(WCLU NEWS FILE PHOTO)
GLASGOW — County clerks across the state are expecting longer than normal lines this March during the annual tag renewal for agriculture licenses plates.
A voluntary donation is made when purchasing and reneweing state farm license plate or “ag tag.” It costs $10.
“The total is divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA),” according to an op-ed written by Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. “Last year’s unprecedented total meant each group received $243,875.89 to invest back into our communities for youth development and promotional programs.”
Barren County Clerk Helena Birdwell said customers should expect longer than normal lines at the county clerk’s office because of the renewals. Most people renew their plates and pay vehicle taxes during their birth month, but farm license plates are renewed during March regardless of the owner’s birthday.
Aside from the influx of folks in the office due to “ag tag” renewals, a number of February’s payers are expected to pay their vehicle taxes after they waited for reduced valuations and bills. The commonwealth saw an increase in vehicle valuations of about 40% during the prior year, which meant many bills were higher than normal. The governor signed an executive order earlier this month to return those valuation parameters to 2021’s values.
Many farmers have more than one “ag tag” on their vehicles, but it’s not necessary to make the donation for each tag, Birdwell said.
Application for a Kentucky Farm plate must be made within any county clerks’ office. Anyone engaged in the production of crops, livestock or dairy products is eligible to get one.
