The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) ˗˗On Feb. 26, 1926, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation was incorporated.
It was founded 100 years ago to represent farmers at the local, state and national levels. Next week, the organization begins celebrating a centennial of supporting farmers and rural communities.
VFBF has almost 137,000 members statewide, and the $40 annual membership dues enable it to help families, farmers and communities thrive.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we want to remember the past, honor the present and most importantly, consider the future and all the ways we can continue to serve the commonwealth’s farmers and rural communities,” said VFBF President Scott Sink.
Virginia Farm Bureau has been successful on many advocacy campaigns throughout its history that have helped farmers and its nonfarming members. The company has fought to protect property rights; repeal the Virginia estate tax; ensure funding for voluntary, cost-share conservation practices; provide resources for large animal veterinarians; protect prime farmland and more.
Farm Bureau also supports Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, which was established in 1987 to educate teachers and students about the importance of agriculture. AITC is a part of a nationwide effort to help teachers and students understand and appreciate agriculture—Virginia and the nation’s largest industry.
The 501(c)(3) organization hosts an annual Agricultural Literacy Week during which volunteers read an agricultural themed book to elementary students in schools across the state. Through that outreach effort, and providing hands-on resources, workshops and grants to teachers, AITC reached more than 700,000 students in the 2024-25 school year. Currently, over 2,100 teachers are integrating agriculture education into core subjects like science, math and reading.
Also to increase agricultural literacy, Farm Bureau purchased The Meadow Event Park property, where the State Fair of Virginia is held. The organization has successfully kept the fair focused on agriculture and providing an opportunity to showcase the best of Virginia agriculture to those who may not have a farming background.
With 104 offices in 88 counties, Virginia Farm Bureau is able to reach every part of the state. Through county Farm Bureau staff and volunteers, the company supports local and statewide organizations, even donating more than $200,000 in youth scholarships in 2025.
Farm Bureau members also can access a robust member benefits program, which includes tangible savings on hotels, rental cars, retail establishments and more. Additionally, members are eligible for discounts on auto and truck tires through the Products Division, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.
For more than 75 years, the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. has provided members with a comprehensive line of insurance products, and the company has been ranked the No. 1 homeowners insurance company in the country by Forbes for the second year in a row.
Farm Bureau is planning to grow and expand all of these programs in the next century.
Commemorations have been planned throughout 2026.
All year at the headquarters office in Richmond, historical artifacts that include the history of all VFBF companies over the last 100 years will be on display. Additionally, a commemorative photo gallery will be on display. Photo panels depicting agriculture in all 14 board districts and the Young Farmers and Women’s Leadership programs will be included.
The West Creek office also will house a large map of Virginia counties made with native Virginia woods from Farm Bureau members’ property.
County offices will hold specific events and many of them will participate in community service projects that have not yet been determined.
During the State Fair of Virginia, Sept. 25-Oct., 4, a new adult creative arts competition revolving around Farm Bureau memorabilia will be included.
