Newsletter for a Premier Leadership Development Program for Adults ISSUE 2
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.
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/
Update on VALOR Class II
facebook.com/AgVALOR
Connect with VALOR
@VAleadersOR
Read our blog at:
www.VALeadersOR.com
Letter from the Director
Update from Advisory Council Chairman
Gary Larrowe,
Advisory Council Chair
“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.
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 accom-
plished with the efforts of all. It is with pleasure that I represent the entire VALOR advi-
sory 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.
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.
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.
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Megan Seibel, Ph.D
VALOR Director
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
Click the picture for a video recap of Seminar V
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 Conserva-
tion Service; the Director of Rural Development Programs
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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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
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.
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 leader-
ship 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 agricul-tural 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 affect-
ing the agriculture industry in the world market. I am thankful to be selected into this elite group.
Ken Ryan
Edinburg, Virginia
Credit Underwriter for MidAtlantic
Farm Credit I’m excited to be a member of the inaugural
VALOR class as this program continues to develop the next generation of Ag leaders.
Andrew Smith
Beaverdam, Virginia
Senior Assistant Director of Govern-
mental 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.
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!
Ian Heatwole
Weyers Cave, Virginia
Managing partner of Fox Run Farms,
LLC I believe that agricultural advocates and effec-
tive agricultural leaders only become more important as time goes on.
Ben Grove
Blacksburg, Virginia
Associate Director of Development for
College of Agriculture and Life Sci-
ences, Virginia Tech VALOR represents a unique opportunity to blend study of the agricultural industry with the lead-
ership skills and network needed to address
many important issues facing the industry and our society.
Dana Fisher
New Market, Virginia
Agricultural Education Teacher At a time when the majority of our state and
country are far removed from production agri-culture, it is vital that competent agricultural
leaders. VALOR will develop advocates that can
share the success and challenges facing our industry resources.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lastly, service providers from the local Soil and Water
Conservation District and Virginia Cooperative Extension
shared information about programs for farmers and con-
sumers. Topics ranged from soil education and water con-
servation to small grains research and farm transition is-
sues. 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.
VALOR Fellows help pull crab traps from the Chesapeake Bay
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VALOR Fellows visited Tangier Island in July
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 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.
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 lead-
ership programs and the connections and opportunities
afforded them as participants and graduates.
U.S. Production & Practice:
A Comparison of Approaches
Countryside Greenhouse is a retail nursery
located in Allendale, Michigan
VALOR Fellows at the National FFA Center
in Indianapolis, Indiana
7
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 transition-
ing 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.
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.
Fellows Visit Bottomley Evergreens in Grayson County
8
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 Agri-
cultural 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.
The VALOR Fellows also
heard about the Rural
Horseshoe Initiative, an effort
to reframe workforce development in the commonwealth
through a network of 14 community colleges in Virginia’s
rural crescent. Chancellor of the Virginia Community
College System, Dr. Glenn DuBois, and Curry Roberts of
HF Consulting candidly discussed the role of post-secondary
education and skill-based certification in securing our future.
The goal of this public-private partnership is to ensure a
college graduate in every Virginia home by 2025 because, as
the Chancellor explained, “two out of every three jobs in
Virginia will require more than a high school degree by the
year 2020.”
Our last presentation at ODAC was from Corrine Geller,
public relations manager for the Virginia State Police, who
spoke about crisis communication and media relations. The
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.
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 person-
ally 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
development. She
brought her
professional expertise
and insight with non-profit boards to share with the group.
As leaders in the industry, many VALOR Fellows serve
in a board capacity and this session helped them
understand what it takes to lead a board and develop its
members in order to be successful.
In addition to the professional development activities,
fellows developed personal best leadership projects based
on The Leadership Challenge book that was introduced at
a previous seminar. These projects challenged the fellow
and those identified as team members and stakeholders to
employ the five practices of exemplary leadership while
reaching intended outcomes. Reports on progress will be
shared during the final session of this inaugural class prior
to graduation.
Dr. Glenn DuBois speaks to VALOR Fellows about the Rural
Horseshoe Initiative, which is composed of 14 Community
Colleges in Virginia’s rural crescent.
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Thank you Donors and Supporters* 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
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.
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
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
* This list includes individuals and organizations that contributed to VALOR seminars 5 through 9. For a complete list of program donors and supporters visit our website.
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Date Location
September 5-7, 2014 Blacksburg
November 13-16, 2014 Eastern Shore
January 9-12, 2014 Shenandoah Valley
February 12-15, 2015 Richmond
May 8-12, 2015 Washington, D.C.
July 17-21, 2015 Northern Neck
September 16-21, 2015 U.S. National (TBD)
November 12-15, 2015 Southwest VA
January 8-10, 2016 Southside VA
March 4-17, 2016 International (TBD)
May 19-22, 2016 Central VA
July 15-17, 2016 Roanoke
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 value-
added 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.
Find Us
Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results
VALOR 264 Litton Reaves (0343)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-2375
www.valor.alce.vt.edu
Seminar Calendar for VALOR Class II