Rural Lifestyle on Highwy 6

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Highway 6 - June 8

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

We're heard each Sunday at 8am on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Central Iowa.  Don't live here?  No problem!  Click this link to listen live!

So, what does running, biking, swimming and pie have in common?  Duh!  Penny's PieAthlon!  It's headed into Adel, Iowa later this month in an effort to raise money for cancer treatments and research.  The money raised goes to the LiveStrong Foundation, The John Stoddard Cancer Center and the Mercy Cancer Center.

Dave Milburn was our guest this morning talking about the success of last year, details of what's going on this year and...of course...PIE!  We hope our friends in rural Adel and all over Central Iowa take part in the event on the 28th of June.  Dave Milburn...if you want to listen to the show, just click here!

Ban Bull riding?  If some county Republicans in New York have their way...that's exactly what's going to happen.  The story is loaded with poor information and, of course, the Humane Society is rock solid behind the proposed ban.  We might expect this from the Democrats...but Republicans?  Here's the story from Newsday.

Higher gas prices are having an effect on the sales of rural homes.  As the cost to commute from town to city increases fewer people are willing to put five-dollar a gallon gas in their cars.  Yep, we know it's not there yet...but we've predicted five-dollar gas by Labor Day.  Meanwhile rural home sales hit a wall what will that mean to a rural economy already hurting?  Here's the story from our friends at The Daily Yonder.

Now it's getting personal!  Expect the cost of wine to increase.  Say it ain't so!  The driver of this latest pinch in your pocketbook isn't fuel prices...it's a lack of labor.  Wineries just can't find the workers.  Here is that story.

The Food vs. Fuel debate continues.  The government says there is no relationship between high food prices and record prices for grain.  However there is a growing number of non-rural folks banging the drum against biofuels and guess who just launched a major public relations campaign to pressure legislators to lose the love for biofuels.  The grocery store industry!  These are the folks that make the food you and I eat.  Here's the story.

Crude oil prices hit a new record on Friday trading at $139.40 a barrel.  And that has happened while gasoline consumption here in the United States has gone down.  So much for the supply and demand theory.  So, other than China...who is driving up the cost?  The answer is really simple.  It's not all supply and demand it's profit taking and speculation on the market.  Not the oil barons of Saudi Arabia but tie wearing folks in plush offices betting on oil to hit $250 a barrel.  (Which translates into $10 a gallon gas.)

Consider the fact that one year ago, June 2007, a barrel if crude oil cost $59.25.  It defies the imagination to suggest that within twelve months oil use in China and India tripled.  Somebody...maybe your 401K...is getting fat by driving up the price.  So, what do you think?

And our Highway 6 Tip of the Week - How to Fertilize Your Garden...on the Cheap!

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

Allied Insurance - For over 75 years Allied Insurance has been taking care of folks just like you.  For your local Allied Independent Insurance Agent head to the Allied Insurance Website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice for the way you live!

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - When you buy a tractor for your small farm or acreage you want it to last and have an outstanding reputation.  You need a Kubota.  To learn more visit Capital City Equipment and ask about the Kubota Orange Sales Event.  Kubota and Capital City Equipment!

Country Vet Pet Food - A dog food company based right here in the Midwest.  You won't have to worry about where and what their pet food is made from.  To find your local dealer head to their website.  Here in Des Moines you can find Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners"!

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - No matter the activity level of your horse Running Horse has a feed that will match it.  It's a new type of horse feed that won't disappoint you, or your horse.  Find your dealer on the Running Horse Website.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

Acreage - The Magazine of Rural Living.  Each month Acreage brings you information about how to live the rural lifestyle more robustly.  Equipment, clothing, tips and a host of ideas.  Acreage - Country Living at its Finest.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency that understands agriculture and the rural lifestyle.  You want to connect your business or service with more customers.  Find out how...come on by for a visit.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Sunday, June 1, 2008

Rural Lifestyle, we talk about it.  Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country where we discuss all things rural.  If you live on a small farm or an acreage you've got unique issues to deal with.  If you live in a small town...or even a large one and want to learn more about living rural and the things that impact this lifestyle...you've come to the right place.

We're on each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM.  And, if you're not living in Central Iowa you can still listen in using your PC.  Just follow this link.

OR...if you want to listen again to the show from this morning...here is that link!

A couple of weeks ago we had a story about how you can become more self sufficient by turning a spade and creating a Victory Garden.  It looks like we were right on.  The Associated Press and MSNBC reported last week that sales of seeds and plantings for fruits and vegetables has hit record numbers.  And, it's happening all over the country.  People in urban areas are putting gardens on fire escapes and ripping out their lawns.  Folks in the country have expanded their gardens to record size.  All in an attempt to battle the current food issues.  It's a great story and here it is.

Schools in rural areas are taking a hit.  Nebraska just passed legislation taking funds from rural areas and giving them to urban centers.  Meanwhile there is a lawsuit here in Iowa alleging that state officials have allowed a sub-standard education program.  We had both stories.

The Tale of Two Milks.  One group says raw milk is good for you while the other says stay away!  Who do you believe?  We centered on personal experience but use your own judgement. 

In another food development we had a story about the problem with Food Stamps.  It seems the government has not recalculated the system since 1996 and that is causing problems as food prices increase.

So, what are they paying for gas in China?  A bunch less than you or I and we're fueling their economy at record numbers.  Isn't it time to stop?  If you would like a peek at what folks are paying in Iran, China and our other "friends" take a look.

Rural Lifestyle in Northern Michigan.  What a hoot!  Here in the Midwest we think we are remote.  Nothing compaired to Indian River, Michigan.  A bike trip of 30 miles had nobody in site.  But more than that was the issue of the Internet there.  Our story centered on the need for Broadband to be something of a national issue.  Study after study tells us that high speed Internet is a must as rural areas seek better economic development opportunities.  Here is another story from Science Daily saying what we've said for nearly two years.

Finally our Food Sunday took a look at profits of food related companies.  Just hope your portfolio has some of these giants in it.

All of that and more from Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country

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

Allied Insurance - For over 75 years Allied Insurance has been taking care of folks just like you.  For your local Allied Independent Insurance Agent head to the Allied Insurance Website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice for the way you live!

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - When you buy a tractor for your small farm or acreage you want it to last and have an outstanding reputation.  You need a Kubota.  To learn more visit Capital City Equipment and ask about the Kubota Orange Sales Event.  Kubota and Capital City Equipment!

Country Vet Pet Food - A dog food company based right here in the Midwest.  You won't have to worry about where and what their pet food is made from.  To find your local dealer head to their website.  Here in Des Moines you can find Country Vet at Shoppers Supply.  Country Vet Pet Food - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners"!

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - No matter the activity level of your horse Running Horse has a feed that will match it.  It's a new type of horse feed that won't disappoint you, or your horse.  Find your dealer on the Running Horse Website.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run!"

Acreage - The Magazine of Rural Living.  Each month Acreage brings you information about how to live the rural lifestyle more robustly.  Equipment, clothing, tips and a host of ideas.  Acreage - Country Living at its Finest.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency that understands agriculture and the rural lifestyle.  You want to connect your business or service with more customers.  Find out how...come on by for a visit.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Got A Great Mushroom Recipe?

Rural Lifestyle, we talk about it each Sunday morning on 98.3 WOW-FM.  We're not a farm show but we do talk about agriculture on small farms and acreages.  We talk about horses, livestock, sustainable farming and offer tips and information on living the country lifestyle.

Our thanks to Lewis Major for coming on the show this past Sunday to talk about morel mushrooms..yummmmm.  According to Lewis we've got a couple more weeks of mushroom season left.  The problem has been the weather...we've been absent the warm weather so it might be a light season.

Speaking of Morel Mushrooms...we were contacted this past week by Emily Adamson of Marx Foods.  She asked that we pass this on to our readers and listeners:

Seems Marx Foods wants your mushroom recipes!  So much so they are willing to part with two pounds of fresh morel mushrooms for the winner.  If you would like to send them yours just follow this link and send it on.  Good luck to you and Emily...you too!

Thanks for reading and for listening!

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

Allied Insurance - For over 75 years Allied Insurance has been taking care of folks just like you.  For your local Independent Allied Insurance Agent just head to the Allied Insurance Website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice for the way you live.

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - Don't just get a tractor for your small farm or acreage...get a Kubota!  You'll find the help you need to make a smart tractor choice at Capital City Equipment and make sure you ask about the Kubota Orange Sales Event.  Need directions?  Here is the Capital City Website!

Country Vet Pet Food - A dog food company based right here in the Midwest.  There's no guessing about the quality of Country Vet Pet Foods.  To find your local dealer head to their website or if you're here in Des Moines you can buy Country Vet at Shoppers Supply just north of the city.  Country Vet Pet Foods - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners".

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - No matter the activity of your horse they, and you, will love Running Horse.  It's a new type of feed that truly is one of the best things you can do for your horse or horses.  For dealers and all the information just head to the Running Horse Website.  Running Horse - "For the Long Run".

Acreage - The Magazine of Rural Living.  Each month Acreage brings you information about living the rural lifestyle.  Want to know more about equipment, critters, home ideas?  It's all in Acreage - Country Living at its Finest.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency that understands agriculture and the rural lifestyle.  Let us help you take your product or service to the next level.  Come on by for a visit.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Lewis Major and Mushrooms - Rural Lifestyle Radio

Rural Lifestyle, let's talk about it!  Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM.  If you're not in Central Iowa you can still listen by clicking this link and use your PC. 

We talk about small farms, acreages and living the rural lifestyle.  We're not a farm show...but we do talk about agriculture, horses, cattle, dogs, gardens and a host of topics that impact your life in the country.  Glad you stopped by.

Grab a cup of coffee and let's get started.

Our guest this morning was Lewis Major from the Polk County Conservation Board.  Lewis is a naturalist who is involved in a host of projects here in Central Iowa.  But one that he knows well is Morel Mushrooms!  We talked about how to find them, why they are such a big deal to so many and tried to get him to tell us exactly where they are.  Lewis Major...this morning on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country!

We also had a story about baby carrots...or what is marketed as "baby carrots.  Some are...some are not. 

We've talked about this several times.  Last week I wrote an article about the upside down nature of agriculture and the general public.  Now, things are getting ugly.  There is a backlash in the nation and farmers need to become more involved in taking control of their public relations.  Our friend from Hoosier Ag Today, Gary Truitt has a variation of the story we did this past week.

Here's one for you.  According to a study by the Carsey Institute rural soldiers account for a disproportionately high number of casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Interesting reading.

When are farmers going to "get it"?  With fuel prices going up, fertilizer prices doubling what is the answer for agriculture?  More of the same.  It doesn't make sense...but it's the way some folks react.  However some farmers are seeing profit in different crops that don't take as many chemicals.  Here's one story.

The Des Moines Farmers Market was a HUGE success yesterday!  Thousands came to buy farm to market foods and goodies.  Our friend, Michael Leo who has the Salzburg Bakery told me last night he broke all records with his sales.  Oh...and the dogs behaved!

All of that and Morel Mushrooms this morning as we talk about the Rural Lifestyle on 98.3 WOW-FM.

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

Allied Insurance - For over 75 years Allied Insurance has been taking care of folks just like you.  For your local Independent Allied Insurance Agent just head to the Allied Insurance Website.  Allied Insurance now with CountryChoice for the way you live.

Kubota and Capital City Equipment - Don't just get a tractor for your small farm or acreage...get a Kubota!  You'll find the help you need to make a smart tractor choice at Capital City Equipment and make sure you ask about the Kubota Orange Sales Event.  Need directions?  Here is the Capital City Website!

Country Vet Pet Food - A dog food company based right here in the Midwest.  There's no guessing about the quality of Country Vet Pet Foods.  To find your local dealer head to their website or if you're here in Des Moines you can buy Country Vet at Shoppers Supply just north of the city.  Country Vet Pet Foods - "Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners".

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - No matter the activity of your horse they, and you, will love Running Horse.  It's a new type of feed that truly is one of the best things you can do for your horse or horses.  For dealers and all the information just head to the Running Horse Website.  Running Horse - "For the Long Run".

Acreage - The Magazine of Rural Living.  Each month Acreage brings you information about living the rural lifestyle.  Want to know more about equipment, critters, home ideas?  It's all in Acreage - Country Living at its Finest.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency that understands agriculture and the rural lifestyle.  Let us help you take your product or service to the next level.  Come on by for a visit.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Making A Living On Twenty-Two Acres!

Rural Lifestyle, let's talk about it!  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is this nations only live full hour radio show dedicated to acreage and small farm living.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM or by using your computer to listen life from anywhere on the planet.

We're NOT a farm show...we are about the rural lifestyle.  We are about sustainable agriculture, horses, cattle, and finding ways to make your small farm or acreage pay for itself.

This past Sunday we had the pleasure of meeting Penny Brown Huber the program director of Grow Your Small Market Farm a program associated with the Leopold Center of Iowa State University. 

The program is all about giving small farmers and acreage owners the tools to help them succeed in growing and then marketing their products.  As Penny said, "Farmers, no matter what size farm, have little trouble growing crops.  The trouble comes when they have to make it a business."  She discussed the importance of creating a solid business plan and then following it.  (Hint, Hint...Nudge, Nudge!)

To prove her point, Penny brought along several of her recent students.  That's Scott and Julie Wilber of Wilbers Northside Market in Boone, Iowa along with Ron Bartelt a "semi-retired" teacher in the Des Moines School District. (Penny is bringing up the rear.) 

Scott and Julie have been raising produce on five acres and selling their vegetables at a couple of farmers markets.  This year they took the plunge; Scott quit his full-time job to devote his efforts toward making a success of their "growing farm".  It's now expanded to 22 acres!

Meanwhile, Ron Bartelt sells free range chicken eggs at farmers markets.  He'd like to be able to sell the chickens too...but has run into inspection issues and a lack of processing facilities.  But, he's working on it with the help of Penny and her program.

Since we've started doing Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country we've met hundreds of folks just like this.  People that care about quality food grown and sold locally.  And, it's something we believe will become a major industry as people continue to be more conscious of what they are putting in their mouths.

We thought you should meet them...and perhaps look for them and others like them at your local farmers markets.  This is the future...enjoy!

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 P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host...thanks for reading.

Rural Lifestyle Radio - November 18, 2007

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country the only full hour radio show dedicated to the Rural Lifestyle.  Nope, not a "farm show" (there are hundreds of those) this is a show that looks at living on small farms and acreages and we're glad you came buy to learn more.

You can catch the show, aired each Sunday morning at 8, on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Des Moines or...you can go online and sign up to hear us on your PC.

This week we visited with Karla Kurth (L) from the Midwest Border Collie Rescue.  We learned about what made a good home for these dogs, about their temperament and how the organization works to find proper homes for these wonderful canines.  Our thanks to Karla for getting up so early and coming in to talk about her passion.

Wal-Mart - the Giant Retailer headquartered in Bentonville, Ark. is making some sweeping changes in not only the "look" of their stores but also what they carry.  In a strong attempt to halt the sluggish sales of this past year Wal-Mart is shedding their "rural roots" in an attempt to lure urban customers.  Time had an interesting story on this change.  Now, if they can also work on Customer Service...maybe I'll go back.

As rural communities shrink, colleges based in rural areas find they must cast a wider net to find students.  According to our friends at the Daily Yonder, that's why many are now trolling the high schools in urban areas.  We gave you several examples.  Now, might also be a good time for rural kids to apply to rural schools.  Expect more help than before.

Food vs. Fuel.  It seems we were wrong.  According to the National Corn Growers Association there is NO relationship between the record prices for grain and the high prices of food.  The real culprit is the cost of moving products to market (fuel).  And we suspect the real reason land prices have gone up (skyrocketed?) is the result of hunters who are buying farms in record numbers for recreation.  This just in...the Tooth Fairy is real.

We had that story and also talked about the news in this mornings Des Moines Register that outlined  who the emerging foes of corn based ethanol might be.  It's a good read...

We saw it coming...and it's a good move for Iowa's emerging wine making industry.  Announced this past week, and an article in the Des Moines Register, a new group has been formed to promote wine and tourism in Central Iowa.  The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail is 15 wineries joining to form this alliance and promote their vineyards and wines.  We're not sure where the Iowa Grape Growers Association fits into this (their website has not been updated since May) and maybe they do.  However, our experience in attempting to make contact with this paid professional group was not successful.  We called a number of times and never actually talked to anybody.  The volunteers?  Yep...even had Greg Bakker on the show.  But staff...nope.  Anyway, if you are interested in rural development this is an interesting read.

Our tip of the week had to do with building windbreaks...it's that time of the year.  Best to take advantage of the weather we have now...than try to construct things in the dead of winter.

Thanks for joining us and thanks to our sponsors:

Foton Tractors - Great compact to full size tractors from 25 to 125 horse models.  You can see them online if you visit the site from Mayer Farm Implement or see them in person.  Just head fifteen minutes south of Des Moines the the junctions of I-35 and Hwy. 92.  Local people, parts and service have made FOTON a smart choice for small farms and acreages.

Country Vet Pet Foods - Dog and cat food for every stage of your pets life.  Now with over 900 dealers you're sure to find one near your home.  Made here in the Midwest, Country Vet Pet Foods is Loved by Pets - Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - No matter if you have one or a dozen horses you need to try Running Horse.  Made in a brand new way Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds cuts waste and eliminates those "sugar highs" associated with sweet feeds.  Find your dealer by going online.  Running Horse - For the Long Run.

Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications is a full service advertising agency.   While we tend to specialize in rural lifestyle and agriculture we've had several clients from various sectors come to trust our ability to increase your company visibility.  That means more customers. 

Thanks for reading...and for listening!

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

Today On Highway 6 - October 14, 2007

Thanks for coming by for a look at what we talked about today on the nations only full hour radio show dedicated to the rural lifestyle.  Each week at 8am we're on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Des Moines.  If you caught the show today on the air or over your computer...thanks!

And, here's a recap of the morning.

Our thanks to Jennie Deerr from Living History Farms who came in to discuss the link LHF has with our urban and rural residents.  It was a great discussion and we're hopeful you learned lots about their fall and winter programs and how you can help "The Farms" in any number of ways.  We really are blessed to have this major attraction so close to the city.

We also discussed the increasing cost of food prices.  Again!  So, what is going on?  Just how much is the increase?  How does it effect you?  And, what the heck is going on with milk prices?  All of this has made major impacts on a number of things, including the Cheesecake Factory!  For an in depth look hit the links...and learn more.

State Child Health Insurance Programs...you might recognize this as the very debated S-CHIP program that experienced the veto of the president.  The conservative media types have been blasting away at what they call an "increase in socialized medicine".  But, what are the facts as they relate to Rural America.  Hit our link, read the report and find out more.

Marshalltown, Iowa and Storm Lake, Iowa were two cities profiled in a recent study by the Housing Assistance Council.  The increase in foreign born residents has skyrocketed in these two rural towns.  What does that mean in the housing market?  We talked about it and you can find the full report right here.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has weighed in on the horse slaughter issue.  They are against banning horse slaughter in the United States.  Why?  They think it will lead to more cruelty in other countries and in a rise of neglected horses here in the United States.  They are on opposite sides of the fence with the Humane Society on this one.

Thanks for reading our update on the show from today. 

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

FOTON Compact Tractors and Mayer Farm Implement where you can see these value priced tractors from 25 to 82 horsepower.  Local people, parts and service has made FOTON a leader in compact tractors here in Des Moines and building in other locations across the US.  Head to the website for prices and information on FOTON.

Country Vet Pet Food - A great food product for your best friend.  Proudly made right here in the Midwest Country Vet Pet Food is Loved by Pets - Trusted by Owners.  To find your dealer from the 900 across the US just head to their website.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feed - If you love your horse you'll love this feed.  Made for every level of equine activity Running Horse gives you the first real choice in a new and modern feed.  To find your dealer and learn about what makes Running Horse the feed for The Long Run head to the website.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based here in Des Moines.   If your company needs television, radio or print advertising answers...and more. Come see us.  You make the product or service...let us help you make it sell.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner & Host

Thanks for Listening!

Hey, thanks for listening to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country a rural lifestyle show heard weekly at 8am on 98.3 WOW-FM here in the Des Moines market.  Lots of information from a great guest who is passionate about the Iowa Wine Making Industry.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is brought to you by, FOTON Compact Tractors, Country Vet Pet Food and Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications.

Not surprisingly when people think about Iowa Wine one of the first things that comes to mind is sweet Concord wine...the kind the grand-folks made from the couple of vines near the garden.  Well, it's not that way any more and thanks to this week's guest Doug Bakker of the Madison Country Winery we're all a little smarter.

Doug is the president of the Iowa Wine Association and was kind enough to give us a passionate look at the growing Iowa Wine Industry and Grape Growing Industry.  With over 300 grape producers and 70 winery locations Iowa is climbing back to become a player.  And, is it any wonder when an acre of processed grapes can generate more than $30,000 in revenue?

Some follow up information from the show:

• Des Moines Area Community College now offers course work in wine and wine production.  Plans are underway to help students then move on to Iowa State University where they can receive their four year degree in the subject.
• Looking for some help in growing grapes or getting into the wine industry?  Check the Iowa State Extension and Viticulture.
• Specific questions regarding Iowa wine/grape production?  Here is the link to the Iowa Wine/Grape Growers Association.

Lots of information and thanks for the positive comments about the show.  We plan on having Doug back with us this spring.

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

FOTON Compact Tractors from Mayer Farm Implement just 15 minutes south of Des Moines.  FOTON with value priced models from 25 - 82 horsepower.

Country Vet Pet Foods for every stage of your pets life, Country Vet, Loved by Pets - Trusted by Owners.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency.  You make the product or service...we make it great.

Thanks for reading...Michael P. Libbie - Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications

This Weeks Rural Lifestyle Show

This week we've not only got a new time of 8am Central we've also got some great rural lifestyle conversation.  That's what the show is all about...  We talk with folks who are living their dream on an acreage and enjoying every minute.  Nope, it's not a farm show...but a rural lifestyle radio program on 98.3 WOW-FM.  Brought to you by FOTON Compact Tractors from Mayer Farm Implement, Country Vet Pet Foods and our company, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications.

Wine is becoming a BIG deal here in Iowa.  Once one of the top ten wine and grape producing states in the nation, Iowa is again seeing a resurgence in the grape and wine industry.  We'll spend some time with Doug Bakker of Madison County Winery.  Doug is the current president of the Iowa Wine Association and he tell us his salary is busting his wallet.  Right...

His mission on the show will be to enlighten us as to the varieties of wine, costs of manufacturing, the income potential from an acre of grapes and the marketing efforts his association is going through.  Should be a great segment.

We'll also have our Tip of The Week where we'll talk about a useful tip you can use on your acreage and we'll also reach into the Blog Bag to read a letter or two that's been sent into the show.  Sound good to you?  Good deal...we'll catch you Sunday morning at 8am.

One more MAJOR thing before we leave.  This is our Board Technician Jason Cochran.  Jason is the guy that twists the knobs and puts folks on the air.  He is also a great guy.  After last weeks huge snow storm Jason decided to sleep at the station rather than chance missing his gig behind the controls.  He slept on a cot in the back of the studio...  Can you spell dedication?  Thanks Jason!

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

FOTON Compact Tractors - 25 to 82 horsepower models to choose from available only at Mayer Farm Implement - 15 minutes south of Des Moines on I-35 and Hwy. 92

Country Vet Pet Food - For every stage of your pets life, Country Vet has a dog or cat food that will meat your best friend's demands.  Country Vet - Loved by Pets...Trusted by Owners.

And our company, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service agency with clients from Texas to Montana and California to Iowa. "You make the product or service...we make it great!"