Consider the following: understanding core competencies; related diversification; specialized technical services; automation; succession planning; value-added activity; resiliency; global trade; high barriers to entry. What do these concepts have in common? All were impressed upon the VALOR fellows by the farms, agribusinesses and agencies we interacted with during Seminar III in the Shenandoah Valley January 3-6,… Continue reading Agribusiness as Strategic Business
Reflection, as I look back at the time we have spent together in our first 2 sessions as part of the inaugural VALOR class. I feel that with each day, I am developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for what is agriculture in Virginia. During session 2 we toured a variety of business' and facilities some of… Continue reading Reflections and Discovery
Unless I get long-winded, by the time you finish reading this post, our world will be inhabited by an additional 450 people, that's 20 more since you started reading this sentence. By the year 2050, experts predict that world population will rise to 9 billion people, with approximately 4 percent of that population living within… Continue reading Growing Agricultural Exports
Amadas One of the most valuable aspects of VALOR thus far has been access to individuals and organizations making things happen in the industry. VALOR Advisory Council Member and President of Amadas Industries, Incorporated, Dr. Stanley A. Brantley, Jr., treated us to tours of the Amadas fabrication shop, assembly facility and Amadas Coach during our… Continue reading Innovation.Amadas.VALOR.
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
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
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?
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?
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…..
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
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