Mark Dotson is a third-generation farmer from New Market, Virginia. His story is rooted in agriculture, from being raised by Rodale-influenced homesteader parents to working on his grandfather’s cattle farm in the Shenandoah Valley. He served around the world as an Army officer for two decades, then worked as a consultant while continuing to farm. Today he co-owns and operates an all-grass cattle operation incorporating numerous water and soil best management practices. Mark is a lifelong learner with many interests including technology, energy, agriculture and public policy. After raising his children, he undertook another service journey, first as a planning commissioner and then as an elected official shaping crucial issues in his rural community.
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“I’m honored to undertake this journey with all the VALOR stakeholders and hope to gain insights to improve my stewardship and perspective to better serve agriculture and my community.”
