Another seminar for the (history?) books.
The third VALOR VII seminar proved that agricultural leadership is about adaptability. When two inches of snow unexpectedly shut down Virginia’s Capitol, our cohort turned a potential setback into an opportunity for deeper connections. Virginia’s legislative session was postponed to the following week and for the rest of the seminar Ross Geller’s voice was playing on rerun in the back of my head.
This “weather challenge” showed the power of networking within the Agriculture Industry and allowed us a more personal experience with Senator French and Delegate Orrock. Our fearless leader, Megan, was able to rework most of our itinerary on very short notice and we were still able to meet with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of VDACS and get our “Roberts Rules” lesson in.
Who needs running water when you have bourbon? The tour and discussion at Reservoir Distillery was great. As a bourbon girl, I had no idea the science behind distilling. I also really enjoyed discussing heritage grains and there possible uses in alcohol. I wanted 7 more bowls of the bean soup prepared by Belmont Butchery.
I think I speak for all of VALOR VII in appreciation of the cabinet Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries who worked time to visit with us in their ever-changing schedule. I especially enjoyed some insights the Secretary of the Commonwealth, The Honorable Kelly Gee, spoke about in relation to leadership. Some tidbits I wrote down were “put people who are smarter than you at the table” and “a leader should always be willing to do what they ask others to do.” I know the leaders I admire the most are those who are willing to get “in the trenches” with the rest of us.
Shout out to some VALOR alumni who encouraged me into the program and met with VALOR VII- Deputy Secretary Stefanie Taillon and Chief Deputy Director Andrew Smith and another previous GR teammate Deputy Secretary Zach Jacobs! I think Virginia Farm Bureau has a lot of great leaders past and present.
Speaking of- Friday was spent at Virginia Farm Bureau main office in Richmond. VALOR VII was introduced to our newly elected President, Scott Sink, part of our communications, special programs, and governmental relations departments. I was very anxious about standing in front of the group to be interviewed about solar but I really enjoyed the process and training we were given.
Dana Fisher gave a us a lesson on Strength Based Leadership. I have done a lot of reflecting on our personality tests and think they will be very helping in finding my fit in our leadership journey.
I hope my fellow cohorts learned from Katelyn Jordan’s presentation on Agvocacy and understand a little more about what I and Virginia Farm Bureau does!
Another pleasant addition to the seminar was a tour of Greenswell Growers and it was a sight to see. They are able to produce a lettuce product with 1/20 of the labor used in field production. That is incredible. We saw animation also take part in the production at Smithfield during Seminar II but they still had a large labor force.
The biggest p.i.v.o.t of all goes to Cliff Williamson of the Virginia Agribusiness Council. I was greatly looking forward to attending the Agribusiness banquet. A highlight of session and great opportunity for networking. The lack of water caused the banquet to be canceled, freeing up Cliff’s evening and allowing us to get a better insight into the Agribusiness council itself.
valeadersor.com 