During our Richmond Session, the VALOR Class fellows had the pleasure of performing a television interview simulation. (When I say pleasure, I really mean nerve-wracking experience.) This session of “Video Interview Strategies – Ideas & Practice” was facilitated by Virginia Farm Bureau media pros Norman Hyde and Sherri McKinney. While we were provided the topic… Continue reading …..Lights…..Camera…..Can You Repeat the Question???
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The Gentleman from Caroline
At the most recent VALOR seminar, the fellows’ met many interesting people in Virginia’s government, including those representing two of the three branches of our state government, the Executive and the Legislative Branches. We were most fortunate to meet not just a friend of agriculture in the legislature, but a true leader in our industry,… Continue reading The Gentleman from Caroline
“An Enterprise of Opportunity”
On our final day of session III, Jeff Slaven and his family took time out of their Sunday to share the details of the many operations that have sprung out of opportunities presented to them. I would hardly say that luck would have anything to do with the success of this family farming operation that… Continue reading “An Enterprise of Opportunity”
An American Agribusiness Story
The last event during Seminar III brought the VALOR Fellows to a family committed into growing a diversified agribusiness within the Shenandoah Valley region. It was Sunday, January 6, 2013 when our team was hosted by Kern Houff, his brother Neil and Tim Grove at Houff's headquarters in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Kern Houff and Neil… Continue reading An American Agribusiness Story
Reflections and Discovery
Reflection, as I look back at the time we have spent together in our first 2 sessions as part of the inaugural VALOR class. I feel that with each day, I am developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for what is agriculture in Virginia. During session 2 we toured a variety of business' and facilities some of… Continue reading Reflections and Discovery
A Holiday Perspective
As I come back from spending a wonderful holiday with family and friends and begin my preparation for the next Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results seminar, I began pondering exactly what impact does agriculture have on making my Christmas experiences memorable, joyful, and fulfilling? Here are my thoughts. 1. The live Christmas tree with its… Continue reading A Holiday Perspective
Putting the pieces together
How many times have you heard someone called an enigma, or a real piece of work? Most often these references are made in jest, but there is always a bit of truth to why those words are conjured up to describe someone. We all are a bit of a puzzle. We never fully know how… Continue reading Putting the pieces together
…..A Quick Spin on the Cotton Industry…..
Saturday morning of Seminar II began with a visit of Commonwealth Gin in Wakefield, VA. This tour was facilitated by two advocates of the cotton industry. John Parker is the Chief Agronomist at Commonwealth Gin. Paul Rogers is the owner of Rogers farms, a 1,200 acre farm growing cotton, peanuts, grains, etc. His is also… Continue reading …..A Quick Spin on the Cotton Industry…..
Deep-Water Grain Terminal Allows Access to Global Markets
On Friday, November 16, the Valor team had an invitation from Gerry Underwood, to visit Perdue’s deep-water grain terminal located in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Underwood was raised in the Midwest before attending the University of Illinois. His academic achievements include a B.S. Degree in Agriculture and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Gerry is currently… Continue reading Deep-Water Grain Terminal Allows Access to Global Markets
VALOR Fellows visit Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Technology
On Saturday November 17 the VALOR Fellows visited the facilities of Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Technology. http://www.maatfarms.com/Home.html (MAAT) There we met with MAAT’s Farm Manager, Mr. Chris Bentley. Mr. Bentley began his career in Aquaculture at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology. He then earned his Masters Degree in Biology with… Continue reading VALOR Fellows visit Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Technology
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