#ValortakesFL was the latest hashtag reference describing our most recent excursion. This session landed us in sunny central Florida. Here we were emersed in local agricultural, political, and ecological life. A few things are well known about Florida; it's hot, it's humid, it's a popular desitination of the grey nomads, The Villages (key annoying jingle… Continue reading ABC’s of Florida: Alligators, Beef, & Crackers (or citrus)
Do you know what I'm scared of? I'm scared of car wrecks, things on fire that aren't supposed to be, and a stranger hiding in my house when I get home at night. Do you know what I'm not scared of? The food on my plate. I am not the least bit concerned about the… Continue reading Legit Things to be Scared Of
VALOR Class II expanded their horizons with a six-day November trip to Florida, their eighth of twelve seminars. And while there is no doubt about the diversity of Agriculture in our own Commonwealth, seeing a small slice of Florida's Agricultural diversity was eye-opening. Comparing the two states further reveals some major differences. Florida represents… Continue reading #VALORtakesFL
Have you ever think you had it all figured out, only to realize you really didn't know what was going on all around you? The moment you think your plan is coming together, you realize that the world didn't get the memo that this was your day. As we travel around, meet with people of… Continue reading Wet Blueprints
Our last seminar in the Northern Neck area of Virginia marked the start of our second year in VALOR. We had the pleasure of spending time on a few impressive crop operations and in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. When you reach the half way point there is a sense of relief. You know what to… Continue reading Half Way There
Our most recent VALOR excursion landed us in the Northern Neck region of Virginia. The Northern Neck is an area full of history, fertile soils, and plenty of water. The roads are lined with historic markers, the homeplaces or many of the founding fathers of the United States, and historic homes of yesterday. It is… Continue reading Leadership, A Committment Beyond What Most Can See
We had the pleasure of visiting Omega Proteins in the Northern Neck. The intricacy of the operation, and the specificity of the machinery was a sight to behold. What was just as important was the impact that one business can have on a community. From pilots, to fishermen and engineer, in one way or another… Continue reading Big Business, Little Fish
Visiting Farms and touring Loudoun and DC seemed a little ironic since I live in Purcellville, work in Leesburg and have the opportunity to go to the City on an afternoon visit. But to take the time to visit local farms, hear from our farmers about the decisions they are making to be successful in… Continue reading Seeing Things Through a Different Lens
One of the exciting things about Virginia Agriculture is the diversity that abounds across the state. Our recent trip to Southeast Virginia and the Eastern Shore was just another testiment to this statement. I hail from from Northern Virginia where we still have some traditional crops of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay; and where our… Continue reading Exploring the Diversity of Virginia Agriculture
As the only aggie in a high school graduating class of 330, urban-edge agriculture resonates very strongly with me. Outside observers may dub it a curious novelty and question your sanity (who would *want* to cultivate crops when there are houses aplenty to grow), but there’s nothing especially peculiar about agriculture on the fringes of… Continue reading Southwest Virginia: An Exercise in Contrasts
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