Students and sponsors of 4H and FFA in Barren County join Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles and Barren County Clerk Helena Birdwell on the steps of the Barren County Courthouse to promote “ag tag renewal” in the county. Quarles visited students briefly Thursday, March 3, 2022.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW — Touting Barren County’s leading agriculture status in the state, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles talked with students in Glasgow who are involved in local Future Farmers of America and 4H chapters.
“Kentucky Proud” license plates are renewed each March as a part of National Agriculture Month. Donations collected during renewals benefits programs like FFA and 4H, he said.
Students listened as Quarles detailed how his involvement in 4H and FFA led him to various opportunities like a visit to the national capital. He also gained insight into governmental and parliamentary procedure in those programs, too.
“When I was your age, I was doing exactly what you’re doing right now,” Quarles said.
Anyone living in the state involved in the production of crops, livestock or dairy products is eligible to get a “farm plate.” Applications may be completed at any county clerk’s office in the state.
A third of donations collected each year go to FFA, another third goes to 4H and the other third goes to a state fund to “put on programs” like the Kentucky Pride Program at the state fair.
The commissioner said donations funnel back to Kentucky’s counties and help fund various agriculture-related programs.
“We do a great job of raising money, and one of the cool things about the ‘ag tag program’ is that half of the money that’s raised right here in Barren County comes right back to Barren County,” Quarles said. “4H and FFA groups are able to spend it, more or less, on things that they deem to be important.”
Paula Tarry, a Barren County 4H sponsor, accompanied the youth Thursday. A primary use of their funding goes toward scholarship funding.
Dr. Andy Joe Moore, FFA sponsor at Barren County High School, said the vehicle used by the program is maintained through the state funding. Another fund is in the works to further aid the high school’s agriculture program.
“We like big equipment,” Moore said.
Quarles challenged students to promote “ag tag” renewals and applications among their community. He explained how more registration translates to more money for community agriculture programs.
“Last year, due to our farmers’ generosity and your all’s help, we smashed the all-time record high, and we raised $731,000 statewide,” Quarles said.
