Former Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne Pryor will receive the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 Farm Bureau Founders Award. Bill Northey, longtime agricultural leader from Iowa, will be honored posthumously with AFBF’s 2026 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
The Founders Award and DSA are the highest honors presented by AFBF. Pryor and Northey will be 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. AFBF established the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award in 1928 to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture.
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation nominated Pryor for the Founders Award. The Iowa Farm Bureau nominated Northey for the DSA. A national Farm Bureau committee selected each of the honorees.
Pryor Honored with Farm Bureau Founders Award
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.”
Northey Honored Posthumously with Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award
Northey was an avid supporter of agriculture for decades, working for farmers and ranchers across Iowa and the country. He was elected as the Iowa secretary of agriculture three times – in 2006, 2010 and 2014 – before being tapped by President Donald Trump to be under secretary for farm production and conservation at USDA. He held that post until 2021, became the CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa in May 2022 and passed away in February 2024 at the age of 64.
Following his passing, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson commented on Northey’s life.
“It is impossible to completely describe Bill’s impact on agriculture,” said Johnson. “It didn’t matter if we were talking about the latest heavy-hitting agriculture issue or tractors or family; Bill was always an intensive listener, and I never saw him distracted by what was happening in the background or who walked into the room. When talking with Bill, Bill was talking with you.”
Duvall also reflected on Northey. “Bill Northey demonstrated true leadership through his character and forward-thinking approach to agriculture,” he said. “From his years as Iowa’s secretary of agriculture to his service at USDA, Bill championed conservation and innovation while never losing sight of farmers’ needs. His lifelong dedication strengthened the foundation of American agriculture and the Farm Bureau family. We are proud to honor his legacy and lasting impact.”
