As I come back from spending a wonderful holiday with family and friends and begin my preparation for the next Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results seminar, I began pondering exactly what impact does agriculture have on making my Christmas experiences memorable, joyful, and fulfilling? Here are my thoughts. 1. The live Christmas tree with its… Continue reading A Holiday Perspective
Putting the pieces together
How many times have you heard someone called an enigma, or a real piece of work? Most often these references are made in jest, but there is always a bit of truth to why those words are conjured up to describe someone. We all are a bit of a puzzle. We never fully know how… Continue reading Putting the pieces together
Uranium Mining in Virginia… Boom or Bust?
In 2007, Virginia Uranium, Inc., went public with plans to exploit a major uranium deposit in PittsylvaniaCounty. The deposit at the Cole Hill Farm had been identified years ago but in 1982 the Virginia Legislature enacted a statewide ban on uranium mining which still exists today. To date, industry has failed to garner sufficient support… Continue reading Uranium Mining in Virginia… Boom or Bust?
Do you EQ?
VALOR is not just fun and games. Sure, we travel to exciting destinations and meet with dynamic people in order to gain a better working knowledge and understanding of the many facets connected to the agriculture industry in Virginia. But....there are also.... tests. (and homework too, for that matter) Not just easy little true/false quizzes --… Continue reading Do you EQ?
…..A Quick Spin on the Cotton Industry…..
Saturday morning of Seminar II began with a visit of Commonwealth Gin in Wakefield, VA. This tour was facilitated by two advocates of the cotton industry. John Parker is the Chief Agronomist at Commonwealth Gin. Paul Rogers is the owner of Rogers farms, a 1,200 acre farm growing cotton, peanuts, grains, etc. His is also… Continue reading …..A Quick Spin on the Cotton Industry…..
Smithfield Foods, Inc.: Producing good food in a responsible way
VALOR had the great opportunity to visit a Virginia landmark and tradition during its time in the Southeastern part of the Commonwealth, Smithfield Foods, Inc. Most of us grew up with the name literally on the tips of our tongues. I know I did and it left with me with a smile on my… Continue reading Smithfield Foods, Inc.: Producing good food in a responsible way
A “look” at Day Three of Seminar II
Saturday, November 17, 2012 please click on any of the photos below to view the gallery of images taken on Friday Agenda for the Day: Commonwealth Cotton Gin in Windsor, Virginia Tour and Discussion with John Parker, Cotton Agronomist, Commonwealth Gin and Paul Rogers, Advisory Council member and President of Paul Rogers Farms Virginia Port Authority Presentation at VT Hampton… Continue reading A “look” at Day Three of Seminar II
Deep-Water Grain Terminal Allows Access to Global Markets
On Friday, November 16, the Valor team had an invitation from Gerry Underwood, to visit Perdue’s deep-water grain terminal located in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Underwood was raised in the Midwest before attending the University of Illinois. His academic achievements include a B.S. Degree in Agriculture and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Gerry is currently… Continue reading Deep-Water Grain Terminal Allows Access to Global Markets
The Real Horse Power
“Chip and Mike… come Gee, or come Haw, or WOOOOW” Now five years ago, if you would have said that Matt Hickey would be saying those words to a team of horses WHILE DRIVING THEM. I would have laughed my head off! I mean really, I am allergic to horses. I have always had some… Continue reading The Real Horse Power
A “look” at Day Two of Seminar II
Friday, November 16, 2012 please click on any of the photos below to view the gallery of images taken on Friday Agenda for the Day: Royal Fumigation in Suffolk, VA with Jorge Morrero, Site Manager of Royal Fumigation and Charles Green, Marketing Director, VDACS Purdue Agribusiness Deep Water Port in Chesapeake, VA with Gerry Underwood, Head Merchant, Perdue Farms and Paul Caruso, Grain Grading… Continue reading A “look” at Day Two of Seminar II
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