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2011 Eligibility Requirements

2012 Program Information Will Be Posted by April 1, 2012

    1. Applicant must be an individual Tennessee resident operating a farm located in Tennessee.
    2. Applicant must be at least 18 years old on application date.
    3. Applicant must have the ability and financial capacity to complete the project.
    4. Applicant must meet minimum livestock/acreage requirements for each program applied for, where applicable.
    5. Applicant must own land where permanent structures will be built.
      See Hay Storage, Livestock Feed Storage, Grain Storage, and Producer Diversification
      programs for more information. Livestock Equipment projects can be located on leased land      .
    6. Premises registration is required for applicants with livestock on their operations.
      Premises registration form and instructions are available from TDA. Call 615-837-5120 for
      additional information.
    7. Beef and Dairy cattle producers must have current TN Beef Quality Assurance Certification (BQA) at date of application.
      BQA is a two-hour educational course on cattle management and care sponsored by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA). BQA numbers must be renewed every two years and CURRENT at time of application. Contact TCA for additional information on BQA classes at 615-896-2333, info@tncattle.org, www.tncattle.org or your local UT Extension office.
    8. Swine producers must have current Pork Quality Assurance Plus Certification (PQA).
      PQA Plus is a two-hour educational course on swine management and care sponsored
      by the Tennessee Pork Producers Association (TPPA). PQA numbers must be renewed every three years and CURRENT at time of application. Contact TPPA for additional information on PQA Plus classes at 615-274-6533 or tnpork@tds.net.
    9. Dairy producers (cattle, goats, and sheep) must be permitted by TDA to be eligible as a dairy.
      Contact TDA Regulatory Services, Food and Dairy Division, at 615-837-5193 for permit information.
    10. Certifications permits and other priority requirements as specified by program must be completed by the applicant. No substitutions allowed. This applies to BQA, PQA, dairy permit, premises registration, and master producer certifications

Cost Share Options


    1. Standard Producer (35% Cost Share) - Each program offers cost share at this level.
    2. Master Producer (50% Cost Share) - Producers must complete a course related to their operations to be eligible for 50% cost share. Course must be completed by the applicant prior to program reimbursement deadline.

      The following courses are eligible under this year’s program: Master Beef Producer (MBP), Master Meat Goat Producer (MMGP), Master Bee Hobbyist (MBH), and three or more Tennessee Quality Milk Initiative (TQMI) modules.
      •  Cattle Genetics - cattle producers taking MBP or TQMI
      •  Livestock Equipment - cattle or goats/sheep producers taking MBP, MMGP or TQMI
      •  Hay Storage - cattle, goats/sheep, or hay producers taking MBP, MMGP or TQMI
      •  Livestock Feed Storage - cattle or goats/sheep producers taking MBP, MMGP or TQMI
      •  Producer Diversification - beekeepers taking MBH course
      Visit www.utextension.utk.edu to find local UT Extension information about educational certifications.

      TDA offers partial scholarships for participation in UT Extension’s MBP, MMGP, MBH and/or TQMI programs. Funding is paid directly to UT.
      •  Master Beef Producer Scholarship - $100
      •  Master Meat Goat Producer Scholarship - $100
      •  Master Bee Hobbyist Scholarship - $65
      •  TQMI Module - $40 per session