Day seven for the VALOR Fellows consisted of lots of travel. Up early and a quick breakfast. Then on the bus for the trip to the airport. Fly, change planes, fly again, another bus and finally the hotel in beautiful El Calafate. Just as the sun sets and reflects off Lake Argentno, today's travel provided… Continue reading Some numbers from day Seven
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
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
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 …
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
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
valeadersor.com 