Natalya Pavlova, press secretary and agro-economist from Russia, recently visited the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE Center). Her visit was sponsored by The Open World Program (www.openworld.gov) and The National Peace Organization (www.nationalpeace.org). Mary Zane, a member of The American Association of University Women, Reston-Herndon branch (http://www.aauuofva.org/branches/reston.htm), served as Pavlova's host during her visit.

Pavlova's work in agrobusiness in Russia, as head specialist, economist, and press secretary, combined with her love of horses, soon had Zane looking for farms which Pavlova could visit to offer her the opportunity to see agriculture, farming and the rural economy of Northern Virginia. Zane contacted Matt Benson, community viability specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension in Warrenton, Va., to discuss possible places with agricultural interest that would assist Pavlova in gaining insight to rural agriculture in this area. As community viability specialist, Benson is tasked with helping to promote and sustain vibrant economies, healthy and safe environments, and social wellbeing.

Benson arranged for Pavlova's visit to the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE Center) and Lazy Lane Farm.

Pavlova's visit to the MARE Center proved to be one of great interest to the Russian press secretary and agro-economist. Pavlova was amazed at the quality and types of research that had been conducted at the center, as well as, the fact that the center's research is world renown in the equine industry. Since her work involves agriculture business and farming in Russia, she was also impressed by the fact that the center was once used to conduct cattle research, and still conducts relevant research on pasture managed animals.

Pavlova also was impressed by the design of the MARE Center's lab, clinic, and equine barn. She asked a lot of questions about how the horses were studied in the clinical setting and mentioned that she does not have this same type of setting in her hometown, but thought this methodology was excellent. Visiting the center's equine barn, where horses are monitored for injuries or illnesses under the care of Tim Parmly, vet tech for the center, Pavlova was interested in the rough concrete flooring found in the stalls. Shea Porr, MARE Center superintendent, explained to her that this type of floor helped to cut down on bacteria and was easy to keep maintained. Pavlova shared with the tour group that in Russia, stall floors are hard packed dirt. She was going to take the idea of concrete stall floors back to her home country.

Pavlova was also interested in the MARE Center's treadmill barn, where horses are exercised under research protocols. She asked many questions about why and how the treadmill is used in studies. Treadmill studies were fairly new to her and she was pleased with the new knowledge. She did note that the equine exerciser, another useful piece of equipment, was familiar to her. She was also interested in learning about our graduate student program and how these students conduct state of the art equine research here at the center while in most cases living on the center's 420-acre farm to do their research. Being an instructor in Ivanovo, Russia, she thought this method of "on the farm" education was the way to teach agriculture and research to students and she plans to discuss this when she returns home.

The exchange of information between Pavlova, Zane, VCE faculty, and MARE Center faculty and staff, was extraordinary because of all the knowledge shared before, during, and after the tour. It was an exciting time for everyone at the MARE Center and such a wonderful opportunity to learn from Pavlova about agriculture and farming in Russia.

The next stop was Lazy Lane Farm, in Upperville, Virginia where Pavlova saw Thoroughbreds raised for racing and breeding, as well as, a herd of Angus cattle. She was excited to learn that Hansel, a Thoroughbred race horse stakes winner many times over, and standing at Lazy Lane also sired some of the MARE Center's foals. Lazy Lane Farm (http://www.angusjournal.com/nationalconference/2004nationalconference/tourLazyLane.html) is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Allbritton.