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. This program is locally supported by Adair County Clerk, Lisa Greer.
“For the 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. The Adair County FFA Chapter will receive $1,493.33, which will be divided between the middle and high school FFA chapters because of the Ag Tag program in 2025.
Half of the 4-H and FFA donations are returned to local councils and chapters. FFA chapters are free to use the money to meet the greatest needs in their community. The Adair County FFA Chapter will use these funds to feed students at local events, purchase supplies for the barn and shop, and provide hands-on learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
The Kentucky FFA Foundation uses funds to support the annual Kentucky FFA State Convention, Ag Achiever Grants for local FFA chapters to grow educational opportunities locally, it supports all students representing Kentucky to compete at the National FFA Convention, our display at Kentucky State Fair and much more.
“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.”
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.
