Rural Lifestyle on Highwy 6

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Recap October 21, 2007

Thanks for coming by to learn more about our Sunday Rural Lifestyle Radio Show: Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  We're on each Sunday morning at 8am on 98.3 WOW-FM.  Or you can also listen live using your computer.

We had plenty to talk about this morning and, like we do each week, we create this review so you can follow the stories from the show.   Let's get started.

So, what do you do with 212,000 unwanted and neglected horses?  Nobody knows, not even the American Horse Council.  We had a story about how folks are dumping unwanted horses in coal mining areas, private property and public parks.  Why would people be turning loose their horses?  Because they may have found they simply can't care for them.  But, nobody knows exactly what to do...but the AHC is starting to spread the word.

What's going on with Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards?  Unlike many of his rivals Edwards is spending more and more time courting rural voters here in Iowa.  Even in traditional Republican strongholds like the western part of the state.  Smart...rural folks vote and with the caucus coming up...any day now (maybe).  This rural strategy just might effect enough of the faithful to help him regain his lead in the Hawkeye State.  We, like others are watching and appreciate the candidates taking the rural issues seriously.

Back to horses.  Ever heard of Wellington, Florida?  This town of 55,000 people has roughly 10,000 horses.  That is not only a bunch of equine buddies...it's a bunch of manure.  Try 100 tons a day!  What's a city to do?  How about energy?  Interesting story.

Our special guest was Kerri Houston from the Alliance for American Manufacturing. WOW...  This was on the heels of the recent visit by John Ratzenberger and the Keep it Made in America Tour that hit Des Moines last week.  We talked about labor practices and how some "most favored nations" take advantage of the playing field and now are buying up America.  Thanks Kerri...and congratulations on your engagement!

All of that and so much more...join us each Sunday morning at 8 for the nations only full hour rural lifestyle live radio show...on 98.3 WOW-FM or log in and listen using your PC.

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

Country Vet Pet Foods made right here in the Midwest.  For every stage of your pet's life try Country Vet Pet Foods, "Loved by Pets - Trusted by Owners"!  Now with over 900 dealers you are sure to find one near you.

FOTON Compact Tractors by Mayer Farm Implement just 15 minutes south of Des Moines.  Local people, parts and service make FOTON a smart buy.  See them today and find out how much tractor your money will buy.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - When you really care about your horse why not feed the best in the business.  This brand new feed is now available at a dealer near you.  Running Horse Feeds - "For the Long Run"!

And, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency here in the Middle of America.  You make the product or service...let us help you sell more of it with creative print, radio and television advertising.

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

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Come By For A Visit

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country comes back Sunday morning at 8am on 98.3 WOW-FM.  The only radio show in the nation to bring you a full hour of rural lifestyle stories that impact folks living on acreages or small farms.  And some stories that impact the urban population as well. 

You can listen live at 8am or use your computer.  Just head to the 98.3 WOW-FM site and sign up.  We'll be on.

The smiling face to the left belongs to Jennie Deerr who is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Living History Farms here in Urbandale.

Jennie will be in to talk about the link between Living History Farms and our rural communities.  We'll visit about how LHF helps people to glimpse what agriculture was like yesterday...and today.  And, we'll talk about the fall and winter programs going on right now and how you can take advantage of the LHF "experience".

We'll also spend some time discussing the arson fire that destroyed part of a building in their historic village.  While Living History Farms hopes to start rebuilding it is feared that they may have lost some items in the fire that are irreplaceable.  Maybe you can help...we'll talk about it.

We're also going to tackle a number of other issues such as rising food costs, the debate about the S-CHIP program, how the Vets feel about the recent horse slaughter ban working its way through congress and a host of other items.

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

FOTON Compact Tractors and Mayer Farm Implement.  You want a quality and value...you want a FOTON.  Local people, parts and service have teamed up to make FOTON a leading compact tractor here in Central Iowa.  For prices and product information on 25 - 82 horsepower tractors head to their website

Country Vet Pet Foods, dog and cat food that has every stage of your pets life covered.  No matter if you have a canine athlete or a lap dog.  Country Vet Pet Foods - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners. And, now with over 900 dealers you're sure to find one near you.  Find yours by going to their website.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - If you have a horse you'll love Running Horse a brand new feed designed for every level of activity.  This feed is different.  You'll feed less but still see amazing results.  Find your dealer and learn more about Running Horse by heading to their website.

And, our company, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications, a full service Advertising Agency based here in Des Moines.  You make the product or service and we'll help you make it great.  Come by for a visit and learn what we can do for you...or head to our BLOG site to learn how we think and pick up some free advertising and marketing tips.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host.

Rural Lifestyle? We Talk About It 10/7/07

Hey, welcome back to the only full hour radio show dedicated to the rural lifestyle.  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is on every Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM.  Or, if you're not in the area...you can get it streamed live to your computer.  Enjoy.

This week we talked about the increase in food prices that everybody is feeling.  And...this time it is the bio-fuels industry that is taking the hit.  Say it ain't so...but the price of grain is getting higher and so are the food prices.  The acting Secretary of Agriculture says they are linked.

Sean Skeehan from Blue Gate Farm was back for a short return visit to talk about Farm Crawl - 2007 going on today about 45 minutes south of Des Moines.  Here is a great opportunity for you to visit the rural lifestyle of five niche farmers who create some great products.  Come on...enjoy a little!

So, who in Rural America is giving to who?  And how much money is Rural America giving to the presidential candidates.  It's a story we were going to run last week....but just ran out of time.  Here are the top fifty counties and how much they have given to candidates so far.

So, what do you tell young people about Iowa?  Three our our newest friends visited the Hawkeye State for the first time this past week and they learned lots.  So did we.  They were surprised at the size of the farms and how the word agriculture comes up in nearly every conversation.  We're hoping that Rachel, Robbie and Yisroel come back...and stay...for a couple of generations.

Want to read a great article about Rural America?  Head to the Des Moines Register Opinion Page and read this morning's article about rural lifestyle and Iowa.  Richard Doak paints a fantastic picture of the future of our state...if only people seek the beauty we offer.

Want to reach out to younger workers?  We had a story about how the people in Grand Junction, Colorado decided to copy....DES MOINES....in an effort to attract young workers.  By using You-Tube.  It is just another way to connect.

Remember when we talked about the horse slaughter ruling that shut down the nations only facility in Illinois?  We talked about the impact and the words that were in the ruling:  "States have a legitimate interest in prolonging the lives of animals that their population happens to like."   Hmmmm  Are deer next?

And, speaking about animals that people like....consider what they recently did in Seattle?  How about them goats?

If you caught the show...great...thanks for listening.  If not...we'll be back next week on 98.3 WOW-FM.  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

FOTON Compact Tractors - Tough and dependable these units come in 25 to 82 horsepower, perfect for the acreage or small farm.  See them on line by going to the Mayer Farm Implement site or in person just 15 minutes south of Des Moines at the junction of I-35 and Highway 92 in Bevington.

Country Vet Pet Food - Pet food for all the stages of your dog or cats life.  Now with nearly 900 dealers you're sure to find one near you.  Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition a great new horse food for the mare, foal, active athlete or senior horse.  Fine your local dealer by going on-line.  Running Horse - For the Long Run!

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based here in Des Moines.  From radio to film to print advertising we help our clients from conception to placement. 

Rural Lifestyle Radio - September 30, 2007

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is not a "farm show"...we're a radio show dedicated to the rural lifestyle.  We talk about events and issues that impact folks living on acreages and small farms.

If you made it this far you know you can listen to the show at 8am each Sunday morning on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Des Moines.  Or...you can listen via your computer by visiting the radio site and logging on.  Today on the show we talked about:

The trouble with Iowa's water and a new lawsuit that is asking the feds to step in and force Iowa to follow the Clean Water Act.  The basis is the contention that the state is issuing permits to "factory farms" that do not comply with federal clean water laws.

We had guests on the phone and in the studio talking about the 2007 Farm Crawl.  Here is an opportunity to visit five small farms in Southern Iowa and learn more about sustainable agriculture and niche farming practices.  Our thanks to our guest Sean Skeehan  (L)from Blue Gate Farm and Matt from Coyote Run Farm.

If you moved from the town or city to become a rural resident...you may be an "outsider".  Here is an interesting article about the differences between "insiders" and "outsiders" from High Plains Journal.

Work from a home office rather than commute?  If so...you are one of thousands that help reduce our dependence on oil. 

Horse processing is back in the news as a Federal Court in Illinois upheld the decision to ban horse slaughter in that state.  This event closes the only remaining facility in the nation.  So, what impact will this have on the price of horses?  We think it will continue to drop.   Our thanks to the Chicago Tribune for the in depth story.

"Show me the money!"  And the money for presidential candidates is coming not only from the city...but also rural areas of the country.  Here are the fifty most "giving" counties in the nation and who is giving to who...thanks to our friends at the Daily Yonder.

Higher food prices the result of high grain prices?  While Iowa State University has said, "no" the acting Secretary of Agriculture, Charles Connor said, "yes".  Hmmmm....  The high food prices effect rural residents much more than their urban cousins.  Why?  Combine increased food costs with the time and distance some folks have to go to buy the food...a double whammy.  Here is the story from the Des Moines Register.

Thanks for reading and for listening to the only full hour radio show in the country that talks about rural lifestyle issues.  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

FOTON Compact Tractors by Mayer Farm Implement.  FOTON perfect for the small farm or acreage come in 25 to 82 horsepower models.  To learn more and see how much tractor your money can buy...head to their website.

Country Vet Pet Foods - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.  Here's a pet food for all life stages, made right here in the Midwest.  With over 800 dealers there should be a Country Vet Pet Food dealer near you.  Find yours on their website.

Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition - No matter if you are resting your senior horse or your favorite mare is going to have a spring baby Running Horse is for you.  Four different formulas from maintenance to high performance  Find your dealer by going on-line.  Running Horse - For the Long Run....

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency that helps people and products to get noticed.  Our job is to insure you increase your sales.  It's what we do for our clients every day.

Tomorrow Morning on Highway 6 Radio

Rural Lifestyle, let's talk about it.  Every Sunday morning at 8 Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is heard in the Des Moines Market on 98.3 WOW-FM.

It's not a "farm show" but it is this nation's only full hour radio talk show about the rural lifestyle.  We talk about li ving on small farms and acreages.  We talk about the impact of issues affecting small family farms, sustainable agriculture, and offer tips and "how to" examples about living a rural lifestyle.

You can listen live...on the air...or listen live on-line.  It's easy to get hooked up.

Here are some of the stories we'll cover on our show Sunday morning:

While the folks at Iowa State University have been busy telling consumers the price of food would not increase (much) due to the high demand for biofuels there is now a new story that says just the opposite.  We talked about this weeks ago when we, on the air, doubted the study by Iowa State.  We'll talk about it.

Working from a home office?  Congratulations YOU are one of many responsible for saving roughly 840 million gallons of fuel!!!  We'll have the story.

New to the rural lifestyle?  We've got a story about "insiders" and "outsiders" and how the move to Rural America is an adjustment for both groups.

You've heard of a PUB CRAWL....now we've got a FARM CRAWL and it's taking place next week in Southern Iowa.  We'll have a couple of guests on the show to talk about their move to Rural Iowa and about their plans to present their rural lifestyle to folks from the city.  Our guests will be Sean Skeehan (L) from Blue Gate Farm near Chariton and Matt Russell of Coyote Run Farm.  These guys represent two of the five small farms taking part in the event.  Should be a fun morning.

All of that and much more!

And, the most important part of the show...you...the callers.  It's a live show...and we look forward to being part of your family this Sunday morning at 8.

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

FOTON Compact Tractors sold by Mayer Farm Implement just 15 minutes south of Des Moines at I-35 and Hwy. 92 in Bevington.  From 25 to 82 horsepower FOTON has the tractor perfect for the small farm or acreage.  Local people, parts and service along with the lowest price in the industry make FOTON a smart choice.

Country Vet Pet Foods, dog and cat food for every life stage of your pet.  With over 800 dealers you're sure to find one near you. Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - From serious athletic horses to your retired favorite Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds has a product for your needs.  Learn more about this new brand of horse feed and find your dealer on-line.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.   Why do some businesss excell while others fail?  Many times it's the failure of marketing and advertising.  We can help.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Rural Lifestyle Radio - September 23, 2007

Welcome to Highway 6 -  Your Road to the Country the only full hour radio show dedicated to the rural lifestyle.  We're heard each Sunday morning on 98.3 WOW-FM.

This week our guest was Dick Tremain from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.  This group has been enjoying an increasing public presence due mostly to the increased numbers of folks deciding to live the rural lifestyle.  Acreage and small farm owners have been turning to these experts in an attempt to preserve and restore the natural environment.  Our thanks to Dick for his insight into this market.

We also talked about compact tractors and what the heck has happened to the bottom line sales of the under 40 horsepower line.  The Association of Equipment Manufacturers have recently released their FLASH REPORT for August and the numbers...once again...are down.  We talked about...why.

Food prices have gone up...again.  What is going on?  We had a report based on the recent Bureau of Labor Statistics.  And..gave you a preview of what is going to be happening at your local McDonald's...with of all things...coffee.

Finally we had a great story about the population loss in the Midwest rural belt.  From North Dakota to Texas people are dying and simply moving out in record numbers.  Here is the graph that shows what in the world is happening.  We looked at the recent USDA numbers.

Rural Lifestyle Radio - September 16, 2007

Thanks for coming by to read what others heard this week on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country the nation's only one hour live radio program that deals with the rural lifestyle.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Des Moines.

Nope, we're not a farm show...but a show dedicated to the small farm and acreage lifestyle.

Our in studio guest this week was Willie Suchy the Wildlife Research Supervisor with the Department of Natural Resources here in Iowa.

Willie, in one word, is "amazing".  His ability to talk about issues ranging from the deer herd population to funding for natural resources, all without notes, is truly astounding.

We talked about Chronic Wasting Disease, deer population management and a host of things folks living in the country can do to increase their enjoyment of wildlife.  Thanks again to Willie Suchy whom I'm sure we'll have back for more.

We also talked about the price of milk.  Each month consumers are seeing higher and higher milk prices...now up to $3.87 nationally.  So, what's going on?  Export.  Here is the entire story.

We had a story about rural politics.  What is going on in the national debate regarding rural issues?  The answer, "Not much."  Even though, here in Iowa, we've got candidate after candidate roaming the countryside the focus isn't on rural health care, transportation and rural economic development.  Why...it may be money.

And, we begged our listening audience to FIRE "Info".  And, as long as they were at it...to please fire "Sales" and "Customer Service"!  We're talking about websites that list "Info" as the "contact person".  No real person...just "Info".  It's frustrating and simply bad for business.  Put a person's name there and make them responsible to contact folks with questions.  It's more than we usually get from "Info" or "Sales".  Fire 'em.

It was a nice show...but wish we had more time.  Those of you reading from a long distance away can now have the show streamed to you over the Internet.  All you need to do is get registered.

Thanks for reading...and for listening.  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is proudly brought to you by:

FOTON Compact Tractors from Mayer Farm Implement.  These are tough, dependable tractors that range from 25 to 82 horsepower.  Great for the small farm or acreage and priced thousands of dollars below other brands.  See them and read more about the quality by heading to the Mayer Farm Implement Website.

Country Vet Pet Food - A great pet food product produced right here in the Midwest.  Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.  Find your local dealer by going on-line.

Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition - Here is a horse feed that is not only brand new...but honestly better.  Feed less, and have fewer concerns about founder issues.   Learn more and find your local dealer on-line.

Insight Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations - A full service advertising agency that helps your business find and retain loyal customers through advertising and marketing. 

Michael Libbie - Acreage owner and host.

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Equipment Dealers Get Help

Coming up on Sunday morning at 8...live on your computer...or over the air here in the Des Moines area on 98.3 WOW-FM is Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  The only full hour radio program dedicated to the Rural Lifestyle.

Each week we gather together to visit about the issues and events that impact living in the country.  It doesn't matter if your place is three acres of flowers or a 100 acre cow/calf operation, the things you have to deal with are vastly different from your urban cousins.  And, that's what we talk about.

Once again, if you are already living in Central Iowa you can pick us up on 98.3 WOW-FM.  If you are from outside the area all you need to do, to listen on line, is to click here, register and you've got us.

Along with news and information we're going to spend some time with our friends from Lessiter Publications.  They have figured out that the rural lifestyle market is often over looked by traditional farm equipment dealers.  To help these dealers better understand the culture of rural living and what it takes to sell them equipment, they've launched a new dealer directed magazine.

Rural Lifestyle Dealer will debut this fall.  It's a supplement to Farm Equipment a dealer directed magazine that's been circulated to 11,500 agricultural dealers and distributors for years.

You might think having a magazine dedicated to teaching farm equipment dealers about "Ruralpolitians" is a little odd.  But, it's not.  In the years we've been working the rural lifestyle market we know that, far too often, traditional equipment dealers just don't view you in the same light as full or part time row crop farmers.  It's just the way it is...

Our guest this Sunday morning is Dave Kanicki who is the lead editor for Rural Lifestyle Dealer will be with us explaining why, if you are an acreage or small farm owner, you've always felt a little at odds with your local dealer.  How dealers across the country are re-learning how to market to acreage owners and what that will mean as more and more people enter this market.  Like 70 million of you are not enough!

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

FOTON Compact Tractors and Mayer Farm Implement.  Tough, dependable compact tractors perfect for the small farm or acreage.  25 - 82 hp you can see the full line along with pricing on line.  Over 105 units sold in the past two years...there is a FOTON just right for you at Mayer Farm Implement just 15 minutes south of Des Moines at I-35 and Hwy. 92.

Country Vet Pet Food - Dog and cat food for every stage of your pets life.  Proudly made here in the Midwest.  You can find your local dealer by going on line.  Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition - Horse owners know a good product when they feed one and Running Horse is that great.  For every activity level of your horse or horses Running Horse is in it "For the Long Run".  Find your local dealer by going on line.

And, our company:  Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  We're a full service advertising agency that can help you find your "voice" and your "look".  Our job is to help you sell more of your product and/or service.  Take a look at our work and learn more about us.

Thanks for reading and for listening...

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Sunday Morning

Thanks for coming by our BLOG site for our show on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Des Moines, Iowa.  On Sunday morning, September 2, we had lots to talk about that impact the rural lifestyle of folks just like you who live on an acreage or small farm.  Here's the detail of our conversation. (Remember to see a full size photo just click on the image.)

Meat Goats...back in the "possible" for some of you.  Don't laugh...this is getting to be a very successful business for folks with a little land, little time but big ambition.  We took a look at a story out of Maine and how two small farms (as little as 9 acres) are enjoying their new business.  And...there is a market for this just about everywhere in the United States.

Last week we talked about how the Pennsylvania Legislature had voted to turn I-80 into a toll road because of a lack of money to repair and replace that states aging infrastructure.  It seems they may have a problem with that decision as the federal government does not often allow states to put up toll booths on entire stretches of highways built with federal money.  And a surprising poll just released indicates that Iowans may be willing to do to fix their roads and bridges.  That story from the Des Moines Register and David Yepsen.

Do infants who have close contact with farm animals have a better chance of evading things like Crohns Disease or inflammatory bowel disease?  This study out of Germany suggests they do.

So, does the boom in the farm economy translate to lower poverty levels across the United States.  This information says no and that poverty in rural levels still out paces that in urban areas of the country.

Allergies...if you've been in Iowa over the past week or so you've no doubt suffered.  How come?  Maybe because the pollen count is off the charts?  Here's the story from the Des Moines Register.

Last week I spent three days at the Farm Progress Show in Illinois.  While that was kick...getting to know six Chinese Nationals was a real joy.  Thy were amazed that EVERY house they saw had running water, that folks had to pay so much for airline tickets and that the food here, even in Chinese Restaurants wasn't even close to their everyday fare.  The great news was that the line of compact tractors we were featuring in their first Farm Progress Show went over...very well.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the County is a show about the rural lifestyle and is proudly brought to you by:

FOTON Compact Tractors and Mayer Farm Implement.  Why pay thousands more for a compact tractor when you can have a FOTON.  Local people, parts and service right here in Central Iowa.  To find out more about these great tractors perfect for your small farm or acreage just head to the Mayer Farm Implement Website or see them in person, just 15 minutes south of Des Moines in Bevington, Iowa.

Country Vet Pet Food - Made right here in the Midwest so you know the slogan...Loved by Pets and Trusted by Owners is the truth.  Find your local dealer by going on line or give them a call at 800-383-6927.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feeds - If you've got a horse or horses give this new product a try.  Running Horse comes in a formula just right for the activity level of your horse.  Find your dealer on line.  "Running Horse - For the Long Run".

And, our company...Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications where we help business increase their sales through professional marketing and advertising methods.  Need a new image, website, print, television or radio ads?  We can make it happen.

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host

Packin' Up...Headed To The Show!

Yep, we're packed up and headin' out of town to the Farm Progress Show.  Our bags are packed, we're ready to go...

We'll be on site for three days and sending back to you the best products and services available for small farms and acreages.  We'll check things out for you because...we'll  you get to work. 

• Next year the show will be here in Central Iowa near Boone.  Much closer for those of you who listen in to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

Our goal this year is to take plenty of photos and let you know what is out here.  It could be fun so hope you come by.  If you are into larger agricultural items, stop by our other BLOG - for our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  We'll be reporting on some of the hits...and the misses at this year's event.

Remember, Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM.  And, if you click here...you can listen via the web...not too shabby!

Rural Lifestyle Radio - A Preview

If you're up and "at 'em" Sunday morning at 8 catch our rural lifestyle radio program on 98.3 WOW-FM.  If you live outside of Central Iowa, you can pick us up online by going to the station site and signing up.

OK, it's August and this is Iowa.  Means it is State Fair time and we'll talk about the changes in the fair and how we got to where we are...which is the best state fair in the nation.

The price of owning your own slice of heaven...that acreage or small...continues to increase.  What is going on?  We'll talk about it.

On Sunday it will be the first day AFTER the Iowa Straw Poll that went on 24 miles north of Des Moines in the university town of Ames.  For those of you not familiar with this "fund raising/candidate winnowing" event you can learn more here.  We'll briefly talk about the winners the losers and what impact this event had on your rural lifestyle.

Our special guest on Sunday is Melanie Edge who will be celebrating her 40th year as a vendor at the Iowa State Fair.  (She can't be that old!!!) Mel and her husband Dave own The Western Edge of Humboldt and Ames.  We'll talk about the changes she has seen at the fair and in the "style" of folks who prefer "rural dress".  Should be fun.

Back to politics...for a moment.  Odd wasn't it that during the recent Republican Debate here in Des Moines there was no mention of agriculture or the rural lifestyle.  We heard about "nuking" Mecca" but nothing about feeding America.  Hmmmmm... We'll talk about it.

When it comes to receiving grants for rural non-profit projects...how come we get the short end of the stick?  A new study out last week tells the story and we've got it for you.

All that and more on only hour long radio program that has a focus on rural lifestyle and rural living.  Catch us on 98.3 WOW-FM or sign up to hear us over the "net".

Thanks for reading...and for listening!

Michael P. Libbie - Host & Acreage Owner

Rural Lifestyle Radio - August 5, 2007

Welcome to the only radio show dedicated to the Rural Lifestyle.  Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is about living on small farms and acreages.  Each week , on 98.3 WOW FM, we bring rural listeners news and information geared to their lifestyle.

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

Let's get to it.

Large city commuters are killing themselves.  A recent story in USA Today tells where the worst cities are and what dangers these commuters face every day.

So, what's that got to do with rural lifestyle?  Not much other than to be grateful we live in and around a small city like Des Moines.   Even if you live on an acreage fifteen miles from town the commute is nothing compared to what urban workers in large cities face.

Meanwhile there is this story out of Washington that rural kids do much better at math and science than do urban kids.  Not only that...but the teachers seem to enjoy their jobs more...even though the pay is less.

Horse slaughter is back in the news.  Several weeks ago we told you about a new Illinois law that bans horse slaughter.  That would shut down the only American Equine Slaughter facility located near Dekalb, Illinois.  The plant is still operating while the court system rules on the case.   Horse meat lovers....take heart because it seems that Canada is picking up the slack.

What's this about more "factory farms" in Iowa than any other state in the nation?  That's the story from the activist group, Food and Water Watch.  On their website you'll find an interactive map.  The group goes on to suggest that because of the number of "factory farms" the water runs the risk of pollution.

And, talking about water.  Drought conditions continue in large parts of the Midwest.  The water tables continue to get lower...while ethanol plants continue to require more water for production.  This is going to get interesting soon.

All this and our Tip of The Week:  "How to Clean Greens"  (You would be amazed at how many bugs are hiding in your fresh veggies...)

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

FOTON Compact Tractors - You want more tractor for your money?  Make sure you see the line of FOTON Compact Tractors from Mayer Farm Implement.  Local People, Parts and Service make FOTON an exceptional value.  FOTON - Fifteen minutes south of Des Moines at I-35 and Hwy. 92, Bevington.

Country Vet Pet Foods - Complete nutrition for your dog or cat available from a Midwest Company with over 670 dealers nationwide.  Country Vet Pet Foods - Loved By Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Feed - A remarkable horse feed that has benefits from digestibility to less waste.  To find your local dealer head to their website and learn more why Running Horse is here "For the long run."

Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications - A full service advertising agency based here in Des Moines.  You make the product or service and we help you make it great through a advertising and marketing plan that includes print, radio, television and Internet.  Give us a call at 866-331-3201 or click in to our website.

Michael P. Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host.

Rural Lifestyle Radio - Sunday July 22, 2007

Hey, thanks for coming by this morning to take a listen to the rural lifestyle radio show, Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  It's our way of sharing news, information and some lifestyle ideas with those of you living on an acreage or small farm.  We're heard every week on 98.3 WOW-FM here in Des Moines.

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is brought to you by FOTON Compact Tractors, Country Vet Pet Foods, Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition and Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.

Here's a look at what we discussed this morning:

Our "Tip of the Week" had to do with making your own...ready for this?  Mayonnaise!  We're talking good old homemade stuff.  So, get like Grandma and if you've never tried anything other than the processed stuff on the shelves...you've got to...try this!

Better keep your equipment under lock and key.  Metal thieves may be coming to your small farm or acreage.  The Cedar Rapids Gazette has a report this week that because of the increase in the price of scrap metals the bad guys are scouting rural areas for an easy haul.  Sometimes stealing the trailer along with anything metal that isn't nailed down.

Baby Boomer Housing Shortage in Rural Iowa?  We didn't think so either but Des Moines Register writer Nathan Drew suggests there is...and we better pay as much attention to keeping "Boomers" in Rural Iowa as we do trying to attract young folks to the cities...

We also had a great guest this week.  Kate Klein from Kate Klein Design came by to talk to us about her business. 

Kate started her company seven months ago...even though she's been involved in design and decor for years.  Her motto is, "Make it look great without spending lots of money!"   Sounds good to us.

She has a number of services from helping clients get a good "personal look" to a complete "Room Revival".   You contact her, she sends you a paint can with a gift, a color wheel, a camera, questions and directions.  You send the answers and the camera back to Kate.  She gives you step by step directions on a room make over. 

She was also on to pitch the contest she and Juice Magazine are co-promoting.  Get a digital photo of a room you would like help with, send it and a written reason as to "why" you need the help and you could win a "Room Revival" and $1,000 to buy stuff to go in it!   What are you doing reading...start snappin those photos.  Then download with your writing to this location!

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

FOTON Compact Tractors - Tough, dependable compact tractors that are great for the small farm or acreage.  And, they cost thousands less than other models.  Over 120 sold over the past two years...right here in Central Iowa.  Price them and see them at Mayer Farm Implement, just 15 minutes south of Des Moines at I-35 and Hwy. 92 - Bevington.

Country Vet Pet Foods - Proudly made right here in the Midwest and with over 800 dealers nationwide...it makes it easy to switch to a quality dog and cat food.  To find your local dealer just go on line.  Country Vet Pet Food - Loved by Pets, Trusted by Owners.

Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition making horse feed for all stages the equine life.  This feed is remarkable.  Eliminate the sugar highs and use less because there is less waste!  Running Horse - For the Long Run...find your dealer on their website.

Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - A full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Don't guess that you're ads will be effective...  You make the product or service and let us help you make it great!

Thanks for listening and for reading....

Michael Libbie - Acreage Owner and Host.

Rural Lifestyle Radio This Sunday!

Rural Lifestyle Radio...that's Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM.  Brought to you buy FOTON Compact Tractors, Country Vet Pet Foods, Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition and our company, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  Come listen this Sunday!

Our special guest this week is my friend Sherry Borzo.  Sherry and I met last year at a Central Iowa Bloggers Meeting.  She owns a business called DSM BUZZ.  Her mission is to help folks understand how important it is to "buy local".  She finds some of the most unique shops and services in and around the city.  Maybe even rural shops!  Come on by for a listen at 98.3 WOW-FM if you are in the Des Moines, Iowa area.

Along with our conversation with Sherry we'll also have news and information of use for those of you living on a small farm or acreage.  We've got a story about how closing rural schools hurts more than just the town where it happens.  We'll also talk about the compelling testimony given recently by the governor of Kansas.  And, we'll spend some time talking about how Rural America lags behind other rural areas in the world at becoming connected to broadband Internet service.

All that plus our Tip of the Week.

Join us on 98.3 WOW-FM Sunday morning at 8am for the news, information, products and services important to folks living on small farms and acreages.

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

FOTON Compact Tractors.  Tough, dependable tractors for the small farm or acreage in 25 - 82 hp models.  See them at Mayer Farm just 15 minutes south of Des Moines at I-35 and Hwy. 92.  Local People - Local Parts - Local Service all make FOTON a great buy...

Country Vet Pet Foods - Fine quality pet food made right here in the Midwest.  Country Vet Pet Foods, Loved by Pets - Trusted by Owners.  to find your local dealer just go on line.

Running Horse Elite Equine Nutrition - A feeding program for all levels of your horses activity.  Running Horse - For the Long Run.  Find your local dealer by going on line.

And, our company:  Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  If you've got a product or service we can help you get noticed.  Turn to a professional advertising agency that "gets it" when it comes to service and solid marketing plans.

Thanks for reading and for listening...Sunday at 8am on 98.3 WOW-FM.

Michael Libbie - Host and Acreage Owner.