Class of 2015 Visits Southern VA

One of the highlights of the trip was our visit to the VanderHyde Dairy Farm. I was amazed by the high-tech nature of the operations and the farm's cutting-edge approach to energy production. As an example of the high-tech approach to dairy farming, the farm uses an automatically rotating carousel for the milking process. The cows actually step onto, and off of, the platform on their own ... while the carousel is moving! Each cow is tagged with a computer chip that allows the system to track each cow's activities, and the system "knows" how much milk a specific cow typically provides. While the devices that are used for milking the cows are attached by a human being, the computerized system monitors the amount of milk being provided and then automatically disengages the devices when the appropriate amount of milk has been provided. Human interaction and oversight is necessary in the process (we did see one cow who, after completing her rotation on the carousel, simply decided she'd like to go for another ride), but the use of technology to accomplish what would otherwise be an incredibly labor-intensive process (and in a very space-efficient manner) was quite impressive. When it comes to cutting-edge energy production, the farm captures methane from the manure, and then uses the methane to power generators that provide electricity for the farm. In fact, the farm produces excess electricity that is then sold to the power company!

The Class of 2015 enjoyed other educational trips and informative panel discussions throughout our 3-day visit to Southern Virginia. We toured the Southern Virginia Technology Park in South Boston and the Capstone Integrated Machining Technology project at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) in Danville, both excellent examples of the region's focus on technology and workforce training. We had the privilege of attending a bill signing ceremony and ribbon cutting with Governor Terry McAuliffe while at the IALR. We were treated to a wonderful farm-to-table dinner at Edmunds Farm in Halifax County, and also visited the Banister River Gateway in Halifax. We visited a beautiful YMCA facility facing the Dan River in Danville, where we heard from some local leaders concerning the area's health and wellness focus, and we visited the Danville Science Center for an engaging discussion on the economy, health and education, with local leaders from government, private foundations and private industry. Our visit was capped off with a tour of The Prizery in South Boston, which houses a performing arts theatre and art gallery in what used to be a building used for "prizing" tobacco, followed by a thought provoking panel discussion with local leaders in education.

I was personally energized and inspired by our trip to Southern Virginia. I was impressed by the extent to which local leaders in government, private foundations and private industry work collaboratively for the good of the region, with their shared dedication to the goal of improving the quality of life for all citizens in the region. More than anything, I continue to enjoy developing and furthering relationships with my classmates. Our time together sharing information, ideas and perspectives is priceless (and, quite frankly, a lot of fun!). We're truly building the social capital that will allow us to work together to find creative solutions to some of the challenges facing both our local communities and the Commonwealth as a whole. Next stop: The Valley!

Graciously submitted by Bobby Turnage, Jr., '15, Partner with Venable LLC in Tysons Corner, VA

Lead Virginia would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Kelly Fitzgerald, '13, and Matt Leonard, '14, for all their efforts in planning a successful Southern Virginia session! We would also like to recognize the generous sponsors of this session: Virginia Tobacco Commission, The Harvest Foundation, Halifax County Industrial Development Authority, Danville Family YMCA, Danville Science Center, the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, The Prizery, and Wayne Henderson, Jeff Little, and Helen White.

 

To view photos of the Southern Virginia Session click here!