Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell takes great pride in his background as a former FFA member. That’s why he is partnering with County Clerks across the state to expand the Kentucky Ag Tag program, investing in youth and agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and Kentucky Proud.
Local FFA and 4-H chapters benefit from the program, which has become a critical funding source for agricultural youth initiatives across the state. Jason Smith, an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Daviess County High School, said the contributions make a real difference for students.
“We’ve come to really rely on these funds,” Smith said. “They help us facilitate leadership activities, organize field trips, and even provide scholarship money for students pursuing further education. Not every FFA member comes from a farming background, but these funds allow every student to engage with agriculture in a meaningful way.”
The Ag Tag program allows farm license plate owners to make an optional $10 donation when renewing their tags each March. That money is divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, the Kentucky FFA Association, and Kentucky Proud, supporting leadership programs, scholarships, and hands-on agricultural education.
“That $10 may not seem like a lot – we’ll spend that at a gas station without thinking about it – but it can be life-changing for these kids,” Shell said. “For FFA members, it helps buy blue and gold jackets for students whose families may not be able to afford them, supports grants for entrepreneurship projects, and provides funding for camps and state conventions. For 4-H, it can go toward starting livestock projects, country ham programs, or covering camp costs.”
Daviess County ranked among the top five counties statewide in 2024 for Ag Tag contributions, underscoring strong local support for the initiative. County Clerk Leslie McCarty said she is proud to see the community step up to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“It’s rewarding to see how these donations go back to support our youth,” McCarty said. “Agriculture is such an important part of our community, and being able to contribute to programs that provide opportunities for young people makes a real difference.”
Shell said the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is working to expand the program by creating a non-commercial Ag Tag option. This would allow individuals who do not qualify for a farm plate – such as parents of FFA and 4-H members – to purchase a specialty license plate, with proceeds still going toward the Ag Tag fund.
“We’re hoping to launch this new option by next year,” Shell said. “We’ll likely hold an art contest among 4-H and FFA members to design the new plate, ensuring it represents Kentucky agriculture while including logos from all three benefiting organizations.”
At the local level, FFA students have been actively involved in community outreach. During National FFA Week, members distributed small gift bags and thank-you notes to farmers at area agribusinesses like Cargill and the Kentuckina Livestock Market.
“The commissioner has been a strong supporter of programs that highlight the role of farmers in our communities,” Smith said. “It’s great to see our students giving back and recognizing those who make agriculture possible.”
Anyone interested in obtaining a farm plate and participating in the Ag Tag program can visit the Daviess County Clerk’s website for more information.
