In addition to showcasing production systems, landscapes and leadership groups from another part of the country, the VALOR US Regional seminar in September reinforced the fact that the agricultural industry in this country is impacted by a number of common forces, regardless of the particular segment or geographic area considered. For example, in both Indianapolis… Continue reading Variations on a theme
Old-Fashioned
It is always a good feeling when a crop is harvested and put away for the winter. I recently finished picking this year’s corn crop with only a few minor breakdowns two broken chains, one leaking hose and one chain off the gear. Not bad for a Circa 1975 New Idea 323 One Row Corn… Continue reading Old-Fashioned
Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences
I had a wonderful opportunity during the National United States VALOR Seminar to visit and tour the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences attracts students from all parts of the city. The school was established in 1984 when there was a great concern about the future of Agriculture Education,… Continue reading Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences
GMO’s – Ghoul or Godsend?
GMO - A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. It sounds harmless enough, but this term has sparked some heated discussion in the agriculture community as well as the general public. It is Halloween and I am interested in how you folks see GMO’s, … Continue reading GMO’s – Ghoul or Godsend?
Drive
It's 3am. You've been on the road since 11:30pm after grabbing 90 minutes of sleep at the end of a work day that started at 1:57am the day before. There are 368 more miles to go to your destination, which you must reach by 8am. It's just you and the satellite radio out on the… Continue reading Drive
No Small Victory
Ah Michigan, the land of two peninsulas, a state rich in history from its unique position among the Great Lakes, to its manufacturing to its agriculture, Michigan has so much to offer. Along with the VALOR fellows I was recently able to visit there for the first time and learn about its agriculture. I was… Continue reading No Small Victory
Dietrich Orchards – a family tradition
The VALOR fellows took it on the road for Seminar Seven traveling to Indiana, Illinois and Michigan for an exciting trip of new experiences. One of the best parts of VALOR is touring new types of agricultural operations. Some may be similar to what we see in our home area, but most are very different… Continue reading Dietrich Orchards – a family tradition
Glass Barn Offers A Clear Image
In late September during our National Seminar, Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) was hosted by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Corn Marketing Council to a dinner at the Glass Barn-- the newest addition to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This Barn offers a farming experience and educational opportunity to visitors. The glass and timber framed… Continue reading Glass Barn Offers A Clear Image
Berry production on the shores of Lake Michigan
The DeGrandchamp family has been producing berries near the shores of Lake Michigan since 1955. Mike DeGrandchamp treated the VALOR fellows (and a couple from Texas who happened to stop by the farm at just the right time) to a tour of their operation during our recent trip to Michigan. DeGrandchamp Farms blueberry fields and… Continue reading Berry production on the shores of Lake Michigan
The Power of a Positive Attitude
Question: How does a 1st generation farmer expand from 1 greenhouse in 1982, to 20 acres of greenhouses today? Answer: By using innovative and efficient farm practices, effectively managing costs, compromising when needed, fostering a team atmosphere, and above all, maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process. Our path this session was different than our… Continue reading The Power of a Positive Attitude
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