?  They tell us it's a mixture of increased labor, the cost of raw goods and transportation.

Oh, a couple of other things:  According to our friends at The Daily Yonder food manufacturers are reducing the choice and the "food" in prepared food products!  Hamburger Helper has fewer choices, Sara Lee is changing its bread recipies to use cheaper, lower-protein wheat and Campbells Soup, according to the Wall Street Journal, is reducing the number of meats, vegetables and spices it uses in its products. 

Pay more...for less.  Oh...and the farmer in all of this...gets less too.

And, on this Easter Sunday we brought back our friend Rabbi Aaron Schwarzbaum to discuss the Jewish/Christian state of affairs, Israel and a host of other topics.  Somebody asked why we would have a rabbi on with us during the Christian Holiday of Easter.  Simple, all our Christian friends were headed to church!  Rabbi Aaron for most of the hour.  We discussed Christian/Jewish relationships, Israel and a host of topics of current interest of many people of faith.  Including a better understanding of the Jewish group the rabbi leads here in Des Moines.

All of that plus the Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country Tip of the Week - How to Grow Great Root Crops in your Garden.  It all happened today at 8am only on 98.3 WOW-FM.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - With over 75 years of serving people just like you.  Find your local independent Allied Insurance agent by going to the Allied Insurance Website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice - For the way you live!

The Iowa Horse Council - Make plans now to visit the 24th Annual Iowa Horse Fair, April 11 - 13 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.  Horses, clinics, trade show and a Bull and Barrel Extravaganza!  It's all at the Iowa Horse Fair next month.  For more, visit the Iowa Horse Council Website.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - You'll find the right horse feed for your equine athlete, your mare, foal or senior horse from Running Horse Feeds. To find your local dealer head the the Running Horse Website - "Running Horse, For the Long Run!"

Acreage - The Magazine of Rural Living - A monthly full color magazine for those of you living on small farms and acreages.  Tips, equipment and loads of photos and advice from experts in country living.  "Acreage Magazine, Country Living at it's Best."

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency that understands the rural lifestyle.  Got a product or service you would like to make great?  Come by for a visit.

Sunday March 16 - Deb Hoyt & Horses

Rural Lifestyle Radio from Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. If it's rural it's on Highway 6 -  Your Road to the Country.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country isn't a "farm show" lord knows we've already got plenty.  This is a show about living the rural lifestyle.  It's about living on a small farm or acreage and what we do out here.  How we take care of our critters, equipment and the issues that effect our lives.  Grab a cup of coffee and come on by for a visit each Sunday morning at 8 only on 98.3 WOW-FM.  Or if you don't live in Central Iowa you can listen live using your computer.  Just log on and let's talk.

We want to thank our in studio guest from this morning, Deb Hoyt from Healing Hearts with Horses.  She came in to discuss the ever growing plight of unwanted horses.  What a horse rescuer like hers does and offered several suggestions that might turn this growing tragedy around. 

Unwanted horses that are left to starve or just turned loose.  Many have told us it's a problem in places other than Iowa.  Deb gave us first hand knowledge of what she has seen and the issues that abound here in the Middle of the Midwest.  Thanks Deb.

We also discussed the issue of Meth Labs that we think will be on the increase in rural parts of the country because of the massive cut in drug enforcement dollars.  The federal government has gutted programs that to this point have been successful in getting rid of rural meth labs.  It's a story about being too successful?

Kansas State University is out with a free 15-page booklet about what to expect when you opt for the Rural Lifestyle.  Best news is that if you follow this link...it's free to you!

Everybody knows rural workers are paid less then their city cousins.  But in a recent report from the Economic Research Service (part of the USDA) we find that if you've got a college degree expect to be paid even less!  Shocking stuff and if you want to read the full report we've got it for you.

And our Highway 6 Tip of the Week had to do with "double digging" your garden.  It's not an easy task but well worth it in the end.  Oh...and we gave you a hint on how to keep your soil from getting compacted by using calcium this spring.  Hey, if if works for farmers...should work for you too!

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - Protecting people like you for more than 75 years.  Whether you're new to the rural lifestyle or have been living it for years, count on Allied and your local independent insurance agent for all your acreage and small farm needs. Locate your local Allied independent insurance agent by going online.  Allied Insurance now with "CountryChoice  - For the Way you Live."

Acreage - The Magazine for Rural Living.  Acreage is a magazine packed with information about living the rural lifestyle.  Tips and information on equipment, best practices, rural issues come to your door each month along with beautiful photos of the rural lifestyle.  You can subscribe if you head to the Acreage Website.  "Acreage - Country Living at it's Finest"!

Country Vet Pet Foods - Dog and cat food for every stage of your pets life.  Now with over 900 dealers nationwide you're sure to find one near you.  For the Country Vet dealer locater just jump to the website.  "Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners".

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - We talk allot about horses because we think there is a special bond between humans and their equine pals.  Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds gets that message too.  You'll find a feed for every level of your horses activity.  For your local dealer head to the website.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run".

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency that also "gets" the rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make the product or service and let us help you make it great!

Michael Libbie - Acreage owner and host...thanks for reading and for listening!

Deb Hoyt & Horses & Healing This Sunday

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is all about the Rural Lifestyle.  It's not a farm show but a full hour radio show that talks about living on small farms and acreages.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM.  If you don't live in Central Iowa you can still catch the show by logging on with your PC.

This week, along with news and information about the rural lifestyle we'll have in house Deb Hoyt from Healing Hearts with Horses. 

For those of you who have been following the issue of unwanted horses (we've talked about it for weeks) you've heard stories coming out of New York, Kentucky, Tennessee and Minnesota about horses left to starve because owners could not or would not feed them.  Last week we talked about conditions in Kentucky where city people are finding horses wandering in traffic.  Where horse breeders are shooting foals because there is no hay.  Where people find horses tied to telephone poles...without food or water for days.

But...is it also going on here in Iowa?

Healing Hearts with Horses is not only a program aimed at healing kids but Deb also takes in unwanted horses and attempts to heal them.  You'll hear first hand about the what is happening to horses right here in Iowa.  About the struggle to save some...knowing she can not save all.  It's a show you will not want to miss.

We'll also talk about the kids who have been helped by spending time on Deb's ranch.  How the program works and how you can get involved.  Deb Hoyt and Healing Hearts with Horses...this Sunday morning at 8...and only on 98.3 WOW-FM.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by these great sponsors:

Allied Insurance - Protecting people like you for more than 75 years.  Whether you're new to the rural lifestyle or have been living it for years, count on Allied and your local independent insurance agent for all your acreage and small farm needs.  Find your local Allied independent insurance agent on the Allied Insurance website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice for the way you live.

Acreage - The Magazine for Rural Living.  Each month Acreage Magazine has articles about and for the small farm/acreage owner.  Tips, equipment, where to buy, sell and trade the stuff you need.  It's all in Acreage - Country Living at it's Finest.

Country Vet Pet Food - Dog and Cat food for each stage of your pets life from puppy/kitten to mature adults.  And, now with over 900 dealers nationwide you're sure to find a dealer near you by visiting the Country Vet website.  Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - One horse or a dozen you and your horse will appreciate the value and quality in each bag of Running Horse.  You'll feed less and your horse will waste less.  And, no crazy sugar highs that sometimes come with "sweet feed".  Find your local dealer online.  "Running Horse - For the long run!"

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based right here in the "Middle of the Midwest".  You make the product or service and let us help you make it great!  Come on by for a visit.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host - Thanks for listening and for reading!

Rural Lifestyle Memories - A New Feature

Highway 6 - Your Road to the County is about the Rural Lifestyle.  We're on each week in Central Iowa at 8am Sunday mornings.  You can listen live at 98.3 WOW-FM or Online using your PC.

We thought we'd give you an opportunity to get involved with your stories about your rural lifestyle.  Here is an example, the first in a series of Rural Lifestyle Memories:  Peanut Butter Toast

Several years ago we were doing some major renovations on our place so we had to move the horses to a barn about six miles away.  It was early in the spring and the mornings were still pretty frosty.

Now, because the horses were not just "out the back door" didn't mean I could duck the chores.  We still had to feed, water and groom on a twice daily basis.  But...now I had to drive six miles on a bumpy country gravel lane to get that done.

Every morning just before sun up, for over a month, I'd fix coffee, slap some peanut butter between two slices of toast, climb in the truck and head down the road. 

It was a great ride.

Twenty minutes alone, watching the sun come up, counting pheasants, deer and spilling coffee along the way.  No cell phone, no traffic...radio on with a little George Strait or the local weather forecast.

After about five weeks we moved the horses back home.  Since then I'm not too sure I've had a toasted peanut butter sandwich.  Until the other day when I pulled out the toaster...

In an instant I was transported to a fond memory that far too often escapes me in the busy life we lead today.  But, I have to tell you...it was a fun memory.   Not wanting to over due my pleasure...or weight...I'll not revisit the toasted peanut butter sandwich often.  Just on those frosty early spring mornings when I want to remember a time when life was slower and we took time to enjoy the simple things...

That's it!  And we'd like to invite you to send us your Rural Lifestyle Memory.  You can do that by sending us an e-mail...with photos if you want.  Or if you prefer the regular mail:  Highway 6 Radio, 8657 Douglas Avenue Box 382, Urbandale, Iowa, 50322.

We'll pick out one a week, read it on the air and publish the piece for you.  How fun is that?

Thanks for listening...and for reading.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - Protecting people like you for more than 75 years.  Whether you're new to the rural lifestyle or have been living it for years, count on Allied and your local independent insurance agent for all your farm insurance needs.  Locate your local Allied independent insurance agent by heading to the Allied Website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice - For the Way you Live.

Acreage - The Magazine for Rural Living.  Each month Acreage brings you photos, articles and information on living the rural lifestyle.  Looking for new equipment?  Land?  Rural Tips?   It's all in Acreage - Country Living at it's Finest.  For subscription information here's their Website.

Country Vet Pet Food - Dog and Cat food for every stage of your pets life.  And, now with over 900 dealers nationwide you're sure to find one near you.  For more about Country Vet and to locate your local dealer use the Country Vet Website.  "Country Vet - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners".

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - It doesn't matter if you've got one or a dozen horses on your place.  You, and your horse, will love this new feed.  You'll use less, waste less but see a dramatic improvement in the look and health of your herd.  To find out more and your local dealer head to the Running Horse Website.  "Running Horse - For The Long Run!"

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in the "Middle of the Midwest".  You make a product or service and let us help you make it great.  See more on the Insight Website...

Michael Libbie - Host & Acreage Owner

Sunday, March 8 - Rural Lifestyle Radio

Rural Lifestyle Radio, It's Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour live radio show dedicated to the issues and items that matter to folks living on small farms and acreages.  We don't just talk about agriculture.  We talk about what is important to folks living the rural lifestyle and we're heard here in Central Iowa on 98.3 WOW-FM.  And around the world using your PC.  Just click here, log in and listen live.

This post is about the things we had on the show for Sunday, March 8, 2008.  If you caught the show you know we send you here to read more about each item and to pick up some great links to our sponsors.  Today we talked about lots of things:

They tell us that spring is just around the corner.  Maybe but just as soon as summer and fall end the winter winds and blowing snow will be back.  Our guests this morning Joe Wagner (left) and Dick Tremain (below) are both from the NRCS and came in to talk about living snow fence.  Not only is it an excellent way to protect your acreage it's what the government often uses to block snow from highways like the image above suggests.

Joe and Dick came buy to give us some tips in how  to construct a living snow fence, what assistance you can expect and how to start the process.  A great lesson and something that will also increase the value of your place.  Our thanks to our friends from NRCS.  That's the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

We also talked about the wage difference between urban and rural workers thanks to our friends at The Daily Yonder.  The the real shock to us says if you have a college degree and work in rural areas of the country the gap between urban and rural wages gets even wider.  Here is the entire story.

The Food vs. Fuel Debate is back in the news.  This time fueled by none other than President Bush.  Say what??  You read that one right...here is the rest of the story.  And a secondary "what if" story that asks us, "What in the heck are we doing putting so much of our faith in crops that with one drought year could mean $8 corn and $5 gas?"  This is something you won't hear about on other rural reports.  But we figure it's important enough to pass on to you.

Meth Labs in the Midwest on the increase again?  Could very likely happen now that the 2009 Federal Budget stripped about 75% of the budget tagged for states to combat the drug.  It's a goofy story about being too successful.

And yet another story about starving and neglected horses.  It's getting to be a weekly event.  We've received dozens of stories each week about this growing national issue.  Here is the latest.  Be warned it isn't a pretty story.

"If you are going to play, play nice!"  Mom always had good advice and it's about time we started paying attention.  As more and more city folks move to the country tempers and lawsuits are on the rise.  Here is a story about how one state hopes to get neo-ruralists to back off a little.

Our Highway 6 "Tip of the Week" was about planting your potatoes!  If you're looking forward to a good crop a little planning is in order.  Here is the tip!

And, we opened up a new segment of the show:  Rural Memories where we invite YOU to share with us your favorite rural story.  We'll receive submissions by e-mail or regular mail at Highway 6 Radio - 8657 Douglas Avenue #382 - Urbandale, Iowa 50322.   We'll air your "rural memory" during the show and then submit your short story to Acreage Magazine for possible publication nationally.  Pretty cool huh?  Today we shared a personal story about Peanut Butter Toast...

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - Protecting people like you for more than 75 years.  Whether you're new to the rural lifestyle or have been living it for years, count on Allied and your local independent insurance agency for all your acreage and small farm insurance needs.  Locate your Allied independent insurance agent by going to the Allied Website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice for the way you live.

Acreage - The Magazine of Rural Living - Each issue is loaded with tips, information, equipment and stories about living the rural lifestyle.  Sign up for your annual subscription by going online.  Acreage - Country Living at its Finest!

Country Vet Pet Food - Dog and cat food for every stage of your pets life.  And now with over 900 dealers nationwide you're sure to find one near you by heading to the Country Vet Website.  Country Vet Pet Foods - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Help your horse or horses stay fit and active with Running Horse formulas for every level of your horses activity.  Feed less, waste less and keep your horse at optimal health.  Find your local dealer by going to the Running Horse Website.  Running Horse - For the Long Run.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency that specializes in agriculture and the rural lifestyle.  Got a product or service that needs a shot in the arm?  We've done it for hundreds of companies...give us a chance to do the same for you.  Visit our website.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host - Thanks for reading and for listening.

Snow Fence & More This Sunday - Rural Radio

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour, live radio show that talks about the issues and events impacting folks living on small farms and acreages.  We're heard each Sunday morning on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Central Iowa.  If you live outside the area you can listen too.  Just click here and listen live this Sunday.

We've had quite a winter and just because the sun is shining and it's getting warmer doesn't mean we're done.  But, more than that right now is the time to plan for next season.  Last week we talked about taking photos where you've got snow drifts so that you might be able to plan your snow fence defense for next year.

Remember the density of the fence will tell you just how far from the target area you should place the fence for maximum protection.  Far too often people place 50% density snow fence, like the one pictured, too close to the target area.  That means it won't work as well as it should.

On this week's show we'll visit with Dick Tremain from NRCS here in Des Moines and Joe Wagner a district conservationist in Jones County will share with us about the wisdom of planting a "living snow barrier".  It's also the perfect time to plan this activity so you can get at it when the weather breaks. 

Joe will be here to talk about planting tips, what to use, where to place the living snow barrier and a host of things.  Hope you'll join us for that and so much more.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - Protecting people like you for more than 75 years.  Whether you're new to the rural lifestyle or have been living it for years, count on Allied and your local independent insurance agent for all your acreage and small farm needs.  Find your local Allied independent insurance agent at our website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice - For The Way You Live.

Country Vet Pet Foods - Made right here in the Midwest, Country Vet Pet Foods is the right food for your best friend no matter the activity level.  Learn more about Country Vet Pet Foods and now with over 900 dealers nationwide you're sure to find one close to you.  Just head to the Country Vet Website.  Country Vet Pet Foods - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feed - This is the right horse feed for you and your horse.  For you...you'll not waste as much and you won't have to feed as much.  For your horse...he'll have a better coat and a decided energy boost without sugar highs.  Running Horse dealers can be found by heading to the website.  Running Horse - For the Long Run.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency dedicated to the rural lifestyle and agriculture.  We invite you to come by our website for a look.  You make a good product or service, we'll help you make it great.

Rural Lifestyle Radio - March 2, 2008

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour, live radio show dedicated to living the rural lifestyle.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Central Iowa.  If you live outside the area you can always listen using your PC.  Just click, register and you're on.

Our guest on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this morning was to have been Mary Lou Garcia.  Mary Lou is the executive director of Wildwood Hills Ranch a 400 acre camping and outdoor recreation facility just south of Des Moines. 

We'll catch up with Mary Lou in a future show and learn about how Wildwood Hills Ranch attempts to make a difference in the lives of at risk kids and about what it takes to keep such an operation running. 

We referenced a story we've been following about unwanted horses.  The issue is becoming so critical that we're seeing horse rescue ranches filled to the maximum level.  We'll have a representative of the industry on in the near future.  Meanwhile, this story out of San Diego hits it well.

Do urban business startups fare better than new rural businesses?  That was the question asked and some say answered in this report from the Small Business Association.  Be prepared when you read it...they talk about the "birth" and "death" of a business.  We guess that is one way to look at it.  But one thing the paper fails to take into consideration is the lack of Rural Broadband choice.  (Frankly we're stumped that nobody other than the Communication Workers of America are talking about this.)  It does, however point to issues of education and access to capitol as major problems in Rural America.

In a related story Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has asked Internet companies to focus on rural non-profits as the state struggles to find a way to offer high-speed service to folks in the country.  As the story says, "Companies usually find it unprofitable to extend expensive broadband infrastructure into rural areas."  That, my friends, was the same story Rural America heard in the middle of the past century until President Roosevelt pushed through rural electrification.  History repeats.

Farmland prices rose by an average of 18% into an area that some farmers are saying are no longer sustainable even with $6 corn and $15 soybeans.  We've long held to the belief that we're setting ourselves up for a repeat of the 1980's particularly if farmers start to borrow on existing land to finance expansion and/or equipment upgrades.  One banker told us, "The scary thing is that our memory is so short.  Lenders who were in the middle of the 1980 bust have retired and the current crop of bankers don't have that experience to guide them."  We'll see.

A point of personal ranting about poor customer service and DISH Network took a little time.  But, we think we've got an answer as to why good customer service is so hard to find.  We believe America never really transformed ourselves from a manufacturing economy to a service economy...from the business model standpoint.  Here is the whole story.

And, our Highway 6 - Tip of the Week had to do with snow fence.  We'll have a guest (Joe Wagner) on next week to talk about the details...but our tip this week was about going out right now and taking photos of the areas where the drifts are.  That way, come fall when you put out your fence you'll be able to know exactly where it should be placed.

Whew...lots of stuff!

Highway 6 Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance - Protecting people just like you for more than 75 years.  Whether you're new to the rural lifestyle or you've lived it for years, count on Allied and your local Independent Insurance Agent for all your farm and acreage needs.  Find your  Allied Independent Agent by going to the Allied Insurance website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice for the way you live.

Country Vet Pet Food - Dog and cat food for every stage of your best friends life.  Now with over 900 dealers nationwide, you're sure to find one near you.  Head to the website to find yours.  Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition - All horse food is not created equal.  This is a brand new  horse feed that you...and your horse is going to love.  To find your local dealer head to the Running Horse Website.  Running Horse - For the Long Run.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in the middle of the Midwest.  We've helped dozens of companies build strong sales by inventive and insightful advertising campaigns.  Let us help you too.

Michael P. Libbie - Host and Acreage Owner