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
Being a father of a little girl often means watching her favorite movie over and over; often until you have memorized every line and scene. Shrek 3 is that movie for me. I have seen this movie countless times, but to Bailey, it is always fresh and new. Maybe it is a comfort thing; I… Continue reading Far, Far Away
Our VALOR trip to Washington, DC in May has had me thinking a lot about distances. Of course the obvious one - how relatively close DC is to my home, but how long and awful driving into and out of there can be. But also how fortunate we on the East Coast are to have… Continue reading Distances
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOghKacg40 “Being There” is a stirring film about the subtle wisdom growing plants generates and the value of that wisdom in the political landscape of Washington D.C. Of course that is not the description of the film that the creators intended, but that only proves my point of how the city can offer a myriad… Continue reading Being There, or Not to Be There, Depends On The Traffic
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