Iowa, often called the “Hawkeye State,” is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage. With over 86,800 farming operations covering 30 million acres, the state is a leader in corn, hogs, soybeans, cattle, and eggs.
Iowa’s legacy is prominently displayed through its distinctive agricultural specialty license plates. These specialty plates pay homage to Iowa’s farming traditions and symbolize the pride and identity many residents have in rural production communities.
The design of Iowa’s agricultural license plates features iconic agricultural imagery, including farm landscapes, silos, windmills, and barns. And it’s no surprise that these images were chosen with over 13 million acres of corn planted annually and nearly 10 million acres of soybeans, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
In addition to celebrating the hard work of its farmers, the plates help to elevate the Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa 4-H Foundation, and Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation — all three of which are supported by revenue collected through the sale of this specialty plate (they split the funds from each plate evenly).
The Iowa FFA Foundation helps students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Altogether, the foundation serves around 14,800 student member organizations in 225 chapters across Iowa.
The Iowa 4-H Foundation provides funds for many opportunities that help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and social skills. They serve more than 100,000 youth in Iowa.
Meanwhile, the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation is the central resource for educators and volunteers who want to teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. The foundation coordinates and supports Agriculture in the Classroom efforts throughout the state.
Numbered plates can be purchased for a $35 initial fee and a $10 annual renewal paid to the Iowa Department of Agriculture. Personalized plates are $60, of which $25 contributes to a plate fee and $35 goes to the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
With nearly 3.5 million cattle in Iowa’s beef cattle inventory in 2023, cattle production is also a big part of the state’s agriculture. To honor and help needy cattlemen, the Cattlemen Care specialty license plate supports the Cattlemen’s Fund in the same amounts as Iowa’s ag plate.
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation, established in 1994, has been a pivotal force in supporting and shaping the future of Iowa’s beef industry. With a dual focus on providing financial support and educational opportunities for young Iowans involved in the cattle business and enhancing the public perception of the cattle industry, the foundation has made significant strides over the past 25 years.
Over the past five years, the foundation has trained over 400 youth, reached 1 million consumers, and awarded $115,000 (over 25 years) in scholarships to leaders pursuing education related to the beef industry.
