In a record-breaking 2024 effort, Kentucky farmers donated more than $930,000 to the Commonwealth’s “Ag Tag” Program — as reported Friday by Commission of Agriculture Jonathan Shell.
Not only is it the largest amount ever donated in a single fiscal year, but it tops last year’s total by almost $200,000 — made possible through the generosity of agriculture.
These voluntary donations will be divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, meaning each group will receive more than $310,000.
Since 2016, Kentucky FFA and Kentucky 4-H have received, collectively, nearly $3.5 million from donations made by agriculture producers renewing their vehicles each year.
Half of the 4-H and FFA donations are returned to local councils and chapters, meaning leaders in the donating community can use those funds to cover the cost of 4-H and FFA camp and other leadership programs for youth.
County 4-H councils regularly use “Ag Tag” dollars to provide 4-H camp scholarships and travel for life-changing, educational experiences to enable local 4-H youth to grow as leaders and engaged citizens.
FFA chapters were free to use the money to meet the greatest needs in their community, such as FFA jackets for students in need or helping cover travel costs to leadership events.
The KDA uses its share of the “Ag Tag” funds for various programs such as the Ag “Athlete of the Year” awards, the Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award, Kentucky Women in Agriculture, and the University of Kentucky Grain and Forage Center of Excellence.
Kentucky motorists who buy or renew farm vehicle license plates, or “ag tags,” may make a voluntary donation of up to $10 to the “Ag Tag” Fund.
