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
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 …
I am sitting here in my tractor, planting soybeans. Well...not really. All I am doing is monitoring the monitors that monitor the process. The planter is doing the critical task of precisely placing each seed in the ground and covering it with soil. The tractor is driving itself-and doing a better job of it than… Continue reading Reflections from the tractor windshield
There is a widespread belief that it is us vs. them when it comes to the relationship between the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agricultural Industry. I would submit that it doesn’t have to be that way. I recently had the opportunity along with the VALOR fellows to visit the EPA in… Continue reading U. S. Environmental Protection Agency vs. Agriculture… Inevitable? Maybe not.
The Virginian Creed “To be a Virginian either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from Above." ---Anonymous I’m sure… Continue reading Is it enough “To be a Virginian”?
For their prior gathering, the VALOR fellows found themselves in Richmond while the General Assembly was in session. Oft described as sharing many traits with sausage making, the legislative process was in full swing and on display for the fellows to enjoy. But, the legislative process is only half of the story. (OK...yes, you're right... … Continue reading The amazing Universal #2 meat grinder
At the most recent VALOR seminar, the fellows’ met many interesting people in Virginia’s government, including those representing two of the three branches of our state government, the Executive and the Legislative Branches. We were most fortunate to meet not just a friend of agriculture in the legislature, but a true leader in our industry,… Continue reading The Gentleman from Caroline
VALOR class members were in Richmond, Va., from Feb. 11-14, 2013 to learn about legislative advocacy and policy development. While meeting with Martha Moore of Virginia Farm Bureau Governmental Relations and Donna Pugh Johnson, past-president, Virginia Agribusiness Council, the class received firsthand information about lobbying and relationship building. The seasoned lobbyists shared the importance of… Continue reading Reblogged: Ready for Richmond: Leadership and legislation in action
What is your view of lobbying? Or better yet, what is your opinion of a lobbyist? During our Legislative Advocacy and Policy Development Seminar in Richmond, the VALOR fellows had the opportunity to answer that question. Martha Moore, Vice President of Governmental Relations for Virginia Farm Bureau and Donna Pugh Johnson, Past-president of Virginia Agribusiness Council were… Continue reading Truth In Lobbying
Posted by Virginia Farm Bureau Governmental Relations on the Virginia Farm Bureau Plow and Politics blog This week, the inaugural fellows of the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining results (VALOR) program participated in their fourth of 12 seminars at the Virginia Farm Bureau building and the General Assembly in Richmond. VALOR is a two-year program that focuses… Continue reading Reblogged: VALOR fellows participate in seminar at Virginia Farm Bureau, General Assembly
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