Rural Lifestyle on Highway 6

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

 

 

 

Eden's Organic Farm, Lyle Steinman & Memorial Day 2009

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is this nations first live talk show centered on the Rural Lifestyle.  We talk about small farms, acreages, horses, chickens, organics...the rural lifestyle.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM  (983wowfm) if you live in Central Iowa OR...during the show you can listen live using your PC.  If you missed the show from today no fear:

NOW you can LISTEN using the PODCAST - Here it is!

This is the Memorial Day Weekend.  For many it's "another day off" without any knowledge of the meaning of the holiday.  For some of us it's a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice so many have made just so I could sit behind this microphone and share the news and opinion...and you could listen.  Today I read an article I wrote several years ago that led to my termination as a writer for a national magazine.  It's as hot a topic today as what it was in 2006.  Maybe you'll agree...and maybe you won't.  Let's find out?   Click the podcast to hear.

We've got two guests this morning.  First up is Lyle Steinman of Rural Missouri.  Lyle recently took first, second, third and fifth place at the Super Retreiver Series (SRS) Crown Championship.  That has NEVER happened before...   Lyle is an amazing breeder and trainer of sporting dogs and we'll ask him to share with us the thrill of doing something that no other canine / human team has ever accomplished.  Lyle is a returning guest to Highway 6 and we're glad to have him back.

Honest...he swept the entire event...it's got the sporting dog world shaking their collective heads.  Did I mention Lyle is also the National Spokesperson for our friends at Country Vet Pet Foods?   Hey, we do what we can for our friends and we're more than proud of Lyle, Debby and the entire crew at Castile Creek Kennels!

Also on the show is Marie Tedei of Eden's Organic Farm near Dallas, Texas.  We  found Marie one day last month when she was on Twitter commenting on the ban her small town set on having roosters within city limits and limiting hens to just two birds per household.  But, if you are shaking your collective heads and wondering what the big deal is...you need to know that just last week here in Central Iowa the city council of Norwalk enacted a similar ban.  Allowing four chickens...but no roosters.  Somebody might want to clue these folks in that chickens don't last long....without roosters.  We think it's silly...but clearly we must call on government to protect us from...gasp....chickens and roosters and lions and bears...oh my!

Along with chickens and roosters we'll visit with Marie about her Community Supported Agriculture program, her organic mission and just why in the heck did she leave Chicago and head to (what once was) Rural Texas.  Should be a fun visit with our new friend Marie Tedei of Eden's Organic Farm and CSA.

In other news we're following but may not have time for during the broadcast:

• Chickens in the back yard becoming Chic from NPR.
• HSUS Can't take the heat and has TV station pull a story.
• Is North Dakota Next?  The Emerald Ash Borer migration.
• Moving to Rural America just got less expenseive.

We're going to try to squeeze in a story about "black dogs" and why they linger longer at animal rescue facilities.  It comes to us from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa but we couldn't find a link anywhere on their site.  The brief story is that, "... many times black dogs are overlooked", says a receint news paper release.  "Maybe it's because they are harder to see in the back of their kennel or people fear a black dog or the website shots are not able to depict their featurers as well as a light tan or brown dog."  The ARL has started the "Black Dog Club" and folks that adopt a black dog or one that has 51% black in its coat is in.  Supporters of the Black Dog Club can donate $10 a year, get a shirt and a thank you from Black Dogs...everywhere.  Fun.

Got a propane tank...for your grill?  According to an Associated Press story that ran last week it seems some exchange centers have been "shorting" the amount of propane put into "exchange tanks" by just a bit...thereby increasing the price to consumers.  In other words...a price increase...or a con.  The answer?  Take your propane tank to a re-fill center on your own rather than an exchange center.  Here is the take on the story from WCBS-TV NYC.

Yikes...gotta go!  Have a great Memorial Day Weekend...and while having fun...take time to remember....  Once again, here is the PODCAST from todays show.

 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

 

Two Guests, Two States, Too Cool - Rural Lifestyle this Sunday

It's the Memorial Day Weekend.  For many that means just another day off.  For some of us it means we're remembering those who gave everything so we could watch American Idol.  Pretty lame huh?  On the show, Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country we'll talk a little about that.  How..."what we are and what we do"...does it square with those who gave all?  Or, could we do better?  We'll talk about it.

This is rural lifestyle radio and we're heard each Sunday morning at 8 Central on 98.3 WOW-FM...if you live in Central Iowa.  If not you can head to 983wowfm and listen live using your computer.  Here, again, is that link!

On the show this Sunday we've got TWO great guests.  We'll be talking to former "Chi- Town" resident Marie Tedei who now is very active in Community Supported Agriculture and organics.  Marie (her last name is pronounced "to-day") gave up the city life for a life filled with critters and veggies.  Today she lives in Balch Springs, Texas and is passionate about organics and better living.  She is working hard to save her roosters from a city council that says they've 'gotta go'.  (We are NOT making this up.  Who would have thought that having chickens and roosters would be a bad thing?)  Her story sets up the classic "David vs. Goliath" event about how an environmental sensitive person ends up battling "city hall". 

Marie isn't just about roosters and horses....she has a strong motivation in growing organic foods, CSA's and teaching others about the benefits of buying fresh and local.  "Knowing where your food comes from and that it's really safe to eat should be a major concern of all consumers."  Join us this Sunday morning at 8 Central Time as we visit with Marie Tedei of Eden's Organic Farm...this will be both fun...and informative.

Our first guest of the morning is returning guest.  Lyle Steinman raises and trains some of the best sporting dogs on the planet.  His facility, Castile Creek Kennels,  is a beautiful 40 acre home-place and set of outbuildings near St. Joseph, MO.  When we write, "Best dogs on the planet..."  That's not just a wishful boast...  You see, Lyle Steinman just won the Super Retreiver Series(SRS) Crown Championship.  Actually, Lyle and his dogs took first place...and second place....and...ahhh...third place in a medal sweep that has the national event participants shaking their heads in disbelief.  (Um...Lyle also took fifth place...not rubbing it in or anything..)  We'll talk briefly with Lyle about the past year and what it takes to be a champion at this level and his commitment to the sport.  And, it doesn't hurt that Lyle is a national spokesperson for our client, Country Vet Pet Foods.  (See how we worked that in...crafty huh?) Lyle Steinman...going to the dogs...Sunday on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

Two guests from two different states and both have that love for the Rural Lifestyle.  Too cool!

We'll also follow up on several news stories we are tracking and give you information you just won't hear anywhere else...because there isn't anything like Highway 6 Radio...anywhere.  We're live and streaming all over the country.  Join us all week long by making comments on this BLOG (see the comment section below?)  and on Twitter where you can write to @RuralLifeRadio.  Thanks for reading...come back to listen on Sunday?

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

 

 

Rural Road Rage and Rural Lifestyle News on Highway 6

Hi and welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nation's only full hour live talk show dedicated to folks living on small farms and acreages or in the towns that dot our landscape.  We're heard each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) or if you use your computer to listen you can hear us all over the globe.

Here is the entire show from this past Sunday morning.  (We're going to post just the Ken Sherman interview later in the day.)

Our featured guest Sunday morning is Ken Sherman of Des Moines.  We're going to discuss what is becoming a major social and political reality that is heating up Rural Iowa.  Ken is an avid cyclist and one of several leaders pushing for legislation to make our roads more safe.  The Cycle Safety Bill (SF117) was passed by the Iowa State Senate but it looks as it it's dead in the House.  We'll explore the reasons the Iowa Legislature missed a chance to promote safety on our city and rural roads.  We'll talk about the reality of being in a car/truck/cycle accident and the rural / urban divide that is rearing it's head on this issue.  Are rural people being unfairly judged?

Rural counties have lined up against the bill, the Iowa / Nebraska Equipment Dealers have lined up against the bill...what's going on?  We'll talk about it.

In the photo (l to r) is Brian Duffy, Ken Sherman & Kim West at a recent rally for safety where over 500 cyclists rode to the Iowa State Capital to protest the lack of action on the part of many legislators.

If you use TWITTER you may think it's the creation of an "Uber-Urban" type.  It might surprise you to learn that founder Evan Williams credits growing up on a Nebraska farm as the foundation to pursure Internet start up companies.  Williams is from the rural town of Clarks, Nebraska.  It's a great story.  And if you want to follow us on Twitter it's @RuralLifeRadio and we monitor it through the week, not just during the show.

Let's take a look at Fast Tracks or 120 seconds of quick rural news:

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle bans phosphorus in lawn fertilizer - big story.

This past Easter 12 million eggs were given to local food banks by Feeding America.

Milk Wars - Brings to mind the very old "Gas Wars" and they are starting to impact buyers.

If you own a cat prepare to defend owing it from our Vegan friends...cats are bad you see.

If you are a honey bee keeper you know about the mystery of "colony colapse" where, for no good reason, entire bee hives simply die outt or move away.  Now, from our friends at Science Daily, there is word a possible cure is being considered.  They say it is brought on by an infection that has responded well to treatment.  Here is the story.

You would think apples would be a great food for school kids...but there is a tiff between former Governor Tom Vilsack and New York senators.  You see, because apples need to be "sliced" the USDA considers them "processed" and not a fresh fruit or veggie.  Say it ain't so.  Here is the story from the Huffington Post.

This and loads of rural news and information.  Sunday Morning at 8 only on 98.3 WOW-FM or by using your computer to listen in.  And, you can also follow us on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio.

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, 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 Was Sooooo Good We'll Do It Again!

We're on the road this week so we've decided to bring you a encore performance of Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.  This is from last month....with Jim Clewell.  To Listen Live using your computer:  Just Click this Link!

Welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour, live talk show dedicated to the rural lifestyle.  If you're living in a small town, on an acreage or small farm...this is the place to be each Sunday morning at 8 Central Time.  We broadcast live on the Internet and here in Central Iowa on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm).  What that means is you can listen live using your computer...even if you don't live in the eight counties surrounding Des Moines.  Pretty cool huh?    You can also follow us on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio where you can follow us through the week.

If you missed the show you can listen to this PODCAST whenever you want. 

Before we get started, our collective thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in North Dakota where they are experiencing major flooding along the Red River. (Photo Credit - Huffington Post) We, here in Iowa, remember the support of thousands of folks from around the country during last years 100 Year Flood.  Much of what you've read has been about Fargo, a major population center.  However there is plenty of suffering going on all along the river in very rural parts of the state.  If you are moved to offer a donation to the Red Cross here is that link.

On the show this morning, along with our special guest, Jim Clewell who was here to talk compact tractors, attachments, spring service and what is new in the Kubota line of products we've got some interesting stories that you may not hear anyplace else...

Is PETA running a Dog Slaughter House in Norfolk, VA?  That's what we read this past week on a blog site for the American Working Terrier Association.  They contend that the PETA shelter took in 2,116 animals during 2008 and found homes for only seven (7).  That, according to the story, is a "...96% kill rate".  PETA may want us to stop eating animals...but killing dogs is OK?  We're confused... Read it for yourself, here is the link.

In other "animal rights" news it looks like, from a story in Beef Magazine, that the United States Humane Society has been active in getting country music star and supporter of HSUS, Carrie Underwood voted in as the Academy of Country Music"Entertainer of the Year".  Underwood is an advocate for HSUS and Beef Magazine received, what they call a "secret" e-mail from Kathy Bauch the HSUS Senior Director for Corporate Relations and Promotions.  The e-mail tells supporters of HSUS to vote for Underwood but don't let folks know  that, "...HSUS is urging people to vote for her, or it could just breathe life into the opposition".  It seems the "opposition" might just be rural folks who love country music, their beef and hunting.  Here is the story...again.

In our segment:  "Fast Takes on Rural News" - "The fastest 120 seconds of rural news in the nation." We're following these stories:

- Rural Unemployment continues to expand faster than Urban Unemployment;

- A Nebraska Researcher believes rural "self employment" is on the rise;

- Sugar is back as the nation backs away from high-fructose corn syrup;

- What's this?  Rural Stocks holding their own?  Here is the story;

- Could the "Equine Protection Bill" actually cause more horse suffering?;

- Montana legislature passes a "Horse Slaughter Bill";

There you have it 120 seconds of the fastest Rural News in the Nation.

We'll have an update on the Obama - White House and how taking the lead on "growing your own" might continue to push urban folks toward gardening and away from pouring billions of dollars into chemical lawn care.

Wow...all of that plus free stuff and our Special Guest, Jim Clewell (right). Jim is in studio to talk about Kubota and in particular the compact tractor market.  Who is buying them, why buying new makes sense, what kind of features make a compact tractor a smart buy, what attachments are necessary on a small farm or acreage.  And we'll talk about spring maintenance work, what every tractor owner should be doing...right now.  Jim Clewell from Kubota and Capital City Equipment, our special guest this week on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country.

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, 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.

NatraTurf - Tired of spreading more and more chemicals on your lawn?  Now you don't have to because NatraTurf is a simple, effective and safe way to save water, build turf and use less chemicals.  And, listeners to Highway 6 have a chance to win a free bag of SpotGone the natural way to rid your yard of pet urine, salt damage and winter kill spots.  Keep the Dog...Lose the Spots with SpotGone from NatraTurf - Isn't it time?

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

 

 

 

 

 

Highway 6 Rural Life - Phoenix, AZ

Hi and welcome to Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country this nations only full hour live talk show dedicated to rural living.  We talk about the news, events and the people that impact living on small farms or in our rural towns.  We're on each Sunday morning at 8 on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) or you can catch us using your computer.  All you have to do is follow this link...and we'll be there.  You can also, during the broadcast and after, follow us on Twitter just follow this link: @RuralLifeRadio and sign up.

This week we're coming to you from the Hilton Tapatio Cliffs near Phoenix.  We've been here since this past Tuesday meeting with what is known as "shortline" manufacturers who are members of FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturing Association). These folks make grain waggons, combines, tillage equipment, manure spreaders, GPS, hay equipment, rotary cutters...the list gets pretty long.  And, so we'll spend some time talking about the farm equipment outlook and our impressions.  What's so critical for people to understand about this industry is the fact that in many rural states this IS the manufacturing base.  So, the farm economy touches not only farmers...but also folks who work in many of these family owned manufacturing companies and live in town on on small farms and acreages near their place of employment. 

Due to the fact that we're remote today we will post the podcast but not until Monday...gotta get home first.

So, what are we talking about...

The economy.  Now, don't nod off on us...this week I heard economist William Conerly Ph.D. who spoke to the FEMA group about the current recession.  He had plenty to share and we'll share the high points with you.

There is a new Broadband program coming from Verizion that may solve the rural holes in service.  Will it be fast enough?  Yes.  Will it be affordable?  Yes.  Will it be here tomorrow?  No.  We'll tell you about it.

Rural Job loses.  It's getting bad out here and, if you paid attention to the story from Bill Conerly the ag sector isn't done contracting.  We'll give you a perspective on rural vs. urban job loses.

We've got a story about the Dairy Industry and how an Ohio Farmer is attempting to hold back the feds and continue his low pasturized milk business.  It's David vs. the Lobby.

And, we'll have a wrap on some news you won't hear anywhere else Fast Takes on Rural News.  Here's what we're convering in the fastest 120 seconds of news...anywhere.

- It's coming back!  Another hatchet job about American Agriculture is headed to movie houses in your world.  "Food Inc." and it ain't pretty.

- It looks like corn and soybean prices are headed for a fall.  So?  That should be good for the grocery prices?  Don't bet on it.

- Is there any good news?  Sure!  Some small communities met this past week to celebrate new and exciting things going on in their towns.  We've got the brief.

- If you live in Illinois and you've enjoyed some free, or cheap services from your Department of Agriculture...wave goodbye.  Things are changing.

In addition we'll have several additiional stories picked up here including one about why we think rural lifestyle folks are not buying what farm equipment manufacturers are making.  Business is down among folks building rotary cutters, waggons and manure spreaders for acreage and small farms.  Why?  We think we have part of the answer.

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, 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

 

Rural Lifestyle Radio – From Arizona

We’re going to try something different this Sunday…remote from Phoenix, AZ it’s Highway 6 – Your Road to the Country.  We’re heard each week in on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) but…even if you don’t live in Central Iowa you can pick us up using your computer.  Just follow this link to listen live.

For most of the week I’ve been in Phoenix at the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) spring meeting and conference.  The bottom line, among those executives who make everything from bale spears to mowers, is that the rural lifestyle market is down 40 – 50 percent from last year.  In other words factories that make what we use on small farms and acreages simply are not selling new products to dealers.

We’re going to talk about that and, perhaps, offer some insight as to what is going on.  Here is a hint:  We don’t think you’ve quit buying what you need…we think the manufacturers of this equipment simply don’t know HOW to reach you.  Times have changed…and we’ll talk about it this Sunday. (Global farm equipment manufacturing:  Mel (Canada), Mo (India), me at FEMA reception Thursday evening.)

In addition we’re going to visit about the news affecting your life and your business.  We’ll talk horses, dairy and equipment.  Now, the only thing we  need is you…and for the long-distance hook up to work!

Thanks for reading and hope to have you listening on Sunday – 8am Central Time.

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, 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

 

Let's Talk Compact Tractors with Jim Clewell

This past Sunday on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country, our friend, Jim Clewell, came by the studio to talk tractors.  Jim works with our sponsor Kubota and Capital City Equipment of Ames and Des Moines.  And...tractors and the rural lifestyle is something he knows about!  Jim and his wife live on 40 acres in Madison County, Iowa and use their compact tractor all the time.  Now, sure we talked about Kubota...but we also spent some time on answering questions posted by listeners and Jim gave some suggestions about the "new" vs. "used" and some spring tips for keeping your tractor running...for a long, long time.

We've posted his interview here...just in case you want to skip the "news" portion of the show.

Our thanks to Jim for making the trip up to the studios and taking some time discussing compact tractors and the rural lifestyle.

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, 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

 

Tis The Season & Jim Clewell - Kubota

This morning I noticed a couple of Twitter messages from some horse friends in Texas.  @WalkingHorse was telling us about a storm they weathered last night.  It brought back some very vivid memories.

For those of you who've been "in the eye" of a tornado with livestock, you know where I'm headed.  It happened to us twice.  It was a Sunday afternoon in early summer and the Midwest weather was threatening.  Living in the country doesn't give us the luxury of sirens.  So we depend on radio and our own experience.  We saw it coming before we got the radio report.  Just in time to let the horses in...and head to the shelter.  Lucky for us the tornado touched down 300  yards away in an empty field.

That was daytime.

The other was much more scary.  When it's the middle of the night, the lights are out and the wind is blowing from two directions at the same time.  You know you're in trouble.  It was 4am, the rain was coming down from the south and the north.  The bottom of my yellow slicker was blowing east.  I couldn't see a thing but I could hear it.  That and the noise of the horses as I went from stall to stall letting them.   I figured they had a better chance in 400 acres than in a barn that was rocking. 

There is vulnerability yet a sense of calm in a situation like this.  Did I do the right thing?  Putting the horses in or letting them out?  I don't know but once again we were spared. 

And, that is the seasonal reality.  Be safe out there and thanks for the memory jog.

Coming up this Sunday on Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country we'll welcome our friend Jim Clewell from Kubota and Capital City Equipment.  Jim will be in to talk about spring tips for tractor owners.   Some of the new Kubota items available and we'll visit about the benefits of owning new vs. buying somebody else's problems.

We'll be talking compact tractors Sunday morning with our friend Jim Clewell...join us?

Highway 6 - Your Road to the Country is this nations only live full hour radio show dedicated to the rural lifestyle.  If you own an acreage or small farm, raise meat goats to horses this is the place for you each and every Sunday morning at 8.  If you live in Central Iowa you can pick us up on 98.3 WOW-FM (983wowfm) or if you're outside the listening area you can still listen using your computer.  We stream the show live.  And, if all that is too early...you can download the podcast and listen when you want.  Ain't technology great?

And, when not here or on the air you can follow us on Twitter - @RuralLifeRadio just click the link and you're there.

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, 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

  SpotGone! from NatraTurf- If winter kill, salt and pet urine has done a number on your lawn you need SpotGone from NatraTurf.  Natural, organic and it contains no dyes or foreign grass seed.  Just sprinkle on water and in weeks the spot is gone!  Keep the Dog - Lose the Spot with SpotGonefrom NatraTurf.

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!