WASHINGTON, January 12, 2026 – Former Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne Pryor received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 Farm Bureau Founders Award.
The Founders Award is among the highest honors presented by AFBF. Pryor was recognized during AFBF’s 107th Convention in Anaheim, California, Jan. 9-14.
First presented in January 2017, AFBF’s Founders Award for exemplary leadership, service or contributions to Farm Bureau is presented in recognition of outstanding achievements and work in the interest of Farm Bureau.
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation nominated Pryor for the Founders Award. A national Farm Bureau committee selected the honoree.
Pryor served on VFBF’s board for more than three decades in multiple capacities, eventually serving as president of the organization from 2006 until he completed his final term in December 2024. He was known for his bold leadership and for helping to keep forestry and agriculture as the top industry in Virginia.
“Wayne has championed state and national policies that have enabled agriculture and forestry to continue as Virginia’s No. 1 industry,” said VFBF President Scott Sink. “During my 12 years serving as his vice president, I witnessed and learned from his thoughtful and steady leadership of the organization. His dedication to Farm Bureau has been an inspiration to the next generation of leaders.”
Under Pryor’s leadership, Virginia Farm Bureau was victorious in advocating for broadband connectivity statewide, land use taxation and funding for the implementation of agricultural best management practices to protect water quality. Pryor also helped to ensure the State Fair of Virginia was saved from a bankruptcy threat in 2012. He helped to implement a solution that kept the agricultural character of the fair and youth scholarship program intact. VFBF continues to own and operate the fair.
“Wayne Pryor exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity and vision in agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Through decades of leadership with Virginia Farm Bureau, Wayne worked tirelessly to advance policies that supported farmers and rural communities. His commitment to grassroots advocacy and building strong relationships made a profound difference. His influence will continue to shape Farm Bureau for generations to come.”
With almost 137,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to supporting Virginia’s agriculture industry.
Contact Kathy Dixon, VFBF assistant director of communications, at 804-370-3055.
