Visiting Farms and touring Loudoun and DC seemed a little ironic since I live in Purcellville, work in Leesburg and have the opportunity to go to the City on an afternoon visit. But to take the time to visit local farms, hear from our farmers about the decisions they are making to be successful in… Continue reading Seeing Things Through a Different Lens
Our VALOR group traveled to Richmond during the General Assembly session this winter to see decision making in action, learn to voice our opinions on pertinent issues and gain a better perspective on just what it takes to keep our State and Country running smoothly. My past trips to view the General Assembly in action… Continue reading Gettin’ it Done!
Our recent experience in the Shenandoah Valley was certainly an eye opener for me. I grew up a "farmer's daughter" in Loudoun County. I drove tractors, rode in the combine with my Dad, made hay, brought in straw, bush hogged fields and helped to fix fence, but I never had the opportunity to go inside… Continue reading View from the “Farmers Daughter”
One of the exciting things about Virginia Agriculture is the diversity that abounds across the state. Our recent trip to Southeast Virginia and the Eastern Shore was just another testiment to this statement. I hail from from Northern Virginia where we still have some traditional crops of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay; and where our… Continue reading Exploring the Diversity of Virginia Agriculture
As the only aggie in a high school graduating class of 330, urban-edge agriculture resonates very strongly with me. Outside observers may dub it a curious novelty and question your sanity (who would *want* to cultivate crops when there are houses aplenty to grow), but there’s nothing especially peculiar about agriculture on the fringes of… Continue reading Southwest Virginia: An Exercise in Contrasts
When one first hears the word pride, most I feel think of it in terms of the negative connotation. Meaning someone who thinks more highly of themselves than he or she ought. This definition of proud is not an incorrect one, but as the VALOR group toured all over Southwest Virginia, the other definition of pride was… Continue reading Pride & Hospitality
#1: We Want to Grow; Bigger and Better! From Carroll County to Wise County, I heard story after story of success. The VALOR class visited Virginia Produce Company, Vanguard Furniture, and the Worrell family vegetable farm, and several other places in Carroll County. Business is booming! The owners of these businesses could easily sit back… Continue reading 3 Themes of Seminar 6: SWVA
VALOR recently visited the overflowing beauty in the mountainous area of Southwest Virginia, a group of counties long known for their devotion to coal industry, strong culture, and lilting accents. Little towns tucked in among steeply covered tree-filled slopes look calm and complacent from the winding road in - but minutes away on main street, empty storefront… Continue reading The Soul of the Matter
If you follow this blog, you know by now that our VALOR II group is travelling the Commonwealth and beyond, learning about Agriculture, Leadership, and a lot about each other. Our July trip to Southwest Virginia added a whole new level of learning and a whole new level of people obtaining results in their communities. In… Continue reading Obtaining Results
Our most recent VALOR excursion landed us in Southwest Virginia. Known throughout this great land for their tough resolve, hard work ethic, and independent way of life, Appalachia Virginia offers a view of rugged beauty in both landscape and culture. As I reflect on our experience, I cannot help but think of the economy of… Continue reading Cycle of Growth
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