Our VALOR Class seems to have found a theme of of traveling during out of the ordinary weather events. We have checked off a hurricane, high winds, and now a snowstorm that knocked out the potable water supply to the city of Richmond. In true Class VII fashion, we overcame, learned a lot, and still had a fantastic session.
This session was intended to center around the General Assembly, but due to the water situation they had gaveled in and gone on recess until after we were due to leave. Megan made lemonade out of the lemons we were handed, and was able to get the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of VDACS, as well as Delegate Orrock and Senator French to come to the hotel to meet with us instead. We were able to have insightful conversations about agriculture, leadership, and advocacy. We also had a great session with Andy about Robert’s Rules of Order, which was has been so helpful for me to understand the flow of some of the board meetings I sit in on.
That evening, we had a wonderful dinner at Reservoir Distillery, and learned about distilled spirits in Virginia. We also spoke with Tanya from Belmont Butchery about her process, background, and unique cuts and products she brings to the local market. We also learned about the Common Grain Alliance and the work they are doing to work with non-commodity grains – it was really neat! It was great to listen to the backstory on all three businesses, but the strong desire for local and small scale agriculture products available to their communities really shone bright through each business.
We spent the morning of the next day in the Governors Cabinet room with the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matt Lohr, along with the Secretary of Labor, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Deputy Secretary of Education, and the Chief Deputy Director of Conservation and Recreation. We heard from each about what their department does, and what connection they have to agriculture. I loved hearing how agriculture runs deep through all of the different areas of our state government. We also talked about each of their perspectives on leadership, including building the right team and a willingness to work hard.
That afternoon, in another incredible last minute twist, Megan scheduled us for a tour of Greenswell Growers, an indoor agricultural facility growing lettuce in Goochland, VA. Although I drive through that area regularly, I had no idea that they were there. The business started in 2018 and is already expanding 3x to a total of about 6 acres under greenhouse. The lettuce is never touched by humans from seed through harvest, reducing a lot of risk of contamination through the growing process. It is grown in a soilless media and nutrient solution. The lettuce is grown consistently 365 days per year, and uses less water than a traditional field crop. It was a really innovative company that has met a need and expanded into a growing market. That evening we were supposed to go to the Virginia Agribusiness Council annual dinner, but the event was cancelled due to the water situation in the city. We met at a restaurant with VALOR Alum Cliff Williamson and heard stories of past VALOR lessons and travels.
On our last day we went to Virginia Farm Bureau for our media training. I was SO nervous about this activity, and even more so when I walked in the room to find that we were doing our on camera interviews in front of the whole room – yikes! However, the VAFB team made the whole experience so approachable, and dare I even say…fun? It was a really unique experience and I am grateful that we were able to do it in such a supportive environment. We closed out the day with VALOR Alum Dana Fisher, who went through our Clifton Strengths assessment both individually and as a group. I learned a lot about myself through the activity, and really appreciated the insight he gave to the results we were presented with.
This session really highlighted the importance of leadership development, involvement in your community, industry, local politics, etc. and how making connections can really drive the things you care about. And, as each session has, it taught us the value of flexibility, rolling with the punches, and the when you’re with the right group any set back can become a opportunity for learning and connection!
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