Rural Lifestyle on Highway 6

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Sunday Morning

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only live, full hour talk show about living the rural lifestyle.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8am Central Time from anywhere on the planet if you use your computer (click here for the link) and if you happen to live in Central Iowa you can catch us on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm).  So..you can listen live using your computer or on-air.  And, following each show we'll upload the podcast...so you can listen whenever you want.  (And yes...we got snow this weekend!)

On the show this week we're talking about The Emerald Ash Borer and what that means to folks living in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and of course here in Iowa.  We've also got a story about the closing of dairy herds across the country. 

Quiznos is back in the news...the second week in a row?

Want a house but don't have the downpayment?  Maybe no problem with a little known program from the USDA.  We'll tell you about it.  In case you've run out of things to worry about...you've now got, "Farm Dust".  Crazy but true.

Corn based bio-fuels on the way out?  Yikes!  Lots of stories about this stuff.

YOU are the reason we do this show...and your numbers are increasing.  That's right, for the first time in 60 years there has been an increase in the number of farms in the US.  We'll share the details.  Oh...got spots in your lawn from pet urine, salt or de-icers?  New product out there to deal with it...once and for all.

Horse rescues and horse slaughter.  The topic is heating up again and we'll have several stories for you.

Hold the PHONE!  We just found this - by way of TWITTER.  His name is Paul Pecilunas and he's out of Minnesota.  He does these GREAT video pieces about rural living and "stuff in general".  What a great find.  Enjoy this one:  "Rhythms of a Winter Day".  We loved it!  Watch for more...right here from time to time!

All this and a bunch more this Sunday morning on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country...proudly brought to you by:

Allied Insurance with Country Choice for the way you live, Kubota and Capital City Equipment, Country Vet Pet Foods (Loved by Pet's - Trusted by Owners), Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds (Running Horse - For the Long Run!),Acreage - The Magazine of Rural Living and our company, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.

We'll visit Sunday morning at 8 - Thanks for reading and for listening!

Michael Libbie - Acreage owner and Host.

 

 

What Is Rural Lifestyle Radio?

It's been nearly three years since we signed on with Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  So, what is it?  Well, it's more than a weekly radio show dedicated to rural economics, rural living, horses, cattle, critters in general..and the rural lifestyle.  It's also an experiment of sorts.  You see, we believe that because "rural" is so diverse radio might be the best way to bring folks together.

Let me 'splain that.

Folks who live the rural lifestyle are diverse in what they do on and with their acreage or small farm.  They may be "horse-people" or they might raise milk goats.  Or both.  Some have organic farms, some do traditional row crops.  Some are "old hands" with tractors and equipment and some are still learning about a three-point-hitch.  But, there is one common thread among the people living "out here"...the love of the land and the lifestyle that goes with it. 

We all worry about water (enough or will it freeze) we all concern ourselves with critters (feed, vets, general care and welfare), we all have chores (muck stalls, haul manure, fence building, home repair) the list gets pretty long.  So while we are diverse in "what we do" we're pretty similar in many ways.

That's why we created Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  We talk about the lifestyle and the issues nobody else covers...we do that because not too many folks do.  There are lots and lots of "farm shows" out there...but very few rural lifestyle radio programs.  If any.

Over the past few years we've brought dozens of guests to you.   People who have their own micro-business on their acreage or farm, wine folks, policy makers, soil experts, organic experts, rodeo star, "hay guys", female operators and even rural dating services...honest.  We, along with local activists, helped stop a "Mexican Rodeo" featuring "horse tripping" and along the way we hope we've given those people NOT living in the country...a little more knowledge of where their food comes from.

So, that's us.   It's kind of like sitting around having a conversation among friends.  And you're invited into the circle.  Even if you don't live in Central Iowa where we broadcast live each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) you can pick up the show live...or listen to the podcasts using your computer.  We put up those links each week.

Thanks for reading and for listening...

Michael Libbie - Acreage owner and host.

 

 

 

Rural Lifestyle News & Templeton Rye

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour, live radio show that gives you news and information about living in Rural America, in small towns, on acreages or small farms.  That's the stuff we talk about each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm).  If you don't live in the Des Moines area you can still pick us up using your computer. 

A big thank you to Scott Bush of Templeton Rye our in studio guest this morning. 

Last night (February 21) we attended the Membership Dinner for the Raccoon River   Valley Trail.  Our old friend Chuck Offenburger served as the MC and brought along former Des Moines Register Cartoonist, Brian Duffy.  It was a great evening as they attempted to raise over $11,000 from the 180 people who attended.  We're going to have to get Chuck on the show to talk about this 56 mile long trail system they hope to increase to over 70 miles of biking / hiking trails that connect Dallas, Guthrie and Greene counties here in Iowa.

The American Farm Bureau knows when they are behind the curve when it comes to the public and the perception of agriculture.  So, they've just launched a new site, Your Agriculture that is aimed at educating the non-farming public about agriculture.  It's just another sign of how far we've drifted from our rural roots.  Here is the full story.

You are not going to believe this!  PETA has joined up with Quizno's and this unlikely union has already brought about changes in the Quizno's menu.  Gone are eggs from the recipes of three of the four cookies the chain sells.  In addition, Quizno's has said they will buy more turkey and pork from farms wh raise the animals, "cage and crate free".  New slogan?  "Quizno's...Mmmmm...Egg Free!"  Here is that story.

Broadband Internet and Rural America - Just how many studies do we have to see before something happens?   Here's something from our friends at The Daily Yonder!

The New York Times maybe listens to our show?  Maybe?  If you are a regular listener   you know we've been talking, for some time, about bringing back the Victory Garden.  Just makes sense in these times of high food costs, low trust in the food system and living a more "green" existance by STOPPING with the chemicals and water on lawns...just so we can mow twice a week.  Here is the latest from our friends at the Times.

And, while we're talkin' food...what do American Consumers think about the safety of their food products?  They are worried and concerned that food processing companies are not able to keep the food chain safe.  In addition, lower-income consumers are more likely to switch food brands than more "well-to-do" consumers.  It's an interesting study and if you would like to see the story all you need to do is...click here.

And, our special guest this morning was Scott Bush of Templeton Rye.  We've been following these folks on Twitter and recently pulled Scott away from one of his many road trips where he goes to get folks to try this prohibition style rye whiskey.  Made in tiny Templeton, Iowa (pop. 350) Templeton Rye is fast becomming much more than a former favorite of Al Capone.  This is an interesting tale and we're excited that Scott was willing to come in and talk about the history and the re-development of this "Rural Original"...  Scott Bush (L-above) with partner Keith Kerkhoff from Templeton Rye on with us this morning!  Thanks again Scott for making the trip!

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

Allied Insurance - Now with Country Choice for the way you live.  Find your local Independent Allied Insurance agent and learn how they can help you protect your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle.

Kubota & Capital City Equipment - Living on a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do and Kubota from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines is up to the job.  These folks are honest...know what they are talking about and can help you with making the right choice in a compact tractor and the attachments you'll need.

Country Vet Pet Foods - Dog and cat food made right here in the Midwest.  And, nope these folks have not seen a recall in pet food or peanut butter biscuits.  Why?  It's the science of caring.  Country Vet - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feed - For the "Long Run".  Find your local Running Horse dealer online and learn what this horse feed can do for your horse.

Acreage Magazine - The Magazine of Rural Living.  Each month Acreage hits your RR mailbox with tips, information and stories about the rural lifestyle.  Get it...and learn.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - That's our advertising agency dedicated to the rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You've got a product or service...let us help you get noticed.

Thanks for reading and for listening!

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

 

 

 

Scott Bush & Templeton Rye - Rural Lifestyle Radio

Welcome to Highway 6 -  Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour, live radio talk show dedicated to rural living, acreages and small farms.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM(983wowfm) here in the Des Moines market.   However, even if you live outside of this area you can listen live by following this link.

Along with rural news and information you'll not hear anywhere else we feature intriguing guests with stories that mirror the spirit of the rural lifestyle.  And, this week we're really talking spirits.  Our guest Sunday morning is Scott Bush of Templeton Rye.  Scott and his business partner Keith Kerkhoff(pictured on the right) gave a jump start to Templeton, Iowa (just up the road from Dedham) when they and several dozen dedicated folks brought back the prohibition style rye whiskey.

We'll talk about the history of Templeton Rye (was it really a favorite of Al Capone?) the way it's made, the folks who make the product, the economic boost it's given to the area, and the fantastic marketing work done by this group of dedicated distillers.

Join us Sunday morning at 8 for Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country and our special guest Scott Bush of Templeton Rye.  Remember, after the show we'll upload the podcast so you can download and listen...whenever you want.

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

Allied Insurance - Now with Country Choice, "For the way you live".  Find your local independent Allied Insurance agent and learn more about protecting your small farm, acreage, vehicle and your business.

Kubota & Capital City Equipment- Owning a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do and Kubota is up the the job.  See these great tractors and the attachments you'll need at Capital City Equipment of Des Moines and Ames.

Country Vet Pet Food - With over 900 dealers you're sure to find one near you.  Country Vet Pet Food a complete line of food products for your best friend...including great tasting and healthy biscuits!  Country Vet - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds- When you've got horses (or a horse) you know how important proper nutrition is for performance...or just "lookin' great".  Running Horse delivers.  Running Horse - "For the long run!"

Acreage Magazine - "The Magazine of Rural Living"  Each month Acreage brings tips on everything from critters to equipment directly to your rural route.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based here in the "Middle of the Midwest".  You've got a product or service...we can help you make it great through insightful marketing and advertising ideas that work.

 

Thanks for reading and for listening...

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage owner and Host

Today Aquafuzion on Rural Lifestyle Radio

In what amounted to a major goof...we're pre-recorded this morning on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  It was a contract deal and so we were forced to run a show that aired on February 1.  Yikes.  Sorry for the confusion and we'll be back next week with a live show.

On the show today we're talking rural and city water issues with Aaron Libbie from Aquafuzion of Iowa.  The interview portion of the show centers on what is really in the water you drink...and why you should know.

So, we've got a couple of dated stories...and again, back next week.

Highway 6 Radio is brought to you by:

Allied Insurance, now with Country Choice for the way you live.  Calcium Products, Inc. with inputs for your farm or your garden!  Kubota and Capital City Equipment with compact tractors and attachments great for small farms and acreages.  Country Vet Pet Foods, Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners and Running Horse Feeds - Running Horse for the Long Run!

Back next week with a live show...

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host...

Rural Living & Lifestyle on Highway 6 Radio

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country, this nation's only full hour, live talk show dealing with rural living, rural lifestyle, small farms and acreages.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM. 

This past week the 54th Annual Iowa Power Farming Show was in town.  We were surprised at the large number of folks who "came to town" to see this record setting show.  And, they were not all farmers.  We talked to dozens of rural lifestyle folks.  In addition we were NOT surprised at the number of urban folks who knew NOTHING about the show being here and even questioned "why" a show like this would be in Iowa.  Yikes!

Water is back in the news.  Last week my son, Aaron Libbie, was on talking about water and his new company, Aqua Fuzion of Iowa.  We were talking about what folks have in their water...that they shouldn't.  Today we've got two stories about water.  One from the Des Moines Register and the other from the American Chemical Society saying what we've been doing...may be causing more harm.  Check them out.

Like we reported last week.  The USDA Census of Agriculture was released this past Wednesday (at noon).  Most of what was in the study...we expected.  However, what was interesting was how many more "new farms" there are out here and how young their operators are.  They don't make much money...yet...but they are committed to the lifestyle.

What is going on at the USDA center in Ames with (gulp) drugs?  Seems folks want to get low cost drugs and because we can't get them from Canada some people at the USDA labs in Ames...simply came up with a way to get prescription drugs...cheaper.  But, got caught. 

You want RURAL HIGH SPEED INTERNET?  Move to Great Britain.  The country is investing billions to make it happen before 2012.  Oh no...not another GOVERNMENT program.  But, we think this one will pay off.

Might big time row crop farmers be setting up vegetable stands near their machine sheds...or better yet, join small farmers at Farmer's Markets?  Maybe.  We've got a story coming out of the USDA that suggests Secretary Tom Vilsack is headed down that way as he is opening up land to grow...veggies.  Sustainable ag in BIg Ag?  We're liking this guy.

The Michigan State Fair...may end.  It's the nation's oldest at 160 years but budget troubles may force it to close down.  It's a sad fate for a city, Detroit, that is already reeling from bad management and worse luck.  Here is that story.

"Hey buddy, got a license for that horse?"  Dodged bullet on this weird story coming from out east.

So, has corn based ethanol run it's course?  We've found story, after story, after story that suggests the "Golden Age" of corn is...gulp over!  This is sobering news to thousands of folks who put money into the project only to see the industry move in another direction.  Not surprising to us....we talked about this two years ago.  But, reality may have sunk in.  And, it's scary.

All of this and a bunch more on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

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

Allied Insurance and Country Choice for the way you live.  See your local Independent Allied Insurance agent for details.

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - You've got work to do and Kubota is up to the job.  See the latest at Capital City of Des Moines and Ames.

Country Vet Pet Food - Country Vet - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners

Running Horse Elite Equine Feed - Great feed from a great company - Running Horse, for the Long Run.

Acreage, the Magazine of Rural Living.

And, our company, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency right here in the Middle of the Midwest.  We understand rural lifestyle, agriculture and rural living.  And...can help you take your product or service to market.  Now.

Thanks for reading and for listening!

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

 

Iowa Power Farming Show: Calcium Products & Kubota

Two friends of Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country will be at the Iowa Power Farming Show at the Iowa Events Center over the next three days.  We hope you'll stop in!

Calcium Products, Inc will be in Booth 2503 which is in the LOBBY of Hy-Vee Hall.  If you are serious about increased row crop production and you want to lower your input costs, please visit with Craig, Jim or Brian from Calcium Products.  They will show you how expensive and wasteful traditional ag-lime is.  How it either blows away or simply "sits there".  You'll learn about how important it is to keep your pH adjusted and exactly how important soil testing is...

Calcium Products can also tell you about gypsum and how it inputs sulfur into the soil (that is a GOOD thing), how it promotes root growth and reduces compaction issues.  Each one of these fact are important to increased yield and decreased costs.

And, it's not just for large row crop producers.  If you are growing hay, veggies or any number of organic items...you need to visit with them!

And, Calcium Products is also sponsoring the shuttle bus.  These buses run every fifteen minutes between Principal Park and the Wells Fargo Arena.  And...it's FREE with just a few steps into the show from your vehicle.

Our friends from Kubota will also be at the show.  You'll find them in BOOTH 1403 which is just inside Hy-Vee Hall and just a few steps from Calcium Products.  At the Kubota booth you'll be able to learn more about these high quality compact tractors that are great for your small farm or acreage.

Locally, Kubota Tractors are sold by our friends at Capital City Equipment, just north of I-35/80 on 2nd Avenue North. 

I know it's hard to get away during the week...but if you've got an interest in learning what is new and how you can put your hands on it...head to the Iowa Power Farming Show, now in it's 54th Year!  Show hours are 9 - 4 Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 - 3 on Thursday.

See you at the show!

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Rural Lifestyle, Aaron Libbie, Aqua Fuzion and News

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour live radio talk show about living the rural lifestyle on small farms and acreages.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) here in Central Iowa.  If you missed the show you can pick it up here.  Just click this link for the podcast!  

Along with rural news and information we bring along guests who are experts at everything from organics to horse care.  This week we're talking water with my son, Aaron Libbie who recently moved back to Iowa to start a company called Aqua Fuzion of Iowa.

This isn't the first time he's been a guest on a radio show of mine..  The first  was almost 29 years ago...March 1980.   If I remember right we got a couple of sounds out of him when he was a few weeks old.  Over the years he's made several appearances but this is different.  He's got some great information about your water and how you can save money and live better.  No matter if your from the city or country, we promise you'll learn something Sunday morning at 8.

We're also taling about the sudden reversal in North Dakota regarding Horse Slaughter.  Just days ago a committee of the state legislature floated an idea of constructing a new facility.  It was shot down in less than four days.  But, still Americans do not have an answer for what to do.  Here is that story.

Hey...need Hay?  If you are in Central Iowa our good friend Johnny Hopkins from Dayton, Iowa has some.  Grass hay at $4.50 and alfalfa at $5.50.  Not bad prices when you consider what we've heard.  If you can even get it.  Johnny tells us he has.  Call him direct or drop us an e-mail.

The USDA Census of Agriculture comes out this Wednesday.  Big news for those of us who follow trends and look for new opportunity.

Loads of people taking about Rural Broadband Internet.  There is 6 Billion Dollars coming soon and folks are scrambling to figure out a way to spend it.  This week...we're on the road with Rural Economic Development types....talking about ways they can make this happen by summer in a unique public/private partnership that will cost very, very little.  We'll tell you more.

And, the Iowa Power Farming Show gets underway this Tuesday at the Iowa Events Center.  Loads of things even for folks living on small farms and acreages.  Our friends from Kubota / Capital City Equipment will be there and so will Calcium Products.  If you want to learn more about organics, increased yield for crops, hay and even veggies make sure you stop in and meet Craig Dick.  What they have will alter your thoughts on soil science.  Also, if you are headed into town for the show and you do NOT want the parking and walking hassle.  Calcium Products is sponsoring the Shuttle Bus.  A quick walk to the bus and the drop you off at the front door.  Nice when it's cold and windy...and...no charge!  Watch for the parking signs...you'll be headed toward the Iowa Cubs stadium where you'll park and the bus picks you up.

Rural Living news, information and Aaron Libbie of Aqua Fuzion on water this Sunday morning only on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

Highway 6 Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by Allied Insurance, now with Country Choice for the way you live, Kubota and Capital City Equipment - You've got work to do and a Kubota Tractor is up to it, Country Vet Pet Foods, now more than ever - Country Vet, Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners, Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds, Running Horse, for the long run, Acreage Magazine - Rural Living at it's finest and Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency in the Middle of the Midwest!

Thanks for reading and for listening!

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host