It truly has been and will continue to be a wonderful experience with a group of such fine people. I fall short of the proper word but I think "rewarding" best suits for the moment. Traveling across the Commonwealth, to Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan; and most recently our adventure in Argentina; we have not only… Continue reading VALOR: What a great journey!
Author: Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith is the Senior Assistant Director of Governmental Relations with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation since 2003. Prior to his present position, Andrew was a full time farmer on his family’s commercial hay operation where he is still involved. Andrew enjoys his family and friends, and has been known to travel extensively when he has time. Among the many places he has been is Tanzania where he reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Day 4: VALOR International
"I've Got a Crush on You", "You've got to kiss a few frogs to find a Prince", "I'm nuts over you", and "Virginia's for Lovers". No, this blog isn't about finding love, but it is about a group of people that love agriculture and their tour of operations in Argentina. So here is it Day… Continue reading Day 4: VALOR International
Coal Country
A trip to Southwest Virginia would have been lacking for VALOR fellows had we not learned about the coal industry in Virginia; and we did just that in Seminar III. VALOR is considered “a premier leadership program for adults in agriculture,” and it’s important to remember when developing well-informed leaders they must gain an appreciation… Continue reading Coal Country
A twinkle in their eye
Our time on the road during our U.S. agriculture trip was a great time learning about more diverse areas of our industry. I am always excited to meet and learn more from agriculturalists everywhere. It was during this time that it occurred to me a common thread that runs through each and every person we… Continue reading A twinkle in their eye
Dietrich Orchards – a family tradition
The VALOR fellows took it on the road for Seminar Seven traveling to Indiana, Illinois and Michigan for an exciting trip of new experiences. One of the best parts of VALOR is touring new types of agricultural operations. Some may be similar to what we see in our home area, but most are very different… Continue reading Dietrich Orchards – a family tradition
A little technical assistance please …
VALOR Fellows had a complete experience during Seminar VI: Bay/Northern Neck - Agriculture, Technology and the Environment. It was an exciting time bringing together firsthand the components of one of the most talked-about efforts in decades, allowing a vibrant agricultural industry and work in partnership to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay… Continue reading A little technical assistance please …
Can we talk?
Most evenings in my college days several fraternity brothers would gather in my room for an evening cocktail to unwind while watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson - yes I have dated myself. It was an enjoyable ritual - one that was relaxing where we would share a laugh or gripe about the day we… Continue reading Can we talk?
