A look at Arkansas’ farm-themed license plates

Agriculture plays a vital role in Arkansas, contributing approximately $16 billion annually to the state’s economy. With a rich and diverse agricultural landscape, Arkansas is a leading producer of various commodities such as rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry, and feed grains.

Despite the significant impact of agriculture in the state, Arkansas does not offer a specialty license plate specifically dedicated to the farming community as a whole. However, the state provides several commodity and organization-specific plates that reflect the agricultural heritage and pride of its residents.

Arkansas Rice Council plate

Arkansas is the top rice-producing state in the nation, contributing nearly 50 percent of the country’s rice. To celebrate and support this essential crop, Arkansas offers a specialty plate dedicated to the Arkansas Rice Council.

The plate finally became available for purchase in 2015 after the Arkansas Rice Council worked with the Department of Finance and Administration to develop the specialty license plate to promote rice, Arkansas’s second-highest-value commodity and top agricultural export.

“These plates are an easy way for any Arkansan to help promote rice throughout the state,” Arkansas Rice Council President Steve Orlicek said. “It’s a simple way to advocate for agriculture while helping sustain farming for future generations in Arkansas.”

The Arkansas Rice Federation is the state’s largest rice industry trade association, serving as the umbrella organization for all sectors, including the Arkansas Rice Farmers, Arkansas Rice Council, Arkansas Rice Millers, and Arkansas Rice Merchants.

In 2021, the council approved a five-year commitment to provide four $2,500 scholarships annually to qualifying undergraduate students in agriculture. Funding for the scholarship program is made possible through the sale of the Arkansas Rice Council license plates. 

“Proceeds from these license plates sales provide scholarship funding in addition to supporting the efforts of our Rice Reps program designed for rising high school seniors,” noted Kelly Robbins, executive director of the Arkansas Rice Federation.

From May through September, young people chosen as Rice Reps actively participate in a program designed to teach them about rice farming and the importance of this crop around the world through education and volunteerism. They are also invited to attend four different, on-site experiences during the program, to better understand the reach of rice in Arkansas.

Available to all vehicle owners in the state, the plate costs an additional $35, with $25 going directly to the Arkansas Rice Council Fund. This fund supports rice farmers and their efforts to promote this vital commodity. The plate can be obtained by completing a request form through the Specialty License Plate Office.

Cattlemen’s Foundation Plate

With over 1.7 million head of cattle, Arkansas ranks 12th in the nation for beef production. The Cattlemen’s Foundation specialty plate allows residents to show their support for the state’s beef industry.

The plates were approved by the State of Arkansas in 2003 for the purpose of providing donations and other purposes. The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, in conjunction with partners such as the Arkansas Cattlemens’s Foundation and other partners awards over $15,000 a year to developing outstanding young Arkansans. 

Like the Rice Council plate, this specialty tag is available to all vehicle owners for an additional fee of $35, with $25 allocated to the Cattlemen’s Foundation. This plate also offers a personalization option for an extra $25, allowing supporters to showcase their pride in the cattle industry with a customized tag.

Agricultural FFA Plate

FFA plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders. With nearly 16,000 FFA members in Arkansas, the FFA specialty plate, adopted in 2016 provides a way for residents to support agricultural education and scholarships.

“The most important resource we have in agriculture is the more than 14,000 FFA members in Arkansas,” writes the Arkansas FFA Association. “They are the future producers, leaders, and innovators for agriculture, and they need the support of the entire agriculture industry to prepare them to continue the great work of feeding the world.”

Priced at an additional $25, funds from the sale of this plate are used to support FFA scholarships and programs. Purchasing a specialty plate through the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration to promote academic growth in Agriculture through Arkansas FFA. 

The FFA Foundation operates as a non-profit helping raise funds to use for scholarships provided to over 20 students annually, travel expenses for FFA members to conventions, awards for career development events, and more. 

This plate can be requested through the Specialty License Plate Office and is available to any Arkansas resident.

Arkansas 4-H Plate

The Arkansas 4-H program, the largest youth development organization in the state, offers a specialty plate that has generated substantial funds for scholarships since its introduction in 2003.

“The 4-H License Plate Scholarship allowed me to worry less about the financial burdens of being a student and focus more on pursuing my academic goal of a Bachelor of Science in Food Science at the University of Arkansas,” said Janeé Shofner, past Arkansas 4- H State president and License Plate Scholarship winner. “I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate our 4-H supporters who have chosen to promote 4-H and help enhance 4-H’ers lives every day.”

The Arkansas 4-H license plate is available to all residents and costs an additional $35, with $25 going directly to the Arkansas 4-H Foundation. This specialty plate allows supporters of 4-H to display their pride while contributing to the future of Arkansas agriculture.

Supporting agriculture through specialty plates

While Arkansas may not have a single specialty plate dedicated to the farming community as a whole, the state’s commodity and organization-specific plates offer residents various ways to support and celebrate the state’s rich agricultural heritage. These plates provide much-needed funds for the organizations and commodities they represent, ensuring that Arkansas’s agricultural legacy continues to thrive. Whether it’s rice, beef, FFA, or 4-H, these specialty plates allow Arkansans to showcase their agricultural pride wherever they go.

This is part of a state-by-state series from AGDAILY that highlights agriculture-themed license plates nationwide. Read more articles from the series here.