My name is M. James Faison and I’m a 4th generation farmer. Along with my siblings, I own a farm in Emporia, Virginia where I grew up. Although I proudly call Virginia home, I only moved back to Virginia 2 years ago. Before returning to my home state to take ownership of my Grandparents farm… Continue reading Hard Work
I’m Jennifer Leech and I am a member of the second class of VALOR fellows. I live in Lexington on my family’s dairy farm, Ingleside Dairy Farm Inc. My main responsibilities on the farm are cow care and financial bookwork. Of course, working with the cows is way more fun and interesting than sitting at… Continue reading Nobody Matches
Yes, the title of this post is a reference to the 1978 buddy detective classic that paired Tom Selleck and Jerry Reed as two range proven Private Eyes in Nashville, TN. My name is Cliff Williamson, and I am a fan. I am also a resident of Culpeper, Va. I grew up there on a… Continue reading Concrete Cowboy
It's often said, "To hear God laugh, tell Him your plans." I'm sure He has had plenty of good laughs at some of my best and worst laid plans. Life is full of the unexpected, and while I have definitely had my fair share of the unexpected, I've always found there was character building moment or… Continue reading Ready for what’s next…
I graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Plant Medicine, the equivalent of a "plant M.D." (http://dpm.ifas.ufl.edu) I’m currently the Agriculture Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Agronomy at Ferrum College, a small liberal arts college in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains: (http://www.ferrum.edu/academics/schools/natural_sciences_math/agriculture.html) In the academic offseason, I work the… Continue reading An Ag Transplant From New York and Naturalized Virginian
When the opportunity to participate in the 2nd class of VALOR came along I was excited to be considered! The chance to learn more about the many facets of agriculture, develop my leadership skills, meet new people and experience new places and cultures is intriguing! My name is Marilyn Adams. I am a native of Loudoun… Continue reading Gettin’ Started!
My name is Kevin Beamer. I am 32 years old and have been raised in a world of agriculture. I am now the President of my families wholesale business Va Produce, located in Hillsville Va, but I didn’t start at the top. Don’t get me wrong I have been blessed with… Continue reading Roots
What is Agriculture? It seems like a simple question. This was one of the questions that I was asked in my interview to join the Valor II group. I have worked and lived in the agriculture all of my life and yet I found it exceedingly difficult to answer such a simple question that I… Continue reading What is Agriculture?
I was recently at a conference where my husband and I were part of a "Meet a Farmer" campaign with the American Farm Bureau Ag Foundation. It's part of a initiative to introduce consumers to farmers and vice versa. Start a conversation. Ask questions. Debunk myths. Hey, even grab a #felfie if the mood suits. I'll… Continue reading Citified Farmer
Is really coming to an end or is it the start of a new beginning. This week the inaugural class of VALOR will be graduating. It is so hard to believe that two years has passed! I am not sure how the other members feel but I honestly believe they feel the same as I… Continue reading End of a fantastic journey or start of something much greater?
valeadersor.com 