Our most recent VALOR excursion landed us in Southwest Virginia. Known throughout this great land for their tough resolve, hard work ethic, and independent way of life, Appalachia Virginia offers a view of rugged beauty in both landscape and culture. As I reflect on our experience, I cannot help but think of the economy of… Continue reading Cycle of Growth
Being a father of a little girl often means watching her favorite movie over and over; often until you have memorized every line and scene. Shrek 3 is that movie for me. I have seen this movie countless times, but to Bailey, it is always fresh and new. Maybe it is a comfort thing; I… Continue reading Far, Far Away
Our VALOR trip to Washington, DC in May has had me thinking a lot about distances. Of course the obvious one - how relatively close DC is to my home, but how long and awful driving into and out of there can be. But also how fortunate we on the East Coast are to have… Continue reading Distances
Participating in VALOR is no small task. It takes time and dedication from the fellow, their family, colleagues, and employees. In mid-May myself and the Class II of VALOR spent five days in Northern Virginia and Washington DC. I did all I could at home on the farm to make sure my absence would leave… Continue reading Teamwork!
Our recent trip to Washington D.C. was astounding. Many people looking like they are in a hurry to go nowhere! Most places, you have to stand in line. Many people to talk to with many different opinions from all the United States. When you enter this very urban setting, you can't help but feel as… Continue reading Who speaks for me?!
Our last VALOR trip was to northern Virginia and to visit our nation’s capital, Washington DC. We talked with many government agencies about agriculture policy and how they lobby to help protect the environment and help to sustain agriculture in this country. The group also got to see many different ways that agriculture works in… Continue reading Urban Agriculture
One of the most important take-aways from my first year in VALOR is the importance of scale in agriculture. Since relatively speaking Americans spend so little of their income on food (around 10%), agriculture is primarily a low margin, high volume game. The overwhelming majority of agricultural concerns that we have visited who are able… Continue reading Farmers who are doing well at any size
When you think of Northern Virginia (NoVa), agriculture and farmland are most likely not the first thing to come to mind. In the most recent VALOR seminar, May 11-15, 2015, the fellows learned of agriculture’s presence in NoVa and even in the heart of Washington D.C. as they traveled by car, metro, and foot to… Continue reading Of Asphalt & Agriculture
At a faculty meeting the other day, we considered the idea of educational inclusivity. Ferrum College is a composite of 1) traditional students, 2) nontraditional students (mid-career professionals looking to polish and/or reorient their skillsets), and 3) minority students (~40%). Of these demographics, most can be more broadly considered first generation. How do we cater… Continue reading Ag Inclusivity: No Farmer Left Behind
Our most recent VALOR session landed us in historic Richmond, VA, where we had the opportunity to witness our Commonwealth legislature in action. Virginia’s legislature is unique in that it holds to the principles of our founding, where political leaders remain citizen legislators. Our leaders still get to pack up their lunchpail and go to… Continue reading Great Debate & Defining Decisions
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