Uncategorized

To Do or Not To Do….That’s the Question?

During the last seminar the VALOR class was honored to have Ms. Corinne Geller speak to us on Crisis Communication. Corinne is the Public Relations Manager for the Virginia State Police. As a member of the Superintendent’s Office, she oversees the statewide public/media relations program for the Department. She conducts all media relations training for… Continue reading To Do or Not To Do….That’s the Question?

Seminars, Uncategorized

Say cheese.

Up until now, this blog has been a nice chronological review of the journey of the VALOR fellowship.   Chronology is overrated... Back in September the VALOR fellows spent a day touring the diverse agricultural production of western Michigan, thanks in large part to work and hospitality of Luke Meerman and others. As the day came… Continue reading Say cheese.

About VALOR, Communication, Creative Problem Solving, Education and Awareness, Inaugural

A Candle Problem

What we face in Agriculture might be described as “A Candle Problem”, a seemingly simple conundrum posed to many folks to analyze their problem-solving abilities. However, it may not be that simple a problem. An interesting take on problem solving is presented in the video by Mr. Dan Pink. Think about problem solving as it… Continue reading A Candle Problem

Global Agriculture, Uncategorized

Introducing Ambassador Crowder

Dr. Richard Crowder was able to speak to the VALOR fellows during our November seminar, "Addressing Agriculture Issues".  Our group started this seminar on the Land Grant campus of Virginia Tech, where Dr. Crowder is currently serving as an adjunct professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.  On January 14, 2013, the American… Continue reading Introducing Ambassador Crowder

Education and Awareness, Inaugural, Knowledge of a Changing Industry, Legislation and Regulations, Seminars, Uncategorized

Coal Country

A trip to Southwest Virginia would have been lacking for VALOR fellows had we not learned about the coal industry in Virginia; and we did just that in Seminar III. VALOR is considered “a premier leadership program for adults in agriculture,” and it’s important to remember when developing well-informed leaders they must gain an appreciation… Continue reading Coal Country

About VALOR, Education and Awareness, Environment and Sustainability, Inaugural, Knowledge of a Changing Industry, Water Quality

It’s all about the Soil & Water

This iconic photo from the Dust Bowl era has long represented the struggles of Americans during the Depression/Dust Bowl in America during the 1930’s. The following video shows some stark images resulting from the intense use of the land to meet the demand for food. Hopefully we have learned the lessons of the Thirties and… Continue reading It’s all about the Soil & Water