GMO - A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. It sounds harmless enough, but this term has sparked some heated discussion in the agriculture community as well as the general public. It is Halloween and I am interested in how you folks see GMO’s, … Continue reading GMO’s – Ghoul or Godsend?
Ah Michigan, the land of two peninsulas, a state rich in history from its unique position among the Great Lakes, to its manufacturing to its agriculture, Michigan has so much to offer. Along with the VALOR fellows I was recently able to visit there for the first time and learn about its agriculture. I was… Continue reading No Small Victory
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
In late September during our National Seminar, Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) was hosted by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Corn Marketing Council to a dinner at the Glass Barn-- the newest addition to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This Barn offers a farming experience and educational opportunity to visitors. The glass and timber framed… Continue reading Glass Barn Offers A Clear Image
Tomorrow we leave on our US study trip, which officially means we’re past the halfway point with VALOR. I’ve thought a lot about how fast this program is passing. Seminar VI, like all of the seminars thus far, was fantastic. For me, one of the most meaningful experiences was the weekend on the bay with… Continue reading Investing with a long-term view.
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 …
An otherwise inconspicuous grain elevator along Tidewater Trail in Center Cross, Virginia, holds thousands of bushels of soybeans. However, these aren’t just your average beans. The Montague Farms facility contains natto beans grown by farmers in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, and destined for export to Japanese markets. It’s not just the beans that are… Continue reading Not your average beans…
A few years back Guy Clark postulated that there are only two things that money can’t buy, true love and home grown tomatoes. I suppose there is some wisdom in that but the times they are a changin’. I can assure you that all over Virginia, and other places throughout the nation, money CAN buy… Continue reading There’s only two things…
Many of you who follow this BLOG know already that VALOR stands for Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results and what an amazing endeavor for those of us fortunate enough to be participants in the inaugural class. As we continue on our journey in learning about agriculture in not only our state but in our community,… Continue reading VALOR in Virginia’s Northern Neck… Learning our Responsibility
My son Andrew, a Boy Scout, recently spent a week at Camp Davy Crockett in Rogersville TN. Camp is a weeklong adventure where Scouts utilize skills learned in scouting to be self sufficient and continue the learning process. As you might expect I am very proud of my son and his accomplishment in Scouting. He… Continue reading Be Prepared
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