Country is countrywide in Canada too. From the apple orchards of northern Virginia to the vineyards of New York state and upward into Ontario’s fruit basket, farm traditions persist in proximity to urban centers throughout North America. VALOR Class VII followed northbound byways to the apple orchards and wine grape vineyards of Winchester and… Continue reading North by Northeast
Welcome to Virginia’s pristine Northern Neck. We hope you enjoy the visit. Thank you for not imposing your politics or economic development pursuits on our communities. We preserve our distinct cultural identities with a spirit of resistance. But while you’re here, admire our picturesque Chesapeake Bay waterfronts! Feast on oysters harvested just this morning. Sample… Continue reading Resistance & preservation in Virginia’s Northern Neck: A love letter
Generational pain and pride pulse through the arteries coalescing at the heart of Appalachia. Rich coal seams were once veins feeding the economic opportunity of the Great Southwest. American roots music and the earliest string bands, influenced by melodies of African and European musical heritage, set a steady beat. Agricultural abundance and natural resources have… Continue reading Rural Renaissance in the Great Southwest
I suppose my life’s purpose is to understand yours. Public thinker Simon Sinek encouraged our VALOR fellows to start with Why. So, we listened closely to ascertain the Why—a purpose, cause or belief—that motivates ag industry operators and innovators throughout the Shenandoah Valley at our March seminar. For some, their Why is rooted passion, tradition… Continue reading What’s your ‘why?’
Not all architecture is visible at street-level. Some of the most enduring structures are built through policy by state officials committed to sustaining a strong regulatory framework underpinning Virginia’s largest private industry. While farm advocates are the architects of agricultural policy, state leaders hammer out the details, enabling the growth, safety and continued economic influence… Continue reading Agricultural architecture
Peanuts, pork, potatoes and Perdue. Discoveries along the Tidewater’s pork-and-peanut trail and Eastern Shore brought VALOR Class VII to ground-level with those iconic Virginia commodities, while offering a 10,000-foot view of their global impact. At our first stop along Virginia’s Salty Southern Route in November, we learned from industry professionals at the Virginia Peanut Growers… Continue reading Salty Southern Route or bust!
Uh-oh. I’ve been mistaken for a leader. I took a worthier candidate’s spot. The VALOR selection committee confused me for someone with real leadership potential. My mind was racing at Class VII’s orientation in Blacksburg in late September, when I realized I’d never truly contemplated the elements of leadership, much less envisioned myself as one.… Continue reading Revelations of a reluctant leader
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