During a recent state-level engagement we hosted in Suffolk with Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the event began with a few remarks from Mayor Mike Duman. Standing before a room of farmers, policymakers, and community leaders, he said, It’s a true pleasure to welcome you all here today in the heart of Suffolk, where… Continue reading What Suffolk’s Fields Are Teaching Me About Leadership, Policy, and Stewardship
Our sixth VALOR seminar brought us out to Virginia’s Northern Neck where we got to take a firsthand look at oyster farming. I expected a change of scenery—but I didn’t expect it to shift the way I think about agriculture. One of our stops was Kellum Seafood, a family-run business that’s been part of the… Continue reading Finding Common Ground in Oyster Farming
Agriculture and food go hand in hand (DUH) so obviously I was looking forward to tasting the seafood of the Northern Neck. In true VALOR fashion I learned the NN was SO much more than food. Number one take away (that people in my personal life asked)- You can eat oysters year round and don't… Continue reading Eat oysters whenever you want…
https://valeadersor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_4940.jpg Southwest Virginia has a special place in my heart. Growing up we trail rode on the Virginia Highlands Trail (one of my favorite activities to date) but I didn't truly fall in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains until I became a Hokie and never felt more at home anywhere than in Blacksburg. In… Continue reading Come Hell or High Water
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
The Collins Dictionary defines adaptable as the ability to change ideas or behavior in order to deal with new situations. After the VALOR Class VII's visit to the Northern Neck, this definition perfectly describes agriculture in the region. Our class was hosted by multiple industry innovators who, rather than conforming to the norm, adapted their operations to… Continue reading Adaptable
How the time flies. We are officially half-way through Cohort VII. With each seminar, we take part in an invitation to grow, to stretch our understanding of agriculture, leadership, and community. But our recent trip to Virginia’s Northern Neck reminded me of something even more personal, it reminded me to stay coachable. To keep that… Continue reading Northern Neck: Reflections on the Haynie Family
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
The Oxford Dictionary defines “resilience” as the capacity to withstand or recover from difficulties. After our recent trip to Southwest Virginia, the definition of “resilience” is embodied by the people who make up this area. After being hit by one of the most devastating hurricanes to make landfall in the US in September 2024, the… Continue reading Resilience
One of my favorite shows growing up was Friends, a sitcom following six adults and their day-to-day antics. In one episode, now made into viral memes, Ross recruits Rachel and Chandler to move his new couch up flights of apartment building stairs. Sketch in hand with no concrete plan, Ross says, “follow my lead” and… Continue reading In the words of Ross, “PIVOT!”
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