Kentucky farmers donated $731,627.67 to the Ag Tag Program for 2021 – The very biggest ever in program historic previous, the Kentucky Division of Agriculture introduced Tuesday.

The quantity donated this yr is $119,884.59 Greater than final yr’s quantity, and Greater than the earlier highest donated quantity, which was $629,865.43 in 2017.

Ag Tag donations divided amongst Kentucky 4-H, FFA and the Division of Agriculture. This yr every group acquired $243, 875.89 from the proceeds (Photograph from Division of Agriculture)

“I even Want to ship An limitless ‘Thanks’ to everyone who donated to the voluntary ‘Ag Tag’ program this yr, surpassing all earlier data and displaying how a lot our agricultural group means to the state of Kentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “By way of the yrs, the Ag Tag Program has succeeded in offering a lot-needed funding for promoting agriculture and educating Kentucky’s youth on the significance of agriculture in our on A daily basis lives. Your generosity will assist guarantee Kentucky agriculture has a shiny future.”

The voluntary donations are divided equally amongst Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Division of Agriculture (KDA). This yr every group will acquire $243,875.89.

The KDA makes use of its share of the Ag Tag funds for numerous packages Similar to a Outcome of the Ag Athlete of the Year awards, the Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award, Kentucky Women in Agriculture, and the College of Kentucky Grain and Forage Center of Excellence.

“The Kentucky FFA Foundation is thrilled with the 2021 Ag Tag advertising campaign. We give half of the funds given in every county again to the native chapters in that county, so This suggests An excellenter influence in every group,” said Sheldon McKinney, authorities director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. “We additionally use Ag Tag donation to fund Ag Achievers grants, Which current a lot-needed know-how upgrades to agriculture lecture rooms throughout Kentucky, current journey scholarships to our college students competing at Nationwide FFA Convention, And current An excellent expertise for our college students On the Kentucky State Truthful. The Ag Tag program has Discover your self to be An important An factor of carrying out our imaginative and prescient of Rising Leaders, Constructing Communities & Strengthening Agriculture.”

“Farmer-assisted Ag Tag dollars are instrumental in assisting 4-H packages in all 120 counties. Giving permits native 4-H packages to develop youth as leaders, construct their communication expertise, and develop them into lively, engaged members of their group,” said Melissa Miller, authorities director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. “Thank you to everyone who chosen to make the $10 donation and making this Definitely one of the biggest yr on doc in assist of Kentucky’s youth.”

Kentucky motorists who buy or renew farm car license plates, or “ag tags,” might make a voluntary donation of As a lot as $10 to the Ag Tag Fund. Half of the 4-H and FFA funds Return to the county the place the tag is purchased, the place each groups use the funds to assist native programming, awards, and scholarships.

From Kentucky Division of Agriculture