How the time flies. We are officially half-way through Cohort VII.  With each seminar, we take part in an invitation to grow, to stretch our understanding of agriculture, leadership, and community. But our recent trip to Virginia’s Northern Neck reminded me of something even more personal, it reminded me to stay coachable. To keep that… Continue reading Northern Neck: Reflections on the Haynie Family

Generational pain and pride pulse through the arteries coalescing at the heart of Appalachia. Rich coal seams were once veins feeding the economic opportunity of the Great Southwest. American roots music and the earliest string bands, influenced by melodies of African and European musical heritage, set a steady beat. Agricultural abundance and natural resources have… Continue reading Rural Renaissance in the Great Southwest

The Oxford Dictionary defines “resilience” as the capacity to withstand or recover from difficulties. After our recent trip to Southwest Virginia, the definition of “resilience” is embodied by the people who make up this area. After being hit by one of the most devastating hurricanes to make landfall in the US in September 2024, the… Continue reading Resilience

The valley is a very special place. Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is home to four of the top five ag-producing counties in the state. While livestock and poultry production reign supreme, the agricultural landscape is as diverse as it is productive. I have admired the valley since I began my career in agriculture; however, during my… Continue reading Seminar IV: Start With Why (Shenandoah Valley)

Not a title I expected to use after visiting the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. I have been to Valley a few times and have always admired its beauty, and to the naked eye there is nothing ugly to see. Breathtaking views everywhere you look. But those who work in agriculture know that it is not always… Continue reading Agriculture can be ugly

Our VALOR Class seems to have found a theme of of traveling during out of the ordinary weather events. We have checked off a hurricane, high winds, and now a snowstorm that knocked out the potable water supply to the city of Richmond. In true Class VII fashion, we overcame, learned a lot, and still… Continue reading Going with the flow (just not the Richmond City water flow…)

I suppose my life’s purpose is to understand yours. Public thinker Simon Sinek encouraged our VALOR fellows to start with Why. So, we listened closely to ascertain the Why—a purpose, cause or belief—that motivates ag industry operators and innovators throughout the Shenandoah Valley at our March seminar. For some, their Why is rooted passion, tradition… Continue reading What’s your ‘why?’

Our fourth seminar as part of VALOR Class VII took us to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Each seminar in the program seems to carry its own unique theme, and this one centered on the concept of "finding your why." We kicked things off before we left by listening to Simon Sinek’s Start with Why –… Continue reading Shenandoah Valley Seminar: Finding Your Purpose