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. With so many agricultural options in Montana, it’s clear why there are so many specialty plate options to complement it.
Montana Farm Bureau Foundation
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.
Montana Stockgrowers Association
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.
Montana Grains Foundation
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
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
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.
Montana Agricultural Heritage Society
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
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
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.”
Montana 4-H
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.
Montana FFA
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.
