For weeks folks have been making lists, checking them twice...or in my case many more times. "Hmmm...does she REALLY want that?" It's a great time of the year and nothing beats the look and the feel of a Rural Christmas...
We got snow overnight here in Central Iowa. Not a bunch...but enough to hide some of the brown spots that were poking through. Remember last year? What a difference. Last year it started snowing on October 13th and it just stayed around. FOREVER...
What's in the news? Here is a sobering thought: Over the past 40 years we've lost 800,000 farmers/ranchers. Well, not "lost" exactly...but they're not farming or ranching any longer. It's a story that points to the problems we'll face in coming years when it comes to agriculture and...policy. Here is the full story from our friends at Southwest Farm Press.
In a related story...more and more urban folks are turning to local food production. Back when 40% of Americans lived on the farm not many people had to think or worry about where there food was coming from. That's all changed today as more and more city folks are seeking food that comes from local farms. It's a huge boost for those acreage and small farmers who see the value in sustainable production. And...the trend is growing. Here is the full story from our friends at Amber Waves.
Good news for agricultural equipment manufacturers. Last week the Association of Equipment Manufacturers released their annual business outlook and projected a 3.7% increase in business for 2011. That's on top of 2.4% growth this year. Here's the story from the folks at Industry Week.
Time's up... Got lists to look at. And it's Christmas Eve when our thoughts turn to family and friends, logs on the fire and the merriest of seasons. Stay safe out there and from all of us down Highway 6...Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to everyone down highway 6. Looking forward to hearing what you'll have to say in 2011.
Posted by: Gerry | December 29, 2010 at 08:50 AM
Gerry - Thanks and you too! We'll be at it and trying to keep it rural. - Thanks for reading and for the comment - Michael
Posted by: Michael Libbie | December 29, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Isn't it hard to run a farm? I mean, all the equipment involved, the processes, finding the clients and all. It beats the beauty everyone imagines life in a farm means.
Posted by: Farm Supply | February 05, 2011 at 12:41 PM