Kentucky farmers have set a new record by donating nearly $1 million to the Ag Tag Program in 2025. The total amount of $995,440.74 surpasses last year’s contributions by over $60,000, according to Jonathan Shell, Commissioner of Agriculture.
“For the 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.” He emphasized that these donations help secure a promising future for agriculture in Kentucky.
The funds are distributed equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), with each receiving $331,813.58 this year. Since 2016, both Kentucky FFA and 4-H have collectively received more than $4 million from ag producers renewing their vehicle registrations annually.
Half of the donations for 4-H and FFA are returned to local councils and chapters to fund scholarships and leadership programs for youth. These initiatives include providing camp scholarships and covering travel expenses for educational experiences.
The KDA allocates its share of the funds to various programs such as the Ag Athlete of the Year awards and the Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award. Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, remarked on the program’s success: “As donations grow, the opportunities we can provide our members in FFA chapters across Kentucky grow.”
Melissa Miller, executive director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, expressed gratitude for how these funds impact youth development: “We are so grateful for the Ag Tag Program and the opportunities 4-H youth are being exposed to through these funds.”
Kentucky motorists purchasing or renewing farm vehicle license plates can voluntarily donate up to $10 to support this initiative.
Information from this article can be found here.
