The Road Warrior headed North by car this week to Harrisonburg, VA, to speak to a community bank-sponsored agricultural exposition. The valley of Virginia is one of the top 15 agricultural-producing regions of the nation, with an abundance of poultry, dairy, beef, and some grains.

This area is famous for the development of the McCormick reaper, its chicken and turkey industries, the quarter horse, the apple industry and the Future Farmers of America.

Like most of you, the group was full of questions and, generally, concerned. One lady asked me if there is a future for her third-grade daughter. My response was absolutely! Each generation has its battles. This one is no different. The human being is very adaptable when pushed toward change.

Should I expand my business? The answer to that is "yes," but do it with financial prudence and conservatism. In the near future, cash and liquidity are going to be king. It will be extremely important to have a good banker who will stay with you in good times and bad.

Will there be jobs? A young student just finishing her degree asked this question. "Yes," but we are possibly moving into an era of reduced expectation. The high-paying jobs many of young people have become used to may be fewer and farther between.

Air Travel Now
I am almost ready to sign up to be an air marshal. Who would know? I look like a farm boy.

I have to fly to Texas soon, so I will report to you on what I find in those not so friendly skies. Our nearest big airport (Roanoke, VA) no longer has any jets coming in, which is a bit discouraging. So that means if you are going on a big hunting trip and have a lot of gear, you better call first to see if your flyer can accommodate your big bags.

Sports Perspective
Looks like the Bonds will break McGwire’s record. The juiced-up ball and the smaller stadium kind of make home run records ho-hum.

Fresno State is still winning. Can’t wait until October in college football when some of the good conference games begin.

Remember, teams with the best defense usually come out on top. Does that give you a hint of who may be emerging from the pack at the college and pro levels?

Never flew to Kansas last week. People were just not ready to sit in chairs and absorb in a classroom setting. Their minds were with all the folks in NYC. I can’t blame them.

Final Note
I wish you safety and security.

My e-mail address is:sullylab@vt.edu

Editors' note: Dave Kohl, Soybean Digest Trends Editor, is an ag economist at Virginia Tech. He recently completed a sabbatical working with the Royal Bank of Canada. He is now back at Virginia Tech with his academic appointment, which is teaching, extension, and applied research.

To see Dave Kohl's previous road warrior adventures type Dave Kohl in the Search blank at the top of the page.

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