By Blake Jackson
Kentucky farmers have once again demonstrated their generosity by donating a record-breaking $931,201.81 to the Ag Tag Program in 2024. This surpasses the previous year's total by nearly $200,000, highlighting the program's growing popularity and impact.
“2024 was a tremendous year, one that wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful support from our Kentucky farmers,” Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan 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 Ag Tag Program, a voluntary donation initiative, distributes funds equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).
This year, each group will receive $310,400.60. Since its inception in 2016, the program has collectively raised nearly $3.5 million for these organizations.
Half of the 4-H and FFA donations are returned to local councils and chapters, allowing them to invest in programs and activities that benefit youth in their communities.
County 4-H councils often use Ag Tag funds to provide scholarships and travel opportunities for 4-H members, while FFA chapters may allocate the funds for various purposes such as student jackets or travel expenses to leadership events.
The KDA utilizes its share of the Ag Tag funds to support various programs, including 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 has become so impactful for the Kentucky FFA Foundation and the more than 175 FFA Chapters across Kentucky,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation.
“The Kentucky 4-H Foundation and the Kentucky 4-H Program are truly thankful to those individuals that donate the $10 toward the Ag Tag Program,” said Melissa Miller, executive director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. “Through these funds we can support 4-H youth thriving in all 120 of our counties. Thank you to Commissioner Jonathan Shell for supporting the youth of Kentucky.”
Kentucky motorists can contribute to the Ag Tag Program by making a voluntary donation of up to $10 when purchasing or renewing their farm vehicle license plates. Half of the 4-H and FFA funds are returned to the county where the tag is purchased, benefiting local programs and initiatives.
Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Government & Policy