FFA members know those words as the introduction to the FFA Creed penned by EM Tiffany nearly 100 years ago. Years separate today’s agriculture practices from Mr. Tiffany’s world. Years separate you from when you first learned those words. What cannot separate you from those words is the essence of what they mean, what values… Continue reading “I Believe In The Future Of Agriculture…”
Do you ever notice how many people are unhappy? I was raised to believe happiness comes from within, not from a life partner, not from a job, etc. When I was in Peru, I saw happy people. Our hosts opened their homes, businesses and shared their visions. We saw some of most diverse agricultural enterprises… Continue reading Happiness Comes From Within
Since our Class V journey began, we’ve each faced numerous personal challenges; job changes, workplace crisis, family emergencies, conflicts, changes, and all amid COVID. I find our sessions to be eye opening, reflective of self, and help me refocus. The last two years some things I’ve learned- managing the stress, not taking things personally, don’t… Continue reading Leading Through Life
For a moment, close your eyes and imagine "home". What comes to mind? For me, it's a good meal and going back for seconds. It's swapping stories. It's talking about the weather. It's feeling included. It's feeling comfortable and completely at ease with yourself and your company. That's the agriculture community in Louisiana. Every producer… Continue reading A Home Called Louisiana
Driving along the bayou from New Iberia to Houma felt like driving through a different country. It’s easy to keep your head in the hole and keep your blinders on, especially when we all have our to-do lists, goals, and bucket lists to focus on. But if we’re honest with ourselves, we probably prefer to… Continue reading Debris Piles
If you know me, I am a big hot tea drinker. When we were at our hotel in New Iberia, LA, one of the hotel teas had a saying on it, it said “Every neighbor can be your teacher”. What a great sentiment. If we open our minds, we can learn something. Each person has… Continue reading Every Neighbor Can Be Your Teacher
In November, VALOR Class V traveled to Louisiana: Cajun Country, Birthplace of Jazz, the Bayou, Who Dat Nation! I had traveled to Louisiana before, primarily visiting New Orleans for various Farm Bureau trips but had never ventured outside of the French Quarter, and certainly never into the Bayou. I was excited to be traveling, looking… Continue reading Lessons Learned in the Bayou
Balance… what is balance? I was not able to attend the majority of the most recent Northern Neck VALOR trip, and it was hard looking at the agenda knowing I was not going to participate with my cohort, and when I did get to spend the few hours one evening with the, it was hard… Continue reading Real Talk…
Some people dream about living near the water and visit from time to time. A few people make it happen in retirement or a hopeful business venture. Some have been near water their entire lives. I’ve always enjoyed the water and time I’ve spent in “Rivah” and beach towns. When you’re on vacation and seeking… Continue reading Water, Water, Everywhere…
Agriculture has had a bad rap over the years for environmental concerns-too much fertilizer, too many herbicides, too much tillage, no cover crops. Wherever your were, or are now, with your thinking, I encourage you to take a trip to the Northern Neck of Virginia for a reality check. You’ll see how the land stewards… Continue reading Strong Partnerships
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