As I reflect on our time visiting Southside Virginia, one theme that stands out for me is the importance and power of vision, which shines through at the Olde Dominion Ag Complex. The facility seems like a huge asset to the agricultural community. It took incredible vision for the 9 farmers who started the idea… Continue reading Vision & relationships
I laid my head down on my pillow on a bunk bed at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center and there was complete silence. I could hear absolutely nothing. No cars driving by, no emergency vehicle sirens, no planes flying overhead, no dogs barking, no upstairs neighbors jumping around, no fan,… Continue reading Ag, people & the environment
Southwest Virginia is home to beautiful landscapes and friendly, welcoming people. I admire the sense of community shown in many of our visits. People are proud of their culture and traditions. Tyler Hughes, a musician and local elected official, was an example of a young person passionate about helping his community. The coal museum and… Continue reading A Sense of Community
Our hosts in South Carolina and Georgia rolled out the red carpet for VALOR fellows. Everyone was so welcoming and open about their businesses. They shared about their successes and challenges. Everyone's passion for agriculture, their families and serving their community shined at every stop. Here are a few of my take-aways from the trip:… Continue reading Southern hospitality
Even though NOVA is home, the northern Virginia and DC seminar gave me a lot to think about. For me, the visits highlighted conflicting priorities. Making money and feeding people They are not mutually exclusive, but they are sometimes in conflict. Endless Summer Harvest served us the best lettuce I've ever eaten. Wegman's has a… Continue reading Conflicting Priorities
VALOR fellows spent a morning at USDA with fellows from Pennsylvania RULE, LEADelaware and Nuffield International. We heard from: Bette Brand, Administrator for Rural Business Service, Acting Administrator for Rural Utilities Service Curt Coccodrilli, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Pennsylvania Ken Barbic, Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Bill Northey, Under Secretary for Farm… Continue reading Morning at USDA
Having only lived in Virginia four years, one of my goals for participating in VALOR is to help Virginia feel more like home. Visiting Richmond and Seminar III took a huge step in that direction! Touring the capitol, meeting elected officials and participating in the Virginia Agribusiness Council annual dinner - and knowing more people… Continue reading Home sweet home
Happy 2019! The new year is a great time for reflection so here's my reflection on our second VALOR seminar. The seminar gave me the opportunity for many firsts: exploring the Tidewater area; seeing pork and peanut processing; "driving" a self-driving tractor; and driving over/under/through the Chesapeake Bay on the Bridge-Tunnel. I enjoyed the time… Continue reading People: Value, Opportunity & Challenges
Ronald Daughtrey, agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Lakeland High School, hosted VALOR Class IV fellows on Thursday evening of our second seminar. While holding up a Snickers bar, Mr. Daughtrey asked the group what the most expensive input is for it- peanuts, chocolate, etc. What's your guess? See below for the answer. He challenged… Continue reading Dinner at Lakeland High School
To those with roots in agriculture generations deep, I’m an outsider. I grew up in a rural community in northern New York, but did not grow up on a farm. I began horseback riding lessons in elementary school and joined 4-H to be able to show at the county fair. My curiosity was sparked. I… Continue reading Outsider turned insider
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