Rural Lifestyle on Highway 6

Highway 6 Radio - A Detour....

Thanks for a wonderful three years of listening in to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  We've had hundreds of guests and even more stories over the time we were on the air at 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) and it was great to be able to share with so many people my passion for all things rural. 

But, this month we had to pull the plug on he show.  We just could no longer subsidize our rural passion.

What most folks don't realize is that we were buying the time from 98.3 WOW-FM at a cost of $300 for each week's show.  That's $15,600 a year.  Our goal was to gather enough sponsors at $25 per ad to cover the cost of the show and the costs to write, produce and seek guests.  We never actually got over three sponsors at $400 a month and for the past seven months our only paying sponsor was our friends at Capital City Equipment the Kubota dealer in Des Moines and Ames.

We thought that because there are more folks living on small farms and acreges in the 70 mile radius of Des Moines than there are large farmers, it would be a great show to advertise on.  But either we didn't try hard enough to sell the program or folks didn't see the value of having over 3,000 people listening here in Central Iowa with hundreds of others from all across the country on the live stream.

In the end...It's...business.  And as much as that hurts...we had to pull the plug.

But our passion for rural remains and soon we'll ramp up another way to broadcast the stories about the people that make up so much of this country...and this state.  We're taking a detour.  In the meantime we'll be here on this blog talking about those important things regarding Rural Iowa and Rural America.  You can still reach us at @RuralLifeRadio on Twitter and our new Internet Radio Show - Insight on Business airs Monday - Friday starting at 12:30PM Central on www.MacsWorldLive.com and we've added some agriculture tidbits to that as well.

But...while we get to "move on" I want you to know how much I've been grateful to all of the listeners who took part in our show...you guys ROCK.

Michael Libbie - Host and Acreage Owner

 

 

 

Artisan Beef with The Oliver Ranch - Highway 6 Radio

Hi and welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only live talk show that has a focus on the rural lifestyle.  We talk about living on small farms, acreages, organics, food production, Community Supported Agriculture and rural economic development.  It it's rural...we're there.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is heard live each Sunday morning at 8 Central Time on your radio or on the internet.  Our land based studio is near Des Moines, Iowa at 98.3 WOW-FM (www.983wowfm.com).  But, you can listen from anywhere on the planet by using your computer.  

IF you missed the LIVE show...no fear:  CLICK HERE for the PODCAST!  

Along with following some great rural news stories we had a most interesting guest talking about about "artisan beef".  HUH?  That's what we thought before we met Carrie Oliver of The Oliver Ranch Company based in Santa Rosa, California.   Here is the "set up" and it makes sense to us:  For longer than anybody can remember people have enjoyed specific wines because of the different flavors they bring to the palate.  But...what about other foods? 

What about...beef?

Might one breed taste different than another?  Might the growing region, diet and aging techniques alter the taste and then the enjoyment of...beef? 

We'll admit, this all sounded a bit strange at first but makes sense the longer we thought about it.  Well, that is The Oliver Ranch and Carrie Oliver.  She works with cattle producers across the country helping them, and consumers, learn more about the subtle, and not so subtle differences of beef.

We are all in for an education.  Oh, and one more thing, if you are stuck on what to get Dad for Father's Day...check out the beef tasting kit from The Oliver Ranch.  What a great time!  Rural Life Radio  with Carrie Oliver of The Oliver Ranch and the Artisan Beef Institute. 

And, yes, we'll also have several other stories we're following such as:

• Massachusetts & Animals - Are they going the way of California?
• United Organizations of the Horse - Headed to DC to "plan".
• HSUS - Why did a televised report from Atlanta...disappear?
• Farmers & Ranchers - How do Americans view them?
• Ed & Lynn Fallon - What a party...for a cause?

This and much more, Sunday morning at 8 Central on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country. Come on by?  You can follow us all week on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio. 

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

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

Rural Lifestyle News, Information and Hostas? May 31

Highway 6 Your Road to the Country is all about the rural lifestyle.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM or from anywhere on the planet if you use your computer to listen live! But...if you missed the live show:

Just Click Here for the Podcast from today!

So...what's up this morning?

We're going to visit with Marsha Ansevics from the Flying Frog Hosta Farm.   Hey...the Ansevics live on 20 acres about 4.5 miles south of Des Moines.  This is their 8th year selling Hostas and garden gifts.  We'll talk about why they got into the business, why they live the rural lifestyle, just how is the Hosta Business and what they have done to attract customers from...the city. 

And, as usual...I'll learn more than anybody about Hosta Plants..they seem to be the rage and we'll, together, figure out...why.

They have 900 different types of Hosta Plants...who knew?

In other news we're following:

What's up with my friends at Hy-Vee?   Hy-Vee is a regional grocery store with roots right here in Iowa.  So, imagine my surprise when I visit the local Urbandale store and at each checkout lane there is a bottle of hand sanitizer and a color brochure that "proudly" has the Hy-Vee logo along with these words:  "Seasonal Flu", "Swine Flu", "Pandemic Flu".  And, "You might have heard something in the news about swine flu or a possible pandemic."

This from a grocery store chain in the state where the Secretary of Agriculture told us just two weeks ago that pork producers are losing $2.5 million a day and the USDA Secretary of Agriculture has begged the media to call this flu anything but "swine flu" because it sends the wrong message to consumers who "think" you can catch something from pork. 

We spoke with Ron Birkenholz, the director of communications for the Iowa Pork Producers who said, "Great, just what we don't need." and went on to say that they had not heard about the brochure and clearly were not involved.  However, we can tell you who was, the Food Marketing Institute out of Arlington, VA.  Seems they made the brochure and Hy-Vee stuck their name on it?  Anyway..thanks guys.  Nice PR move.  Bet the "spin" is on education.

Other stories we're following:

• Rural Detroit?  You are NOT going to believe this one...but it makes sense!
• Food Waste - The US throws away more and more food...big story.
• Organics - Worth the effort or a marketing ploy?
• Elvis - Has left the building on his JD 4010 restored tractor.
• Dairy Prices - Farmers get less...you pay more.
• Beef - It's Leaving Missouri.

All of this...and your calls, questions and input.  You can follow us during the show and off the air on Twitter:  @RuralLifeRadio.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country...each Sunday morning at 8!

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

Kubota and Capital City Equipment- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food – A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa - Clean, great tasting water is what they do.  Stop wasting money on bottled water, replacement of appliances and using more and more soaps.  Rural or urban, AquaFuzion of Iowa and the General Electric Pro-Elite water system brings you water that is...perfect

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

 

 

This Week on Highway 6 Radio

Rural Lifestyle, let's talk about it on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nation's only full hour, live radio talk show dealing with living on small farms, acreages or in the tiny towns of America.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) here in Central Iowa OR, if you use your computer you can listen from nearly anywhere on the planet.  Just click this link to listen live.

So, what's up this Sunday?

It's official..this is the first weekend of Spring 2009.  We're going to talk about what that means to many rural folks getting ready for all kinds of activity.

"Step away from the produce section at the grocery store!"  That seems to be the call across the country as American's opt to grow their own.  Even the White House, as urban as it gets, has gotten into the action.  We'll talk about it.

Say goodbye to VeraSun.  Just a few short months ago the Midwest based ethanol manufacturer was the darling of the industry.  Now, all of their plants have been sold at auction.  What's gong on?  We'll talk about it.

Spring means...Farmers Markets going to start up soon.  And, everywhere you look in the United States it is a booming industry.  (Here in Central Iowa several new markets will start up this season.)  We're going to talk about that and what the farmers market means to urban and rural economies.

And, speaking of Farmers Markets we'll visit with some folks getting ready for the season and they are our special guests this week.  The Smith Family Farm is a five generation operation based just outside of Gainesville, Virginia.  They'll be here to talk about their unique blend of selling beef, pork, turkey and chicken all raised on the low impact farm near the Manassas National Battlefield.  The products they sell are completely free of antibiotics, growth hormones, steroids, fertilizers and pesticides.  WHAT?  YOU MEAN YOU CAN ACTUALLY DO THAT?  Yep.  Their critters don't do drugs!  Good stuff and we're glad they agreed to visit with us.

All of that...and...much more!  We've got new stuff to give away and new things to talk about.  Join us this Sunday at 8 for Highway 6 Your Road to the Country.  And, if you want to follow us on Twitter through the week...just click here and let's visit.

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

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

Country Vet Pet Food - A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

AquaFuzion of Iowa 

- Clean water is important for folks living in urban and rural Iowa.  That's what AquaFuzion of Iowa brings to you.  AquaFuzion of Iowa for water that's perfect.

NatraTurf - If you're looking for a chemical free way to build your lawn, golf course, care for your garden or even get rid of pet urine spots, it's NatraTurf now with SpotGone!  We'll be giving away bags of SpotGone to help introduce the product.  Listen on Sunday!

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

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

 

Today - Sunday March 15 - Rural Life Radio

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nation's only full hour, live talk show dealing with living on small farms and acreages.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8am (Central Time) on 98.3 WOW-FM or if you don't live in Central Iowa you can hear us by using your computer and steam live by clicking this link.  Thanks for reading and for listening.

And, following the show we'll post the podcast right here so you can listen when you want.  AND...yes, there is more!...if you want to follow us on Twitter we're RuralLIfeRadio you can follow us online to ask questions and interact all week long.  Technology...ain't it great!

So, what's on the show this week, besides our special guest Shannon Ramsey from Trees Forever?  Let's count them down:

We're talking horses...again.  Recently there was a "non" interview with the president of the United States Humane Society about what the heck are we going to do with all the neglected and unwanted horses.  Guess what that answer was?   Silence.  Here is the non-interview from the Norman, OK newspaper.

While we're at it, you might remember our story about Mrs. T. Boone Pickens and her desire to set up a non-profit designed to take care of 30,000 wild horses on a one-million acre ranch?  The Bureau of Land Management said, "no".  Here is that story.

Does Tom Vilsack head up the "most important" department in the US Government?  It might be.  How so?  This story asks "What are we doing to ourselves?".   Americans eat one in five meals in their cars, gas stations make more money from food and cigarettes than from gasoline and one in three children eat fast food everyday.  The USDA very well may be the most important department in government.  Here is that story.

Let's look at the stories we're introducing in our "Fast Takes on Rural America.  These are stories you'll not find in any other medium but...we've got them because we feel they are important to Rural America.  Let's go:

CMT and Carrie Underwood and the Humane Society...oh my.

Iowa State University looks at environmental impact of organic beef production.

Yard Birds are back in North Carolina...and welcome!

COSCO has an online survey about animals - You should take it.

Grocery stores angry at food manufacturers, "The cost of food too high!"

Dog breeders looking for help from agriculture as they battle PETA.

All of this and our special guest, Shannon Ramsey talking about trees and Trees Forever.  It's a great show line up for anybody living the rural lifestyle or for folks wanting to know more about living on small farms, acreages or in "small town USA".

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

Allied Insurance - For insurance answers for your small farm, acreage, business or vehicle see you local independent Allied Insurance Agent.  Allied Insurance - "Now with Country Choice, for the way you live."

Kubota and Capital City Equipment

- Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  Why not partner with a real "workhorse", a Kubota tractor and all the attachments you'll need.  Get 'em from Capital City Equipment in Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Kubota!

AquaFuzion of Iowa - It doesn't matter if you live in town or in the country good, clean water is important and Aquafuzion of Iowa can make your water...perfect.

Country Vet Pet Food - A complete line of pet food for your best friend.  You can find your dealer on-line or, here in Central Iowa, you can pick up Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!"

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Owning a horse has it's issues.  One of them is the equine digestive system.  Now, with Running Horse, that's less an issue than before.  Running Horse is formulated to help prevent digestive problems while creating a better horse..from inside out.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

Acreage the Magazine of Rural Living - Each month Acreage hits your mailbox with the latest information on living the rural lifestyle.  Great tips and ideas every month.  To order your subscription...click here.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service advertising agency that specializes in rural lifestyle and agriculture.  You make a product or service...let us help you make it great with a solid marketing plan.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner & 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

 

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Highway 6

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

This week we're talking Rural Broadband Internet.  A couple of weeks ago, President-Elect Obama indicated his support for improvement of our nations infrastructure that includes broadband Internet.  That, my friends is good news for Rural America!  In a story from The Morning Sun newspaper we even see a quote from Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar linking the Internet to the electrification projects of the 1939's.  She must have been listening to our show.  We've been making the same claim for nearly two years.  Now, let's make it happen!

Food prices dipped slightly during the fourth quarter of 2008.  Finally.  It's been a tough year at the supermarket but even worse for farmers.  Even though food costs are up, farmers are getting less of a percentage than what they did 30 years ago.  From nearly 33% to just 19% according to the USDA.  We had the full story.

Highly likely that if you own a rural home the value of your property increased in 2008.  That's not the case for urban homeowners.  We had that story from the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank.  Good stuff.

Also, a short departure from small farms and acreages.  I need to talk with you about marketing and advertising so we're taking a slight detour.  Here is the story:

We're talking business this morning.  In particular marketing and advertising.   This past week I was in a meeting where I heard business owners talking about cutting their advertising and marketing budgets.  That conversation led me to talking about what a BAD idea it is.  Here is the article I wrote this week and we're expanding on that issue on the show today.  If you own or work for a business that advertises a product or service and if you have the ear of the decision makers...listen up.  All of this and a whole lot more on the show this morning.

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

Allied Insurance - For information about insuring your home, acreage, small farm or vehicle see your local Independent Allied Insurance agent.  Allied Insurance, now with Country Choice - "For the way you live!"

Kubota & Capital City Equipment - Living on a small farm or acreage means you've got work to do.  And, Kubota is up to the job.  Find a complete line of quality Kubota tractors and the all new RTV-500 at Capital City Equipment.  Go Orange with Kubota and Capital City Equipment.

Country Vet Pet Foods - The finest food for your best friend comes from Country Vet.  With over 900 dealers nationwide you're sure to find one near you.  Here in Central Iowa you can find Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Running Horse Feed is something special.   You and your horse will notice the difference right away.  Feed less...because there is less waste and higher nutritional returns.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

Acreage Magazine - The magazine of rural living packed with information about living on a small farm or acreage.  A monthly magazine in full color that should be in your home.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - That's our company.  If you are looking for increased sales and a solid advertising campaign...call us.  We "get it".

Thanks for reading...and for listening!

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

 

Food For Thought - Organics

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country, this nation's only live full hour talk show about living the rural lifestyle on small farms and acreages.  Thanks for stopping by for the visual part of the radio show heard each week on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) in Central Iowa, or if you use your computer you can catch us nearly anywhere on the planet.

First, an apology.  The show you heard this past Sunday was a recording of a previous show.  We had billed it as a discussion with Jim Clewell of Kubota/Capital City Equipment but the station ran a show recorded earlier with Craig Dick of Calcium Products.  For those of you wanting to hear about compact tractors you got an ear full of soil science.  Hey, they are all great shows...but for those of you expecting tractor talk...we'll have Jim on again soon.

The reason the show was recorded is because I'm in Overland Park, Kansas at The Western Show a closed trade show for the turf and landscaping industry sponsored by the Western Nursery and Landscape Association.  Here owners of retail and commercial lawn , landscape and garden centers buy products from manufacturers and distributors for the coming year.

Like all trade shows there are plenty of publications being distributed to the attendees.  Yesterday I picked up Country Folks Grower (Midwest Edition).  It's a newspaper for commercial horticulture.  This one dated January, 2009.  The second story I read is by writer Bill McNutt about organics where he is quoting a recent report by Dr. Larry Phelan of Ohio State University where he talks about organic crop research.  Here is a quote about soil conditions/organics:

"...reduced nitrogen application in organic cultural methods increases carbon content in the soil.  There is less leaching and runoff of nutrients, much better weed control because of N starvation, plus a nearly one-third increase in yield over other organic growing methods."

What does all of that mean?  First it tells us we can get by with LESS not more fertilizer, second he is talking about the science of soil.  Exactly what Craig Dick was saying during the show on Sunday.  More fertilizer application continues to do negative things to our soil, water...and us(?).  It's an interesting discussion and one we continue to have here on Highway 6.

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

Allied Insurance - For insurance information for your home, acreage, small farm, business or vehicle see your local independent Allied Insurance agent.  Allied Insurance now with Country Choice, "For the Way You Live".

Kubota & Capital City Equipment - You've got work to do and Kubota is up to the job.  You'll find the tractor, attachments and the advice you need when you visit Capital City Equipment of Ames and Des Moines.  Go Orange with Capital City Equipment & Kubota.

Country Vet Pet Foods - A complete line of pet foods for your best friend.  With over 900 dealers you're sure to find one near you.  Country Vet can be found in Iowa at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - A brand new way of feeding horses that brings results quickly.  Find your local dealer on line.  Running Horse - For the Long Run.

Acreage Magazine - It is the magazine of rural living featuring articles and information for your rural lifestyle.  Own a small farm or acreage?   Acreage Magazine should be in your home.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're an advertising agency that creates stunning marketing plans for your business.  Want to sell more?  Market better.  That's what we do...everyday.

Thanks for reading and for listening,

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner / Host

Rural Living Radio - Organics & A Bunch More December 21

Welcome back to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country, this nation's only full hour, live radio talk show focused on living the rural lifestyle on small farms and acreages.  We're herein Central Iowa, each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) or if you live outside of the listening area you can click this link and listen live using your computer.

And, if you missed the show, check back later and we'll have it here so you can download anytime. 

Our special guest this morning is Harriet Behar from the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).  She's in to discuss what is going on with the move to more and more organic production, why small farms and acreages seem to be catching on more quickly than traditional farms and take up issues raised by others that organic farming is simply an emotional response without merit.  Good stuff...

We're also talking about how Dallas County, here in Central Iowa, ranked fourth in the fastest growing counties in the United States.  That's right the county, in the past six years has increased its population by over 40%.  What is the draw?  We talked about it.  And, here is the story from our friends at The Daily Yonder.

We've also got a HAY-101 lecture.  We're talking about the danger to both cattle and horses when it comes to moldy hay and leaving twine on the big round bales.  At first we thought it was too simple...but then realized Bruce Anderson from the University of Nebraska Extension had a point.  Some folks moving from the city to the country...just might not know!

Beef - It's Not What is For Dinner on 59% of the tables of folks who answered survey questions for Parade Magazine.  Some other shocking stats about what people are and are not eating and how diets and cooking is changing right before our eyes.

Deer smuggling is big business.  Ask Brian Becker who received $300,000 over three years to smuggle "trophy deer" to a posh hunting club called The Circle E!  It's a story you'll talk about at the cafe on Monday.  Who knew?

And, you might be surprised that YOU are the people causing the economic recession.  Yep...that's what some folks think.  Funny, we thought we were being wise not going into dept.  NOT!  Here is that story.

All of this and Harriet Behar talking Organics this morning on rural lifestyle radio:  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

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

Allied Insurance - Learn more about protection for your small farm, acreage, home, vehicle or business from our friends at Allied Insurance.  And, when you visit the Allied website you'll also find your local independent Allied Insurance agent.  Allied Insurance now with Country Choice - "For The Way You Live".

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - Owing a small farm or acreage means you've got plenty of work to do.  Get it done with a quality, dependable Kubota tractor.  Capital City Equipment has a full line of Kubota tractors and the attachments that make 'em work.  No question is silly and you can trust the folks at Capital City to make sure you're getting the right tractor and attachment for the job.  Capital City Equipment just north of I-35/80 here in Des Moines - Go Orange with Capital City Equipment.

Country Vet Pet Foods - A complete line of pet foods for your dog or cat.  With over 900 dealers nationwide you're sure to find one near you.  Here in Central Iowa you can find Country Vet at Shoppers Supply locations.  Country Vet Pet Foods - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners!

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Running Horse is a new type of horse feed that brings results quickly.  Your looking for less waste and bigger rewards?  Running Horse is for you!  Find you local dealer and learn more.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

Acreage Magazine - Country Living at it's Finest - Get the information that's really helpful when living on small farms and acreages.  Each month Acreage is jammed with tips and suggestions on everything from critters to projects.  It's a great source for equipment information as well. 

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - We're a full service agency that links folks to agriculture and the rural lifestyle.  Want to connect with thousands of farmers and folks that love rural living?  We can help!

Thanks for reading and for listening!

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Rural Living Radio: This Sunday - Harriet Behar & Organics

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country, this nations only full hour, live talk radio/news show dealing with living on small farms and acreages.  We're heard here in Central Iowa each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) or you can listen live by clicking this link.

This week, in the opinion pages of the Des Moines Register, letter writer Jerry Crew who hails from Webb, Iowa called on Iowa State University to eliminate it's organic program because, "99 percent of Iowa Farmers don't believe in organic".  He was offended by a remark made by ISU organic-agriculture director Kathleen Delate.  Here is the letter.  Could this be the SAME Jerry Crew who sits on the Clay County Soil & Water Conservation Commission?  Oh my!

Well, Jerry...this show is for you and the 99% of Iowa Farmers whom you say don't believe, support or want anything to do with organics.  By the way Jerry, we think (if you haven't got it yet)...you may be wrong.

This week on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country we'll feature Harriet Behar. (pictured with Rick Martinez at a recent organic event) Harriet is the outreach coordinator for the Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).  If indeed organics is so shunned by Iowa Farmers it will be like throwing a chicken to a pack of wolves.  Should be interesting.

I met Harriet in the thick of those "traditional farmers" during Farm Progress Days this past summer.  She along with a couple of her pals from Wisconsin were there loading folks up with (no doubt, as Jerry suggests "emotional") information for anybody willing to visit.  But, hey, we'll let Harriet tell her own story...and if you've got a mind to call in and set her straight...we've got a toll free number for you - 866-908-8255.

Along with Harriet we'll have a full plate of news and information critical to small farm and acreage living.

Hope you're tuned in this Sunday with Harriet Behar and MOSES only on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

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

Allied Insurance - Learn more about protection for your home, acreage, small farm, vehicle or business by heading to the Allied Insurance website.  That's where you'll also find your independent Allied Insurance agent.  Allied, now with Country Choice, "For the Way You Live".

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - Owning a small farm or acreage means you've got plenty of work to do.  Kubota is a trusted partner in those efforts and you can see a full line of Kubota tractors and attachments at Capital City Equipment just north of I-35/80 here in Des Moines.  Go Orange...with Capital City Equipment.

Country Vet Pet Foods - A complete line of pet foods for your best friend.  With over 900 dealers nationwide, you're sure to find a dealer near you.  Here in Central Iowa you can find Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - Running Horse is a new type of horse feed that brings positive results quickly.  See for yourself and find your local dealer by going online. Running Horse - For the Long Run!

Acreage Magazine - Country Living at it's Finest.  Get quality reporting and information from a trusted source.  Packed with "how to's" and photos Acreage is a magazine for anybody living or interested in the rural lifestyle.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - That's our company.  If you want to connect with agriculture or the rural lifestyle...we "get it".  Head to our website to learn more.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage owner and Host