Newsletter for a Premier Leadership Development Program for Adults
Update on VALOR Class II The application period for participation in VALOR Class II has closed, and Director Megan Seibel is pleased to report that a number of high quality applicants have applied for a fellowship. Class II will begin September 2014 and end July 2016. Fellows selected for Class II will take part in 12 seminars located in Virginia, Washington, D.C., a selected U.S. region, and an international location. The VALOR program was established in 2012 to “bring together a range of emerging agricultural leaders from different sectors and challenge the way they make decisions and address issues facing our industry,� explained Dr. Megan Seibel. Participants must be actively involved in the agricultural industry. Follow these links to learn how the program works, and what impact VALOR Fellows can have in their communities.
ISSUE 2
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The selection committee for Class II Fellows, which is comprised of VALOR advisory council members, is currently reviewing applications and working to schedule interviews with potential candidates. Applicants will be notified in early May if they are selected for an interview, and members of VALOR Class II will be announced August 1. More information about the program is available at www.valor.alce.vt.edu/
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Letter from the Director It is amazing to think about how much has been covered and accomplished in the seemingly short time since the inaugural group of fellows first convened as VALOR. It is particularly exciting to see ideas and inspirations come to life through experiential session activities. From my perspective, personal growth and learning has been substantial for everyone. Early in the first few seminars, a foundation for thinking about a legacy of leadership and impact was established. In seminars five through nine, we built on interpersonal development skills through personality assessments, media relations, and issues analysis by incorporating texts related to Crucial Conversations and Strengths-Based Leadership. In addition, a reflection on social support systems, the Leadership Challenge workbook, a conflict style assessment, a problem solving assessment, board dynamics workshop, and a personal best leadership project proposal were used to help fellows apply knowledge gained throughout the program. To say these activities have influenced how the fellows have developed as a group and as leaders in their companies and communities is an understatement. This professional development experience consisted of site visits and tours that included conversations with influential leaders in government, business, education, research, agricultural practice, and media.
Megan Seibel, Ph.D VALOR Director
As you read through this report of our activities, I hope you are as inspired reading about them as we were participating in them. We have done much and learned more. This group has truly set the benchmark for future classes, and they look forward to guiding Class II and beyond as alumni leaders.
Update from Advisory Council Chairman “Leadership is providing opportunities to others� These words were spoken to me many years ago by the then Vice-President of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and, based on my experiences, these words remain on target. Leadership is something that must be shared, and by definition must open doors of thought and intent that accomplishes common tasks for the betterment of all. The effort of the VALOR Advisory Council have been to share our collective knowledge with the VALOR Inaugural Class. The VALOR Program has excellent human capital in the form of participants, its director, graduate staff, support from donors, and the advisory council. Under the direction of Dr. Megan Seibel, the VALOR Fellows have had transformational experiences at the state, regional, and international levels. The group has coalesced around their common goal of becoming a voice for agriculture, and, as a result, developed into a very strong core of what Virginia and agriculture needs for the future. The networking opportunities, along with the personal development aspects, will allow the fellows to better understand how they can influence positive change in the agricultural industry and their communities.
Gary Larrowe, Advisory Council Chair
From the first meeting of the advisory council, a goal was established to make VALOR the premier leadership program in Virginia, and, from all indications, the goal will be accomplished with the efforts of all. It is with pleasure that I represent the entire VALOR advisory council. I would challenge each of the VALOR Fellows and program to always continue to explore opportunities to exercise the leadership skills developed from his or her experience in the program.
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Farm Credit of the Virginias Establishes VALOR Excellence Fund The VALOR program celebrated an important milestone on November 14 when Farm Credit of the Virginias CEO, Dave Lawrence, presented a check for $120,000 to VALOR Director, Megan Seibel, to establish the Farm Credit of the Virginias VALOR Excellence Fund. The fund is the first endowment created to support the VALOR program and will provide partial support for the program in perpetuity. VALOR would like to thank Farm Credit of the Virginias for their investment in the future of Virginia’s premier leadership development program for the agriculture industry. To learn how you can invest in the future of VALOR, please contact Megan Seibel. "VALOR is preparing future leaders to advocate for agriculture, how to tell the story and connect with the consumer who does not always understand the passion farmers have for producing healthy food. Farm Credit is excited about being a sponsor of VALOR because we look at this as an investment in the future leaders of agriculture. It is a way for Farm Credit, a farmer owned-cooperative, to pay it forward." - Dave Lawrence, CEO and President Farm Credit of the Virginias
“The investment of Farm Credit in VALOR is meaningful as the program develops and gains recognition and has allowed us to be associated with well-respected members of the agricultural industry.” - Megan Seibel, VALOR Director
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VALOR Meets with Federal Decision Makers VALOR in Northern VA and Washington D.C.: A Study of Urban Agriculture and U.S. Ag Policy During the past year, the inaugural class of fellows received a view of Virginia’s farming and food policy 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 in May, the VALOR fellows got a glimpse of agriculture from a new perspective — the federal government. During the VALOR seminar in Washington, D.C., May 10-15, fellows explored a range of topics related to urban agriculture and national agricultural policy. During the seminar, the Virginia Tech MARE Center and Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Education Center were visited where Drs. Rebecca Splan, TonyWolf, and Jake Grove shared their time and information about the impressive research conducted that is setting Virginia apart as a leader in several agriculture related fields. Mary Ellen Taylor, owner of Endless Summer Harvest, shared a love of “new agriculture” with passionate exuberance at her hydroponic lettuce facilities, and we shared a meal of fresh greens to conclude our first day. Prior to this seminar, the book Crucial Conversations was read in preparation. The skills addressed in the book were put into practice as participants were given mock scenarios and were asked to role play various stakeholders involved in the issue, which was developed from a reading of Food Access: Scarcity and Surplus. Additionally, heritage farming and agricultural education of the public in suburbia were viewed at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. We were graciously received during our tour with a dessert reception featuring locally made items and a celebration of Mother’s Day with the women on staff. Our exploration of local foods, food access, food marketing, and consumer demand in a foodie society continued Monday with a discussion and tour of Yankey Farms, a pick-your-own business in Nokesville, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Whole Foods store in Vienna. Our VALOR group was well received by both staff and customers at Whole Foods, who openly shared their ideas about food production and marketing to a demanding customer base. Continuing our trek into D.C. from Northern Virginia, we embarked on a city scavenger hunt incorporating team
problem solving and dined at a Crystal City restaurant geared toward a metropolitan clientele. Our D.C. experience allowed much dialog and interaction with influential individuals on a range of topics impacting agriculture from a national policy level. Visits were had with many, including: the Executive VP of America’s Promise to discuss education and workforce preparation issues; the Director of USDA Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; the Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs of USDA Food Nutrition Service; the Regional Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Director of Rural Development Programs
Click the picture for a video recap of Seminar V USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Director of Rural Development Programs for American Farm Bureau Federation; the VP of Young, Beginning and Small Farmer programs from the Farm Credit System; the Director of Government and Non-Profit Relations for National FFA Organization, the Director of Training and Development for American Farm Bureau Federation, and the Senior Agricultural Counselor for the EPA. Our group was also warmly welcomed at the Farm Credit Blue Ribbon Tastes reception in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee room. VALOR Fellows visited with Farm Credit directors, congressmen, and aides, in addition to Virginia’s Bob Goodlatte on the eve of the House mark-up of the Farm Bill. During the same time the Senate was performing their Farm Bill analysis. Being showcased as a group of agricultural leaders at a time when society is facing new challenges and demands on our industry was an experience not soon to be forgotten.
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Meet the VALOR Fellows Roger Elkins Jonesville, Virginia Construction Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation Being a part of the VALOR program and being seen as a local leader in agriculture makes an impact on me because it can make an impact on my community.
Dana Fisher New Market, Virginia Agricultural Education Teacher At a time when the majority of our state and country are far removed from production agriculture, it is vital that competent agricultural leaders. VALOR will develop advocates that can share the success and challenges facing our industry resources.
Ben Grove Blacksburg, Virginia Associate Director of Development for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech VALOR represents a unique opportunity to blend study of the agricultural industry with the leadership skills and network needed to address many important issues facing the industry and our society.
CJ Isbell Rockville, Virginia Co-owner of Keenbell Farm LLC, VA Farm Mentor Coordinator, and Firefighter I hope to provide representation and leadership for the future of agriculture as I develop a well rounded knowledge of the industry and leadership skills.
Teresa Lindberg Jarratt, Virginia Agricultural Education Teacher VALOR will allow me to expand my agriculture knowledge while developing additional leadership skills, gaining valuable resources, and developing a network that will enable me to become a stronger, more effective advocate for the agricultural industry.
Hunter Richardson Shacklefords, Virginia Scatters Acres Farms Cultivating relationships is a key attribute of the VALOR team. With time, these established relationships will provide the means for VALOR to direct change and manager solutions affecting the agriculture industry in the world market. I am thankful to be selected into this elite group.
Ian Heatwole Weyers Cave, Virginia Managing partner of Fox Run Farms, LLC
Ken Ryan Edinburg, Virginia Credit Underwriter for MidAtlantic Farm Credit
I believe that agricultural advocates and effective agricultural leaders only become more important as time goes on.
I’m excited to be a member of the inaugural VALOR class as this program continues to develop the next generation of Ag leaders.
Matt Hickey Staunton, Virginia Owner of Classic Carriage VALOR offers development and leadership skills to enable me to help the agricultural community face its ever- changing economic, social and political issues is a lifetime opportunity!
Andrew Smith Beaverdam, Virginia Senior Assistant Director of Governmental Relations with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Being a part of the first VALOR class is a great honor. I look forward to gaining an even greater background of the agriculture industry and the people that make it happen.
Ten outstanding individuals with diverse experiences in Agriculture were chosen to receive a fellowship with VALOR.
VALOR Heads to the Northern Neck & The Bay With a focus on agriculture, technology, and the environment, the inaugural class of VALOR participated in a fast-paced seminar to the Northern Neck and Chesapeake Bay, July 19-24. During VALOR Seminar VI, innovation in the oyster industry was on display at Cowart Seafood Corporation where A.J. Erskine, Aquaculture Manager and Field Scientist, led the group through the nursery, algae laboratory, and processing aspects of bringing quality oysters to market. Consumer demand for high purity Omega-3 fatty acid products was discussed throughout a sensory-stimulating tour of Omega Protein, and Menhaden fishing became a central discussion from the standpoint of both business and Bay ecosystems. General Assembly member, Delegate Margaret Ransone, met the group at Omega to discuss the value of being actively involved in legislation affecting agriculture throughout Virginia as members of the commonwealth’s leading industry. The evening of July 19 concluded at the Northern Neck Farm Museum, where area representatives prepared dinner, dined with the class, and shared in dialog and presentations. U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman joined in the fellowship of this meal, sponsored by Colonial Farm Credit and Pioneer Seed. Other guests included farm museum board members, local government, and Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center superintendent, Bob Pitman.
VALOR Fellows visited Tangier Island in July The fellows also visited Parker Farms, which produces much of summer’s fresh produce for retailers. Their sweet corn was truly divine when eaten alongside the harvesting crew in the field. Dana Boyle, of Garner’s Produce, proudly showed the group her produce farm and her family prepared a meal for the group. Nursery and landscape wholesale production was explored at Ingleside Plantation.
Bright and early Saturday morning, the group boarded the Carol Loni II to depart for Port Isobel off the coast of Tangier Island for a two-day excursion with Chesapeake Bay Foundation personnel, policy directors, and educators. Candid discussions about farming and the Bay and ways to proactively collaborate to protect the interests of both groups occurred, along with educational activities on the water. A highlight was an after dinner conversation with Tangier Island Mayor “Ooker” Eskridge who shared his love of being a waterman. An industry generations old, on an island with a culture all its own, in so many ways removed from the constraints of today’s society, and yet in touch with much as their children head to college on the mainland.
VALOR Fellows help pull crab traps from the Chesapeake Bay
Upon returning to ground in the Northern Neck, VALOR Fellows embarked on two days of exploring large scale production of more traditional agricultural commodities, such as corn, soybeans, grains, and produce. Montague Farms showcased precision agriculture at its best on their operation that produces quality food-grade soybeans for export to Japan.
Lastly, service providers from the local Soil and Water Conservation District and Virginia Cooperative Extension shared information about programs for farmers and consumers. Topics ranged from soil education and water conservation to small grains research and farm transition issues. Strengths-Based Leadership was the professional development educational component of the week and was discussed in a workshop conducted by Dr. Eric Kaufman, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at Virginia Tech.
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U.S. Production & Practice: A Comparison of Approaches The long-anticipated U.S. regional seminar for VALOR went off without a hitch in late September. The weather could not have been more perfect, as our warm and sunny week was sandwiched between two wet and stormy weeks in the upper Midwest. Fellow adult agricultural leadership program directors from Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan helped coordinate tour stops, learning opportunities, meals, and networking in their states in order to make this seminar valuable to our VALOR inaugural class. The first destination was the Indiana State Fairgrounds located in Indianapolis, for a tour of the Glass Barn — an educational facility that had just opened to the public in August. Sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, and the Indiana Corn Growers Association, this fantastic hands-on facility offers a look at production agriculture in Indiana through the eyes of three farm families and the companies they support. The Glass Barn represents both the need and desire for agriculture to be “transparent” in its dealings with the consumer and this venue is a sure step in that direction. Early the next morning, we met at the headquarters of the National FFA Organization and engaged in discussion with their educational coordinators, strategic communications director, and foundation director to explore the value of agricultural education curriculum that fully integrates learning experiences and career development opportunities as part of student learning. Partnerships that are being forged with employers seeking to find dynamic and talented young people for more than 300 agriculture-related careers are impressive, as is the growth of this organization.
VALOR Fellows at the National FFA Center in Indianapolis, Indiana VALOR fellows then engaged with Product Manager Tim Keller at Dow AgroSciences for an in-depth facility tour and discussion about modern trends in production chemical that meet consumer demand for performance and environmental sustainability. The afternoon included tours of the Western Indiana Sustainable Energy Resource facility and wind farm, and BioTown Ag to look at closed-loop sustainable farming models that digest all waste and generate energy and natural fertilizers.
From Indianapolis, the group headed to the Windy City to visit the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, a most impressive four-year college preparatory program where students select a career pathway in horticulture, agricultural education, animal science, agricultural mechanics, agricultural finance, or food science. All courses across the school integrate hands-on learning to supplement lecture, and concepts from traditional academic courses are integrated into the career pathways. In the heart of downtown, we visited the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to view the agriculture commodity trading floor.
Countryside Greenhouse is a retail nursery located in Allendale, Michigan Our next stop was western Michigan, which allowed an opportunity to see diversified agriculture in a region not visited by our group before. DeGrandchamp Farms provided an opportunity to see cranberry and blueberry production first hand and learn about differences in harvest practices related to whether the berries are destined for fresh or processed markets. Dietrich Farms offered a chance to see apple packing lines in full swing, as this family-owned operation sorts and packs over 1 million bushels of apples annually, equating to 20% of Michigan’s annual production. At Countryside Greenhouse, a stimulating conversation about family business, risk taking, the impact of business policy and legislation at the local level, and thinking innovatively about agribusiness was had with the owner Dale Buist. Since the VALOR program began, participants and staff have been asked about opportunities that result from participation, as well as the types of people that go through these adult agricultural leadership programs around the world. We met several current or graduated fellows of the state programs we visited who shared with our fellows anecdotal evidence that their involvement in small and large business, local and state government, corporate and private enterprise, was enhanced and even perpetuated because of their involvement with state leadership programs and the connections and opportunities afforded them as participants and graduates.
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From Coalfields to Christmas Trees VALOR explores the great Southwest for Seminar VIII. During our November seminar, Virginia Tech faculty members Alex White and Richard Crowder joined the group. As the former chief negotiator for U.S. agricultural trade, Dr. Crowder shared that the globalization of agriculture will bring about unprecedented change in the industry, and as a result, “agriculture will change more in the next 25 years then it did in the previous 50 years.” Dr. White spoke about contemporary and complicating issues facing agribusiness. The highlight of day one was a reception hosted by Farm Credit of the Virginias’ Board of Directors to commemorate a donation of $120,000 to establish the Farm Credit of the Virginias VALOR Excellence Fund. The second day began with a tour of Burke’s Garden, which is Virginia's largest Rural Historic District located in Tazewell County. This agriculture-based community is home to Lost World Ranch and the largest herd of Bactrian Camels in North America. The day came to end in the coalfields of Wise County. John Belcher, Director of the Virginia Mining Association, discussed issues facing the Virginia coal industry, which produces more than 20 million tons of coal from 242 sites and employs over 20,000 people in Southwest Virginia. While in coal country, fellows met with Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Phil Meeks to learn more about the public-private partnership between Virginia Tech and the coal industry. This research and education partnership, otherwise known as the Powell River Project (PRP) is located on 1,100 acres at the headwaters of the Powell River. Next, the fellows visited Cavin Farms in Lee County. The Cavin family shared the importance of educating the non-farm population about the significance of production agriculture. The fellows were asked to be a voice for agriculture in Virginia. As early adopters of social media, the Cavins emphasized the importance of being connected to consumers through Facebook and Twitter, which provides farmers a chance to tell their stories, and also serves as a direct marketing channel. A visit to Appalachian Harvest in Duffield allowed General Manager Robin Robbins to share information about the operation, which was established to help local farmers who were looking for ways to continue farming after transitioning out of tobacco production. The fellows were able to see how the community and current farmers collaborated to develop markets and new opportunities for prospective farmers.
Fellows Visit Bottomley Evergreens in Grayson County Robin’s passion for the agricultural industry was inspiring as she described how they meet supermarket demand for large quantities of produce. The day ended at the Southwest Virginia AREC where the group was hosted by Superintendent Lee Wright. Mr. Wright shared how the center and industry collaborate to develop new markets and support farmers in Southwest Virginia. The last day of the seminar included a visit to Bottomley Evergreens, one of the largest Christmas tree producers in Virginia. Processing more than 600,000 trees annually is no small feat, and Matthew Phipps shared the process from field to shipping with the VALOR group. The last stop of the seminar was Richdale Farm located in Wythe County. Owned and operated by three generations of the Crowgey family, theses farmers stressed the importance of farm diversification and a willingness to change. This grass-based operation shared a success story for others to emulate as they returned to the dairy business after a four year hiatus. Taking a new approach with a forage based system has helped this operation thrive. This seminar provided fellows with an opportunity to better understand issues facing agriculture from multiple perspectives. Whether within the context of labor, farm succession, change management, or communication, the overarching themes were about embracing change and the importance of bringing people together to collaborate and solve the collective problems facing our vast agricultural industry.
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Team Building and Collaboration in Southside VALOR explores the Southside for Seminar IX. Professional development and personal growth were the focus of VALOR Seminar IX, held in Gretna and Chatham, Virginia. Day one was led by Dr. Jill Casten, Director of Training and Development for American Farm Bureau. Using the Thomas-Killmann Conflict Mode Instrument, Dr. Casten helped VALOR Fellows understand their preferred modes of conflict resolution and provided opportunities for the application of these modes using real-life scenarios. On day two, VALOR Fellows were hosted by Fred Wydner, Pittsylvania County Agriculture Commissioner, and Robert Mills, farmer and Virginia Farm Bureau Board member, at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex (ODAC). Beginning with an innovative group of agricultural visionaries in the region, ODAC now exists because of regional collaboration that includes partners from government, industry, and non-profit sectors. The collaborative project has served as an economic development tool and has elevated the profile of agricultural industry in the region.
Fellows were prompted to develop a media strategy for each case study and received feedback from this seasoned public relations professional. Ms. Geller also spent time discussing the role of crisis management related to the VT tragedy of 2007, which resonated profoundly and personally with the group. The last day of the seminar addressed individual problem solving styles, working with governing boards, and the dynamics of board governance. Director Megan Seibel spoke about problem solving style and group dynamics. By knowing individual preferences for problem solving, fellows will be better able to organize teams with the cognitive diversity needed to solve problems and effect positive change in their communities.
Sarah Hanks, a graduate student for the Residential Leadership Community at Virginia Tech, discussed board dynamics with an emphasis on board governance and Dr. Glenn DuBois speaks to VALOR Fellows about the Rural The VALOR Fellows also development. She Horseshoe Initiative, which is composed of 14 Community heard about the Rural brought her Colleges in Virginia’s rural crescent. Horseshoe Initiative, an effort professional expertise to reframe workforce development in the commonwealth and insight with non-profit boards to share with the group. through a network of 14 community colleges in Virginia’s As leaders in the industry, many VALOR Fellows serve rural crescent. Chancellor of the Virginia Community in a board capacity and this session helped them College System, Dr. Glenn DuBois, and Curry Roberts of understand what it takes to lead a board and develop its HF Consulting candidly discussed the role of post-secondary members in order to be successful. education and skill-based certification in securing our future. The goal of this public-private partnership is to ensure a In addition to the professional development activities, college graduate in every Virginia home by 2025 because, as fellows developed personal best leadership projects based the Chancellor explained, “two out of every three jobs in on The Leadership Challenge book that was introduced at Virginia will require more than a high school degree by the a previous seminar. These projects challenged the fellow year 2020.” and those identified as team members and stakeholders to employ the five practices of exemplary leadership while Our last presentation at ODAC was from Corrine Geller, reaching intended outcomes. Reports on progress will be public relations manager for the Virginia State Police, who shared during the final session of this inaugural class prior spoke about crisis communication and media relations. The to graduation. fellows were given opportunities to apply their new knowledge of crisis communication using agricultural case studies developed by Mrs. Geller in anticipation of being media contacts as agricultural leaders in their respective communities.
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Thank you Donors and Supporters* * This list includes individuals and organizations that contributed to VALOR seminars 5 through 9.
Faye Andrashko Beth Archer Keith Balderson Ginny Barnes Brian Barnes John Belcher Sarah Bittleman John Blankenship Bette Brand Hanna Brescher Dale Buist Pete Butz Lynn Campbell Scott Carter Jill Casten, PhD Dale Cavin John Cavin Gary & Betty Chapman Captain Charles Brittany Clay Richard Crowder Aaron & Rachel Crowgey Jane Crowther Kendell Culp Mike DeGrandchamp Mike Dietrich Adam Dietrich Brandon Dillistin Glenn DuBois Jimmy Durham Arden Eadie A J Erskine "Ooker" Eskridge Max Finberg Sheila Fowler Jack Frye Brian Furrer Lilliana Garcia
Corinne Geller Ronnie Gill Don Gill Bob Goodlatte Todd Greenwood Ben & Lindsay Grove Andy Hall Sarah Hanks Todd Haymore Travis Hill Melinda Hudson John Jenkins Ann Jennings Sam Johnson Chip Jones Leonard Jordan William Jurgelski Adam Kantrovich Eric Kaufman Tim Keller Martin Kent Thomas Komir Mike Kovacic Don & Jodi Lamb Lester Langeland Yahaira Lopez Mike Manning Sabrina Matteson Gary Matteson Bob McDonnell Phil Meeks Luke Meerman Robert Mills Chris Moore Bob Moss Don Norton Marty Park Rod Parker
For a complete list of program donors and supporters visit our website.
Matthew Phipps Bob Pitman Marty Potts Bill Purcell Margaret Ransone Matt & Melissa Rekeweg Robin Robbins Curry Roberts Kent Schescke Lucille Shaw Rebecca Splan Bill Stagg Jane Ade Stevens Richard Stuart Brenda Sutherland Bryan Taliaferro Jay Taliaferro Andy Tauer Mary Ellen Taylor Travis Taylor Emily Terzis Kendall Tyree Roger Victory Keli Whitaker Christine White Alex White Robert Wittman Tony Wolf Lee Wright Fred Wydner Jay Yankey Tracy Zambito Alex White Robert Wittman Tony Wolf Lee Wright Fred Wydner Jay Yankey
Tracy Zambito Classic Carriage, LLC Colonial Farm Credit FRF Cross Keys, LLC Garner's Produce Ingleside Nursery & Winery Loudoun Farm Museum MidAltantic Farm Credit Northern Neck Fruit Growers Association Oak Gone Farm, LLC Slabuagh Farms Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Virginia Corn Board Virginia Peanut Growers Association Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences County Farm Bureaus (FB) Bland County FB Chesapeake County FB Chesterfield County FB Hanover County FB Lee County FB Prince William County FB Russell County FB Scott County FB Shenandoah County FB Southampton County FB Tazewell County FB Washington County FB Wise-Dickenson County FB
In addition to sponsors of VALOR Fellows, these individuals have graciously given their time, resources, and expertise to make the program a success. We thank CG Thornhill, David Hughes, and Farm Credit of the Virginias for flagship support.
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Looking Ahead The inaugural class of VALOR Fellows will participate in the last seminar of the program May 15-18 in central Virginia. This seminar will focus on agricultural vitality, including valueadded production and processing. In July, the VALOR Fellows will graduate from the program! Graduation will include the families of each fellow and VALOR Advisory Council members.
Seminar Calendar for VALOR Class II Date
Location
September 5-7, 2014 November 13-16, 2014 January 9-12, 2014 February 12-15, 2015 May 8-12, 2015 July 17-21, 2015 September 16-21, 2015 November 12-15, 2015 January 8-10, 2016 March 4-17, 2016 May 19-22, 2016 July 15-17, 2016
Find Us
Blacksburg Eastern Shore Shenandoah Valley Richmond Washington, D.C. Northern Neck U.S. National (TBD) Southwest VA Southside VA International (TBD) Central VA Roanoke
VALOR 264 Litton Reaves (0343) Blacksburg, VA 24061 valor@vt.edu (540) 231-2375 www.valor.alce.vt.edu
Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results