As our two week journey in Argentina comes to a close I can safely say that it ends with with as much excitement as it began. We were able to sit down with Ag Consulate, Melinda Sallyards at the U.S. Embassy. It was great to learn more about the US Foreign Service and the interactions… Continue reading Final Day in Argentina
Our latest seminar has brought the VALOR fellows into Southwest Virginia. Our trek began in Blacksburg at the campus of Virginia Tech, then led us through more winding roads than I ever could imagine. As we worked our way through the mountains and foothills of Appalachia; we visited the natural wonder of Burkes Garden, coal… Continue reading Southwest, “Yes We are Still in Virginia”
While traveling the Midwest during the National component of our VALOR experience I was in awe of the vast expanse of agriculture. Traveling for miles on end and everything in sight was farmland, truly making one feel smaller in their own operation and an appreciation for the greater industry of agriculture. I was especially taken… Continue reading BioTownAG – A different Kind of Farm
As I sit in my office (folding table in my living room), kids running around, and I am frantically completing my assignments for my next VALOR session that starts tomorrow. Excited as the anticipation of what new experiences, people, and places we will see. What exercises does Megan and Kelsey have planned to challenge our… Continue reading A Time Keepers Nightmare
Looking back at our time spent in Richmond last session, numerous thought come to mind but what stands out is our time with Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell. We had the honor to spend time with the Governor, his Chief of Staff Martin Kent, the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore, and the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture… Continue reading In Support of Agriculture
On our final day of session III, Jeff Slaven and his family took time out of their Sunday to share the details of the many operations that have sprung out of opportunities presented to them. I would hardly say that luck would have anything to do with the success of this family farming operation that… Continue reading “An Enterprise of Opportunity”
Reflection, as I look back at the time we have spent together in our first 2 sessions as part of the inaugural VALOR class. I feel that with each day, I am developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for what is agriculture in Virginia. During session 2 we toured a variety of business' and facilities some of… Continue reading Reflections and Discovery
My name is CJ Isbell, and I live in Rockville, Va located in western Hanover County. My family's has a long history in agriculture; from by great-grandfather working for Virginia Dairy, my grandfather's commercial farming operation, to the direct marketing farming operation I co-own today. My grandfather started our farm in 1951, starting with over… Continue reading Thoughts of a Grass Farmer…
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