Ag Tag donations reach nearly $1 million in 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky farmers have set a record by donating nearly a million dollars to the Ag Tag Program in 2025.

The total, $995,440.74, is the largest amount ever donated in a single year, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, who said this tops last year’s total by more than $60,000.

Kentucky drivers who buy or renew farm vehicle license plates, or ag tags, can make a voluntary donation of up to $10 to the Ag Tag Fund. Half of the 4-H and FFA funds go back to the county where the tag is purchased, where both organizations use the funds to support local programming, awards and scholarships.

“For that last three years the Ag Tag Program has seen new record-breaking amounts every year,” Shell said. “This couldn’t be possible without the wonderful support from our Kentucky farmers. They see value in supporting the next generation of farmers through their donations to the Ag Tag fund. It’s that generosity that will help ensure Kentucky agriculture has a bright future.”

The donations are divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, officials say. This year, each group will receive $331,813.58.

According to officials, half of the 4-H and FFA donations are returned to local councils and chapters, which can help cover the cost of 4-H and FFA camp and other leadership programs for youth. In addition, FFA chapters can use the money to meet their greatest needs in the community, such as FFA jackets for students in need or helping cover travel costs to leadership events.

The KDA uses its share of the funds for multiple 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 FFA celebrates the continued success of the Ag Tag Program,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. “As donations grow, the opportunities we can provide our members in FFA chapters across Kentucky grow. We have a record-breaking number of Kentucky FFA members, young people who are desiring a career in agriculture. It’s so special that they’ve found champions in Kentucky farmers supporting the Ag Tag program.”

Melissa Miller, executive director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, says they are grateful for the opportunities youth can experience through these funds, including personal development.