Kentucky drivers donated more than $940,000 for the Ag Tag Program in 2026. The total brings the amount raised for agriculture youth since 2024 under Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to more than $2.8 million.
“Kentucky farmers and agricultural enthusiasts have helped us reach another fantastic total for the Ag Tag Program this year,” Commissioner Shell said. “This couldn’t be possible without the wonderful support of those who 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.”
This year’s total, $941,630, includes funds generated by the purchase or renewal of Kentucky’s farm vehicle license plate and the new “Friends of Agriculture” special license plate that became available in February. Each plate includes a fee that goes into the “Ag Tag” fund. The farm license plate generated $927,585, while the “Friends of Agriculture” special plate generated $14,045.
The fees are divided equally between Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. This year, each group will receive $313,876.67.
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.
“The Ag Tag program is a powerful example of how a small investment can create a lasting impact,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. “What starts as a farmer making a $10 voluntary donation grows thousands in annual support for Kentucky agriculture and its young people. For Kentucky FFA, these dollars translate into real opportunities, helping chapters provide resources for students, attend leadership events and competitions, and give young people experiences that shape their futures. We are incredibly grateful to the farmers who choose to support Ag Tags. Every donation invests in the next generation of Kentucky agriculture, and together, those investments grow leaders across the Commonwealth.”
“Kentucky 4-H is incredibly grateful for the success of the Ag Tag Program and the opportunities it provides to youth across the Commonwealth,” said Melissa Miller, executive director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. “As the number of Kentucky 4-Hers continues to grow every year, Ag Tag makes it possible to provide life-changing experiences, leadership opportunities, conferences, and skills that prepare young people for their futures. When you support Ag Tag, you are investing in young leaders who are making a difference in their clubs, communities, and the world.”
Kentucky motorists who buy or renew the farm vehicle or the special “Friends of Agriculture” license plates 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 both organizations use the funds to support local programming, awards, and scholarships.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture