Kansas agriculture plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy and identity, with farming and ranching deeply embedded in its cultural fabric. As the leading industry in Kansas, agriculture not only sustains the economy but also shapes the way of life for many Kansans.
One way that Kansas drivers show their support for farmers and ranchers is through the Agri-Tag license plate program. The Agri-Tag is a specialty license plate available to Kansas residents, designed to promote and support the state’s top industry.
Beyond its symbolic significance, with a sunflower rising above farm fields and a stream, the Agri-Tag directly contributes to agricultural education through the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.
“Agri-Tags allow farmers, teachers, and consumers to cheer for agriculture and agriculture education as they drive many miles of roadways,” said Cathy Musick, KFAC executive director. “Dollars collected by these tax-exempt donations fund teacher workshops, educator guides, and lesson plan creation for Kansas elementary teachers and their students. We are proud to offer this visual reminder of the importance of agriculture to our state residents and to the economy.”
KFAC is a statewide educational initiative that provides resources, training, and support to schools, educators, and volunteers. Its mission is to forge meaningful connections between students and Kansas agriculture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this critical industry.
Anyone with a car or truck registered in Kansas can purchase an Agri-Tag. The process is straightforward, with supporters visiting their county treasurer and informing them of interest in purchasing an Agri-Tag.
The Agri-Tag requires an annual donation of $40 to KFAC, which supports their agricultural literacy programs. When purchasing an Agri-Tag for the first time, drivers will also pay a one-time fee of $48.50 plus any applicable fees to the county treasurer.
The benefits of the Agri-Tag are multifaceted. The $40 donation helps KFAC continue its mission of integrating agriculture into K-12 education across Kansas. The annual donation is entirely tax-deductible, making it a financially wise and charitable choice. Additionally, by displaying the Agri-Tag, you show pride in Kansas agriculture and help raise awareness about the importance of this industry.
Agriculture in Kansas
Kansas is a principal crop and livestock production state, growing over 120 different agricultural commodities on farms that averaged 804 acres as of 2022.
As the seventh largest state by production value, Kansas produced 4.4 percent of the nation’s agricultural cash receipts in 2022, growing 53 percent of the nation’s crop and winter wheat. according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Kansas has also consistently led the way in livestock production, winter wheat, grain sorghum, and beef cattle production. Cattle contribute more than $7.4 billion in production value, followed by corn, at $3 billion, and wheat, at $1.5 billion.
The agricultural industry in the Sunflower State also contributes $57 billion to the state’s economy annually and 140,055 jobs.
More than just the ag-plate
Kansans also have the opportunity to support Kansas 4-H programs by purchasing a 4-H distinct plate. The clover tag design displaying the clover and 4-H motto was voted on by 4-H members across the state.
The license plate bill was signed by Kansas 4-H alumnus Gov. Sam Brownback in April 2017. An annual tax-deductible donation of $50 supports the Kansas 4-H Foundation, while another $5 processing fee pays the state. A one-time production of about $50 plus annual tags and taxes is paid to license vehicles through the county treasurer’s office.
The tax-deductible contribution to Kansas 4-H helps to empower youth around the state through youth development programming for over 75,000 youth. $10 of the fee goes to local 4-H programs in the county where the plate is purchased, $30 supports marketing and growth initiatives with Kansas 4-H, and a final $10 supports administrative costs associated with the program.
In 2020, Kansas had over 70,000 registered horses within the state. Equine sales represented over $11.5 million in 2017, so it’s not surprising that horses are represented by their own ag-centric plate.
In 2014, Brownback signed House Bill 2452 into law, creating a special license plate honoring the horse industry’s contributions to Kansas’s culture and economy.
The $30 annual fee goes directly to the Kansas Horse Council to fulfill its mission of providing the Kansas equine industry with leadership and direction through education, promotion, and public policy advocacy. In addition, there is a one-time charge of $50 for the original purchase of each plate. This fee is required by and paid to the State of Kansas.
