http://vimeo.com/70859840 Over the past year, the inaugural Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results class has gotten a view of farming and food policy in the state from just about every angle. They visited with tomato farmers on the Eastern Shore, underwent media training at Virginia TV stations, and even met Gov. Bob McDonnell. But on their… Continue reading Virginia Tech: VALOR fellows meet federal decision-makers
VALOR in Virginia’s Northern Neck… Learning our Responsibility
Many of you who follow this BLOG know already that VALOR stands for Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results and what an amazing endeavor for those of us fortunate enough to be participants in the inaugural class. As we continue on our journey in learning about agriculture in not only our state but in our community,… Continue reading VALOR in Virginia’s Northern Neck… Learning our Responsibility
“Thank you soooooo much.”
The sixth meeting of the VALOR fellows has just concluded, marking the halfway point of our inaugural fellowship. The group of fellows numbers ten in total, but as we travel (both literally and figuratively) we number 12. Megan Seibel, the program director, and Kelsey Brunton, who - prior to her "retirement" - was the graduate… Continue reading “Thank you soooooo much.”
How ’bout dem apples?
In the northern locales of Virginia, the rich history and bright future of fruit production come together outside of Winchester at the Alson Smith AREC. For many years apple orchards have been a fixture of the landscape. A more recent addition to the scenery has been the long rows of grape trellises that marks the… Continue reading How ’bout dem apples?
Horsein Around
According to the Virginia Horse Industry Board the horse industry has a $1.2 Billion impact on the Virginia economy and generates 16,000 jobs. The horse industry is the 9th largest agricultural commodity in Virginia and ranks 12th in the nation for the number of horses. The part of the Commonwealth that has the largest impact… Continue reading Horsein Around
Meditations on Urban Agriculture
Creative marketing of local foods. A surging wine industry. Maintaining and revitalizing a treasured equine property. A behind-the-scenes view of National Ag Policy. These were some of the themes observed as the VALOR fellows experienced Urban Agriculture during Seminar Five in Northern Virginia & Washington DC. I must admit that I take my close proximity… Continue reading Meditations on Urban Agriculture
Can we talk?
Most evenings in my college days several fraternity brothers would gather in my room for an evening cocktail to unwind while watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson - yes I have dated myself. It was an enjoyable ritual - one that was relaxing where we would share a laugh or gripe about the day we… Continue reading Can we talk?
The Future of Farming
At our third seminar in January, the VALOR fellows visited the Leech family, and Ingleside Dairy. Parents Charles and Linda, and children Jennifer and Beau are all Virginia Tech graduates, with degrees in Dairy Science. The family milks approximately 300 cows on their Rockbridge County, VA farm. The dairy farm started operations in 1967, and… Continue reading The Future of Farming
America’s Promise Visit
The VALOR inaugural class had the opportunity to tour America’s Promise Alliance and meet with the executive vice president, Melinda Hudson, during our Northern Virginia/ Washington D.C. Seminar. America’s Promise Alliance was founded in 1997 by Gen. Colin L. Powell. It is the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth.… Continue reading America’s Promise Visit
Micro……What?
During the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. seminar I had a truly unique experience in Purcellville, VA. I got to try “microgreens” while touring Endless Summer Harvest. Endless Summer Harvest is a family-owned and operated hydroponic commercial agribusiness. They take great pride in providing locally grown, pesticide free lettuces, gourmet greens, and herbs. Mary Ellen Taylor, president… Continue reading Micro……What?
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