Record donations reached for Kentucky ‘Ag Tag’ Program

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky farmers donated a record-breaking amount to the Ag Tag Program.

According to a release by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, commissioner of agriculture Jonathan Shell announced Friday the total is the largest amount ever donated in a single year at almost $200,000.

Each year, the donations are gathered when ag producers renew their vehicles.

“2024 was a tremendous year, one that wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful support from our Kentucky farmers,” Shell said. “Through the years, the Ag Tag Program has succeeded in providing much-needed funding for promoting agriculture and educating Kentucky’s youth on the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. Your generosity will help ensure Kentucky agriculture has a bright future.”

The donations are divided equally to Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the release says.

Funds can be used for 4-H camp scholarships, travel to leadership events, FFA jackets for students and more.

The KDA says it uses its share of funds for 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.

Half of the 4-H and FFA funds go back to the county where the tag is purchased, where the release says both organizations use the funds to support local programming, awards and scholarships.