(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — High school athletes with ties to Kentucky agriculture now have the chance to earn scholarship money and statewide recognition through the 2026 Kentucky Ag Athlete of the Year program.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association announced Friday that applications are open for six scholarships honoring student-athletes who balance competition on the field with work in agriculture.
“The hard work it takes to be a successful athlete is the same type of work that contributes to being a success in the agriculture field,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Discipline, teamwork, patience, and goal setting are just both in sports and agriculture.”
Two winners—one male and one female—will be named Outstanding Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year and receive $2,000 scholarships. Four additional honorees will receive $1,000 awards. All six winners will be recognized at the 2026 UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet Sixteen tournament in March at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
To qualify, applicants must be graduating seniors participating in at least one KHSAA sport during the 2025-2026 school year, be involved in Kentucky agriculture, and be accepted to a college, university, or trade school. Students do not need to pursue an agriculture major, though preference will be given to those attending Kentucky institutions. Out-of-state schools will be considered for students seeking specialized agricultural degrees.
The scholarships are funded through the KDA’s “Ag Tag” program, which collects voluntary donations from motorists purchasing or renewing farm vehicle license plates. No state tax dollars support the awards.
Applications are due Dec. 31. Students can apply online at form.jotform.com/253065526181051.
