A trip to Southwest Virginia would have been lacking for VALOR fellows had we not learned about the coal industry in Virginia; and we did just that in Seminar III. VALOR is considered “a premier leadership program for adults in agriculture,” and it’s important to remember when developing well-informed leaders they must gain an appreciation… Continue reading Coal Country
The VALOR fellows recently experienced Southwest Virginia during Session VIII. Our trip began at Virginia Tech, with a presentation by Dr. Alex White. Many of the fellows are Alumni of Virginia Tech and they have enjoyed his classes in Ag Finance, Small Business Management, and Problem Solving. Others have seen Alex facilitating workshops for agricultural… Continue reading Moving Agriculture Forward
Our latest seminar has brought the VALOR fellows into Southwest Virginia. Our trek began in Blacksburg at the campus of Virginia Tech, then led us through more winding roads than I ever could imagine. As we worked our way through the mountains and foothills of Appalachia; we visited the natural wonder of Burkes Garden, coal… Continue reading Southwest, “Yes We are Still in Virginia”
While traveling the Midwest during the National component of our VALOR experience I was in awe of the vast expanse of agriculture. Traveling for miles on end and everything in sight was farmland, truly making one feel smaller in their own operation and an appreciation for the greater industry of agriculture. I was especially taken… Continue reading BioTownAG – A different Kind of Farm
In addition to showcasing production systems, landscapes and leadership groups from another part of the country, the VALOR US Regional seminar in September reinforced the fact that the agricultural industry in this country is impacted by a number of common forces, regardless of the particular segment or geographic area considered. For example, in both Indianapolis… Continue reading Variations on a theme
I had a wonderful opportunity during the National United States VALOR Seminar to visit and tour the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences attracts students from all parts of the city. The school was established in 1984 when there was a great concern about the future of Agriculture Education,… Continue reading Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences
It's 3am. You've been on the road since 11:30pm after grabbing 90 minutes of sleep at the end of a work day that started at 1:57am the day before. There are 368 more miles to go to your destination, which you must reach by 8am. It's just you and the satellite radio out on the… Continue reading Drive
The VALOR fellows took it on the road for Seminar Seven traveling to Indiana, Illinois and Michigan for an exciting trip of new experiences. One of the best parts of VALOR is touring new types of agricultural operations. Some may be similar to what we see in our home area, but most are very different… Continue reading Dietrich Orchards – a family tradition
In late September during our National Seminar, Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) was hosted by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Corn Marketing Council to a dinner at the Glass Barn-- the newest addition to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This Barn offers a farming experience and educational opportunity to visitors. The glass and timber framed… Continue reading Glass Barn Offers A Clear Image
The DeGrandchamp family has been producing berries near the shores of Lake Michigan since 1955. Mike DeGrandchamp treated the VALOR fellows (and a couple from Texas who happened to stop by the farm at just the right time) to a tour of their operation during our recent trip to Michigan. DeGrandchamp Farms blueberry fields and… Continue reading Berry production on the shores of Lake Michigan
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