I graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Plant Medicine, the equivalent of a "plant M.D." (http://dpm.ifas.ufl.edu) I’m currently the Agriculture Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Agronomy at Ferrum College, a small liberal arts college in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains: (http://www.ferrum.edu/academics/schools/natural_sciences_math/agriculture.html) In the academic offseason, I work the… Continue reading An Ag Transplant From New York and Naturalized Virginian

When the opportunity to participate in the 2nd class of VALOR came along I was excited to be considered!  The chance to learn more about the many facets of agriculture, develop my leadership skills, meet new people and experience new places and cultures is intriguing! My name is Marilyn Adams.  I am a native of Loudoun… Continue reading Gettin’ Started!

    My name is Kevin Beamer. I am 32 years old and have been raised in a world of agriculture.  I am now the President of my families wholesale business Va Produce, located in Hillsville Va, but I didn’t start at the top.     Don’t get me wrong I have been blessed with… Continue reading Roots

I was recently at a conference where my husband and I were part of a "Meet a Farmer" campaign with the American Farm Bureau Ag Foundation. It's part of a initiative to introduce consumers to farmers and vice versa. Start a conversation. Ask questions. Debunk myths. Hey, even grab a #felfie if the mood suits. I'll… Continue reading Citified Farmer

Is really coming to an end or is it the start of a new beginning. This week the inaugural class of VALOR will be graduating. It is so hard to believe that two years has passed! I am not sure how the other members feel but I honestly believe they feel the same as I… Continue reading End of a fantastic journey or start of something much greater?