In the vast expanse of Montana’s picturesque landscapes, where cattle outnumber people by nearly double, lies the cornerstone of its identity: agriculture. Farming and ranching have been integral to Montana’s history, economy, and culture, from the rolling plains to the rugged mountains since before its establishment in 1889.
The state, known for its big sky country, is home to over 28,000 farms and ranches. The average size of a farm and ranch is over 2,137 acres, with pasture and rangeland accounting for over 66 percent of the state. Rangeland, pastureland, cropland, forests, and wildlands cover 92 million acres, or 98 percent, of Montana’s total land area.
The leading crops are wheat, hay, barley, lentils, sugar beets, peas, chickpeas, corn, canola, flaxseed, safflower, and oats. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana ag production is valued at just over $4 billion, with almost $1.6 billion related to animal agriculture.
With so many agricultural options in Montana, it’s clear why there are so many specialty plate options to complement it.
Specialty license plates became an option in Montana when, in 2001, the 57th Montana Legislature passed the Generic Specialty License Plate Act, allowing the Montana Department of Justice (yes, you read that right) to issue specialty license plates sponsored by qualified organizations or governmental bodies.
The specialty license plates that have been released since then are uniquely crafted with distinctive backgrounds, colors, or slogans that distinguish the sponsoring organization. Unlike the standard issue plates, these specialty plates feature a number format comprising three letters and three numbers, omitting the county designator.
Under the Act, the Motor Vehicle Division, which is operated by the state DOJ, assesses whether an organization or governmental body qualifies as a specialty plate sponsor and establishes guidelines dictating the appearance of these plates. Before the Act, the approval of license plates rested with the Legislature, which would vote on each group, predominantly military groups, seeking to provide plates. Each plate includes a renewal cost of $20, an administrative cost of $10, and a production cost of $12. Out of this, $20 is donated to the organization.
Thus, numerous distinct license plates were created to represent and benefit different ag-centric organizations. Although there are even more that include agricultural organizations and the timber industry, we’ve featured 10 plates in the following list.
Montana Farm Bureau Foundation specialty plate
One symbolic representation of this heritage is the Montana Farm Bureau Foundation license plate. Approved on November 1, 2013, it’s a distinctive marker that pays homage to the state’s agriculture. The Montana farm license plate stands out with a design that features a vibrant image of a cow-calf pair and cowboy silhouetted against a backdrop of golden hills and starry blue skies.
Money raised from the Montana Farm Bureau Foundation license plates goes towards furthering the MFBF’s mission to support Montana agriculture through education, research, and community support, emphasizing the development of leadership qualities in our youth.
Through money raised by the plates and other donations, the Foundation provides over $10,000 in scholarships annually, including the Future of Ag Honor Scholarship, the Collegiate Young Farmer and Ranchers Scholarship, and the Bernard Greufe Honor Scholarship so that Montana youth can receive the training and education they need.
The foundation also supports leadership development programming for the Collegiate Young Farmer and Rancher organizations and provides mini-grants funding community-based programs and educational materials to educators and programs.
Montana Stockgrowers Association specialty plate
With as much livestock as the state has, it’s no surprise that the Stockgrowers Association would also have a specialty license plate, which was made and approved on February 2, 2015. The imagery is striking, featuring the silhouette of a legacy ranching family, with snowcapped mountains in the background and green rangeland in the foreground.
Donations for this plate will help ensure the future of Montana’s livestock community and businesses through producer and public education. Montana Stockgrowers Foundation supports the next generation by offering educational programs, academic scholarships, and leadership opportunities.
The association helps Montana’s ranching community through signature programs, supporting the Montana Stockgrowers Association in enhancing the Montana cattle industry while also ensuring Montana ranchers can continue ranching for generations to come.
Montana Grains Foundation specialty plate
This plate, with amber waves of grain, was approved on November 4, 2013. It supports charitable, scientific, and educational activities for Montana’s grain industry.
The Foundation is well-known for its scholarship and educational efforts to improve the skills of those engaged in growing and marketing grain.
Livestock Loss Board specialty plate
In a state where gray wolves are now part of the landscape, livestock losses are unavoidable. The Livestock Loss Board farm plate has circulated since July 21, 2016.
This plate, as part of efforts by the Department of Livestock, generates funds to help support Montana livestock communities by reducing the economic impact of wolves on individual producers. Funds raised by the plate help reimburse their confirmed and probable wolf-caused losses and help to reduce their losses by approving projects and funding programs that will discourage wolves from killing livestock.
Montana Weed Control Association specialty plate
Noxious weeds have a destructive impact on Montana’s farms and rangelands. They displace native species, increase soil erosion, and decrease wildlife habitat.
This particular plate shows a horseback cowboy in the front, surrounded by grazing cattle, treeline, and Montana mountains. Approved on November 4, 2013, funds generated by the plate support weed management efforts through networking, education, and research assistance provided through the Montana Weed Control Association.
The association’s membership spans weed managers from government agencies, private and commercial applicators, non-governmental organizations, and concerned citizens.
Montana Agricultural Heritage Society specialty plate
The Montana Agricultural Heritage Society license plate became available when registering a Montana vehicle on July 28, 2021.
Featuring a yellow antique tractor in the lower right corner and an outline of the shape of Montana on a green background, the plate supports donations to help preserve and promote agricultural heritage through education, research, and community support.
Montana Food and Agriculture Coalition specialty plate
This relatively new plate, which began circulating after August 2, 2023, features Montana pollinators, peas, and mountains and supports the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition.
Proceeds from the sale of this plate benefit the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition’s work to grow a healthy local food community by preserving farmland, teaching new farmers, and making food accessible for all Montanans.
Montana Land Reliance specialty plate
For those concerned about keeping cows over condos, this plate, approved on August 1, 2018, features an engraved silver background that supports the Montana Land Reliance organization. While the Western heritage of the toling is impressive, it’s worth noting that Motnana’s motto is “Oro y platea or “gold and silver.”
Funds from the plate help the organization to work with Montana’s landowners to permanently protect agricultural lands, fish and wildlife habitats, and open space.
Montana 4-H specialty plates
The 4-H program in Montana covers every country and reservation in the state. More than 3,000 volunteers and 18,000 youth participate in programs offered throughout Montana State University.
The Montana 4-H Foundation enables these thousands of Montana youth, volunteers, and staff to have leadership opportunities and develop life skills through 4-H clubs and activities in every community.
The proceeds from this mountainous 4-H plate specialty plate are returned to county programs, while the remaining half is split between the Montana 4-H Foundation and Council.
Montana FFA specialty plates
In 2017, members around the state sent in submissions for the next Montana FFA license plate. The bold design that was selected features the rugged silhouette of a Montana hillside coupled with a barn and silo against a striking sunset.
FFA serves over 2,500 members and their families throughout the state. Those who choose to purchase an FFA license plate help to support Montana FFA through the Montana FFA Foundation, which works to further the development of students in FFA.
