The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee honored Wayne and Pattie Pryor of Goochland County on Dec. 3 with its 2024 Warren Beach Award for their contributions to the VFBF Young Farmers Program.

The Pryors are highly regarded for their long-standing dedication to the Young Farmers. Wayne Pryor, who is retiring from his role as VFBF president after 18 years, is credited with helping ensure the Young Farmers Program’s growth and success. The couple was recognized during the 2024 VFBF Annual Convention in Hot Springs.

This marks the second time Wayne Pryor has received the Warren Beach Award, having been first recognized in 2005 while serving as VFBF vice president.

Since he became president in 2006, the VFBF Young Farmers Program has seen several notable advancements, including the addition of a second annual Young Farmers Expo and doubled attendance at the expo events. VFBF also had the honor of hosting the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference in 2014, which drew participants and guests from around the world.

Pattie Pryor also has been a steadfast supporter of the program and is known for her participation at every Young Farmers Expo. She often is seen engaging with attendees and offering encouragement to young farmers.

“Mr. and Mrs. Pryor have always been a welcoming presence at Young Farmers events, making everyone feel part of the Farm Bureau family,” said Michelle Fox, Young Farmers Committee chair. “While serving with Mr. Pryor on the state board, I’ve seen his commitment to the numerous responsibilities he fulfills on a regular basis. Knowing that despite their busy schedules, the Pryors still make time to support the organization and our young farmers makes their dedication even more meaningful and deeply appreciated.”

Under Wayne Pryor’s leadership, the Collegiate Young Farmers program significantly expanded engagement among undergraduates interested in agriculture. The program created new chapters, a new collegiate subcommittee and a new Farm Bureau collegiate membership level. Additionally, the committee created the Youth Outreach & Activities Committee, and began the annual Youth Discussion Meet at the state FFA Convention.

Additionally, the VFBF Young Farmers award programs have featured standout competitors since 2006, boasting six national winners and 16 runners-up for AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers awards.

VFBF Young Farmers say Wayne Pryor has been a passionate advocate for breaking barriers faced by younger producers, such as farmland access. He championed partnerships between VFBF, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Department of Forestry in the creation of several farm transition and farmland preservation programs like Farm Link and the Certified Farm Seekers program. He also encouraged the VFBF Young Farmers to begin hosting gubernatorial candidate forums at their summer gatherings—keeping agriculture at the forefront of legislators’ minds.

During his tenure, he helped create the VFBF Farm Safety Advisory Committee in response to the Young Farmers’ and the Women’s Leadership Committee’s efforts to raise awareness about farm safety issues. He dedicated a staff position to the program, committed funds, and secured over $50,000 in funding from outside organizations to support the initiative.


With more than 135,000 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. View more convention news as it becomes available at vafb.com/convention, and follow us on social media via #VFBF24 #CultivatingConnections.

Contact Pam Wiley, vice president of communications, at 804-291-6315.