RICHMOND—Though Scott Sink comes from generations of farmers on both sides of his family, he wasn’t planning on pursuing an agricultural career.

As a high school student, he was invited by the Virginia Cooperative Council to participate in a youth essay contest about cooperative education. His essay won a national award, and that changed everything.

He recently was the keynote speaker at the VCC’s 63rd annual meeting in Richmond.

Elected president of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation by voting delegates in December 2024, Sink acknowledged how the council influenced his future—now leading the state’s largest agricultural advocacy organization, along with its affiliated companies.

“It changed my path,” he said. “There are not many times in life we come full circle. I’m standing here right now because of you. The council’s youth and scholarship programs do have an impact!”

The nonprofit VCC seeks to promote Virginia’s cooperative businesses and organizations, and their contributions to the state economy and citizens, with a mission focused on supporting educational programs in partnerships with Virginia’s land-grant universities, 4-H and FFA programs. Council members include commodity groups and cooperatives representing farm supply, electric and telecommunications businesses, as well as marketing companies.

“This year at the State Fair of Virginia®, we’ll have an agricultural career fair for FFA and youth,” announced Adam Shiflett, council president. “We’ll be there teaching youth what cooperatives are, their role in business, and careers they can get into.”

The 2025 State Fair will be held Sept. 26 through Oct. 5 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

To attract young professionals to VFBF, Sink initiated a fellowship program designed to expose them to all aspects of the organization and its affiliated companies. College juniors and seniors accepted in the program will learn about business operations, agriculture association management and political advocacy initiatives.

Council members asked Sink about his “four-pillars” approach to leadership.

“Everything we do should have a purpose,” he said. “I want us to be more proactive instead of reactive to regulations and challenges. We need to be more transparent, communicating with staff and leaders about our decision-making process, and be more connected with each other, to groups like this and each of your organizations.”

Looking ahead, VFBF “is celebrating a new chapter,” Sink continued. “Next year is the organization’s 100th anniversary.”

Virginians interested in VCC membership can visit virginia.coop or call 804-281-1211.

Media: Contact Mary Howell, VCC manager, at 804-281-1211; or Pam Wiley, VFBF communications, at 804-291-6315.