Rural Lifestyle on Highway 6

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture - Bill Northey

2012-01-12T11:12:18-06:00

Recently we did this video for Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey as he invites members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture from across the United States to the NASDA Annual Meeting to be held here in Des Moines this fall.

We just thought you would like to see. For more about the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship here is that link. For more about NASDA you can go here.

Thanks for coming by..

Is Less...Best?

2011-11-29T13:04:50-06:00

A new, snappy campaign for our friends at Calcium Products rolled out the first week of November. In a nutshell Calcium Products has been battling a quality issue for years. The quality of their agricultural liming agent SuperCal 98G is far superior to most on the market and producers get confused when agronomists tell farmers they need to put tons of traditional ag-lime on their fields vs. just a few hundred poundsof SuperCal 98G.

The same goes with gypsum a great source of sulfur in the sulfate form. Some companies out there have created a "synthetic gypsum" and they also recommend tons of product vs. a few hundred pounds of SuperCal SO4. Why? Again it's about quality and purity.

So...When Less is Best was born.

The campaign starts out by suggesting that "more" is not always....better. More traffic, more pancakes, more...cats.

It will be fun to watch and see if farmers include their own "When Less is Best" story. We're proud to be part of the promotion effort and thought you might be interested in a fun campaign that can help farmers make a difference in their yields.

You can follow them on Twitter @WhenLessIsBest or here is their link to Facebook. Maybe you've got a story to share? When Less Is Best...

Family Farming - Southern Iowa

2011-09-22T07:13:56-05:00

We're doing a major project for a client. The project includes various stops across the country interviewing farmers and their equipment buying habits. Along the way we take some FLIP Video of what we're doing. Here's a short from our new friends Wayne and Jory Hunerdosse of Indianola, Iowa:

For folks that think all of Iowa is...flat. Oh...and sorry, about that "Field of Dreams" scene. We just couldn't help ourselves. Thanks for coming by... - Michael

Cattle, Cotton & Peanuts - Georgia

2011-09-12T06:44:38-05:00

Last week we traveled to Moultre, Georgia home of the Sunbelt Expo...a month ahead of the show... to film a producer and the dealership Lasseter Equipment. It's all for a client of ours as we trek across the United States talking to farmers about their work and their equipment.

This trip found us at the Davis Farm in Doerun, a tiny community north of Moultre. (You can click on the images to enlarge.) Here Bart Davis, his wife Paula and three children farm over 4,000 acres of cattle, cotton, peanuts, hay and some corn. Bart has an interesting story: Grandson of a sharecropper, Bart's parents died six months apart when he was eighteen. His inheritance was an old house and a several hundred acres of farm ground. He married his high school sweetheart, Bart was twenty Paula was seventeen, and went to work...hard.

We were there on the day his brand new John Deere 7760 cotton picker was delivered. Price tag: $580,000. Here's a quick video of our new friend and a little about what he does...

A couple of other pieces of information: Bart tells us he doesn't take a vacation, "Why go away from what I love to do?" and he's concerned about things like the future generation: "We can't find competent people to work. They won't listen, stay on the job...or sometimes even show up." He knows about not paying attention too...recently an employee hit a tree with a sprayer arm, cost to repair: $25,000.

It was a great visit and thank you Bart for your friendship and your hard work.

Cowboy Chic - Coming Back?

2011-08-17T16:11:49-05:00

Or maybe it never left. This year at the Iowa State Fair we've noticed a trend with women, of all ages, wearing boots with...dresses. We've seen the boots and shorts angle many times but this seems different. Women across age groups and on nights even when there isn't a country act at the grandstand are dressed like this. (Go ahead, you can click on the photos...they will get larger.)

We Like & Something Else

We spent some time asking folks who sell everything from hats to boots and the stuff in-between how business has been. The answer: "Good to Excellent". From the people selling cowboy gear around the Horse Barn and into the Cattle Barn.

Our long time friend Todd Muir from Muir Embroidery of Rippy, Iowa who sells everything from jackets to boots, said it's not just rural folks coming in this year. "We've sold lots of things to people from the city. It's been a great year so far."

Meanwhile Les Fevold who owns Rodeo Hat Company based out of Humboldt, Iowa said, "It's been super. Last year I was ready to hang it up and sell out. This year has been one of my very best. We're on track to sell as much as we did back in the high times of the cowboy trend."

It's nice to hear... So, what's your take on all of this? Got boots?

One more thing: Here is a future State Fair Queen and our grand-daughter Jovie getting her first hat from Les. The next day it was boots from Todd. Hey got to help your friends.

Thanks for stopping by and hope your summer is rolling along nicely!

Tough Week for Iowa Agriculture

2011-06-17T13:54:35-05:00

Twice this past week the US Senate took up the ethanol subsidy. Finally getting a vote to end the program and attempt to save some $2.5 billion. Not that there is much that will happen but this is the first blow and Rural Iowa will suffer. Speaking of corn we keep hearing reports that the crop is excellent. Where? With the cold wet spring and flooding we might see corn "knee high" by the 4th...but it might be a push.

Meanwhile, and more pressing, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report saying the "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is likely to grow to the size of New Hampshire. Where are the fingers being pointed? Farm states like...Iowa. From the report:

"Hypoxia is caused by excessive nutrient pollution, often from human activities such as agriculture that results in too little oxygen to support most marine life in bottom and near bottom water."

This continues to plague agri-business and is another PR blow to the industry. In response, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa State University, last year, began a program to help producers and consumer mitigate runoff. How is it going?

We asked Chuck Gipp the Director of the Soil Conservation section of the department and he told us the task-force isn't ready to open their findings for public comment and may not until this fall. "This has been a major undertaking. The goal of the task-force is to study the scientific data and come up with a plan that will reduce Hypoxia by reducing run off by 45%. During this work we're finding all sorts of areas where we can have a major impact."

Asked if legislation might be a factor Gipp said not at this point. "Our goal is not to regulate but tofirst learn what the problems are, where they are coming from and deal with them in such a way as we don't cause more problems for producers or for our state."

We'll see...

A Job In Agriculture & Equipment & Media

2011-05-25T11:09:32-05:00

I've got a great client who is looking for a sales professional. A couple of words about them: I've done business with them for years, they have a solid reputation (and so should you), they are nationwide and they are successful. Sound interesting?

The company is Fastline based in Buckner, KY and I don't know all the details... but here is what they are looking for and maybe what you're seeking:

Growth Oriented Multi-Media Company
Digital & Print Products (23 Trade Publications)
Seeking - Self Starter - Articulate - Career Minded
Previous Sales Experience - Some Overnight Travel
Car, Salary, Commissions and Benefits - WHOOT!

If you live in the Cedar Rapids Area or even Des Moines...and/or want to...this might be a great opportunity. If you've got an interest send me an e-mail or let's touch base @RuralLifeRadio or @MichaelLibbie

Hope this works...for both of you!

Iowa To Make History...Or a Mistake?

2011-03-30T16:33:58-05:00

Speeding through the agriculture committees of both the Iowa House and Senate is a bill that would make it illegal for animal rights activists to film or photograph and then distribute the images.

The Iowa Agriculture Industry says they are being targeted by zealots who are against industrialized agriculture while animal advocates cry "foul" saying that this is an admission of guilt on the part of "big ag".

The Iowa Bill is a result of secret videos that were released showing cows being shocked, pigs beaten and chicks being ground alive.

So, is this agriculture's way of dealing with the issue? Suggesting that this activity goes on but it's OK until the public learns about it? Will the Iowa Senate now make it a crime to expose a crime?

Ouch...

Legislators say...whoa down. When people see these kind of things going on they should report them through the proper channels and not play the game of "gotcha". Here is the full story from Business Week. And, there is this from the Toronto Star...

We don't need this law. I'm not an animal rights activist...not by a long shot...but I am concerned that passing such legislation controlling and making the filming and distribution illegal makes ag look....bad. Very bad.

At a time when agriculture needs more, not less, friends and at a time when so many people have horrible misconceptions about farming and nearly zero relationships with farmers and ranchers...this bill is ill advised. Bad idea for agriculture, bad idea for farmers and ranchers....this will only fuel the fires of those who already think animal agriculture is evil. And for those who don't, they just might start wondering, "So, what is going on they don't want me to know about?"

What should be done? - Simple, for those who do video or take images of animal cruelity they have 48 hours to make a formal complaint to the authorities. We're not talking a phone call. An actual complaint stating then abuse. If, however they fail to make a report and still make the images public...then there is a case against the person.

Got a different point of view? On Twitter it's @RuralLifeRadio, leave a comment here or drop me an e-mail. Thanks for coming by.

Meatless Mondays & Silly Ideas

2011-02-15T23:40:14-06:00

I was driving Tuesday afternoon listening, as I usually do, to what is called "The Big Show". It's a farm block of news and information coming from 1040-WHO Radio in Des Moines. The conversation about beef prices was between the host and Kevin Venner who offers commodity comments.

When the subject of "Meatless Monday's" came up Venner poo-pooed it with this comment: "The people who watch Oprah and those who visit the meat counter at the grocery store are not the same people."

Wrong, Mr. Venner they are, and sticking our collective ag-heads in the sand while the number of vegetarian and/or anti-meat folks continues to increase is dangerous...and silly. Already we're seeing successful changes to school lunch menus and campaigns to push Meatless Monday's into the private sector.

Rather than say something silly it's better to respond with a powerful message about why meat and meat products are a part of a sensible diet...and offer that rational. Wishing it will go away...will not make it so.

Thanks for reading...and be careful out there.

Iowa Power Farming Show - A Must See

2011-01-31T20:58:14-06:00

This week snow and farmers invade Des Moines in a show of strength. It's the first major snow of the new year and the 56th Annual Iowa Power Farming Show a presentation of the Iowa/Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association.

"We've had some unque challenges this year", says association executive director, Andy Goodman. (photo) "Veterans Auditorium is going through a major renovation so we had to move some exhibitors to the Polk County Convention Center. But, even with that change we've had more companies come and exhibit. We've always got a waiting list. The mood at the show promises to be upbeat: It's been a solid year for agriculture and we expect this show to be the best we've done in some time. We're excited for the producers and the exhibitors."

Many people don't realize that the Iowa Power Farming Show ranks as one of the top six indoor shows in the nation. And...it's growing.

According to Tom Junge, show director, there will be 1660 exhibit booths featuring products and services from over 640 agricultural companies. "We're a real farm show", says Junge. "Our show is meant for producers and rural lifestyle folks who want to come see, touch and experience the latest innovations in equipment, crop and soil science." Last year nearly 20,000 people attended the three day event.

Attendees who don't want to fight the cold and winds of Des Moines can ride directly to the show entrance in the comfort of shuttle buses provided by Calcium Products, Inc. The bus service picks up attendees at the free parking area of Principal Park and drops them off at the door of the convention center or the Wells Fargo Arena. "This is the third year we've provided this free service to farmers and their families", says Craig Dick of Calcium Products. "We've added a couple of features including an attendant or "Flo" for each bus to answer questions and to help folks get to the right location. We're also showing a new video about the yield seminars we did last year...and each "Flo" will be handing out a card with seminar times and locations for this year." The farmer directed seminars "Yield Pays the Bills...Yield Starts Here!" will be held each day of the show. Here are the times and locations for the Calcium Products Seminars:

Tuesday - February 1 - 11:30am - Hy-Vee Hall - Room 7
Wednesday - February 2 - 11:30am - Hy-Vee Hall - Room 8
Thursday - February 3 - 12:15pm - Hy-Vee Hall - Room 7

We're a strong lot...snow or no snow...hope the see you at the show!

If you want to carry on the conversation feel free to leave a comment below, send me an e-mail or follow me on Twitter @RuralLifeRadio -