To prepare for our fourth seminar (time flies when you’re having fun!) we were asked to watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, “Start with Why”. He described how successful businesses, leaders, social movements, etc., more so focus on the “why” or purpose when communicating their products, organizations, events. “Why” is central, whereas “how” and “what” are… Continue reading What, How and Why: Where do you start to make the most impact?
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
The Oxford Dictionary defines sustainability in two ways: the ability to continue over time, and the ability to cause little or no environmental damage—thus enabling long-term continuation. Class VII's regional US trip was a resounding example of these two definitions. After spending six days on the road—starting in Winchester, traveling through the Finger Lakes Region… Continue reading Sustainability
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
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