Total divided among 4-H, FFA, KDA

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2025) – Kentucky farmers donated nearly a million dollars for the Ag Tag Program in 2025. The total, $995,440.74, is the largest amount ever donated in a single year, topping last year’s total by more than $60,000, Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell announced.

“For that last three years the Ag Tag Program has seen new record-breaking amounts every year,” Commissioner 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 voluntary donations are divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). This year, each group will receive $331,813.58 Since 2016, Kentucky FFA and Kentucky 4-H have received, collectively, more than $4 million from donations made by ag 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 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.”

“We are so grateful for the Ag Tag Program and the opportunities 4-H youth are being exposed to through these funds gaining new experiences, leadership training, and personal development, positively impacting their confidence, skills and long-term success.” said Melissa Miller, executive director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. “Looking ahead, I hope to see continued growth in the Ag Tag Program. The funds raised are not just donations – they are investments in Kentucky 4-H's future. The program is helping youth build skills, gain leadership experience and thrive in their communities.”

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 both organizations use the funds to support local programming, awards, and scholarships.

* For photos from the check presentations, click here.