Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program
- Can I apply for more than one cost share program?
- Why do I have to register my premises in order to participate?
- Why are cost share funds available for certain purchases but not others?
- Why can’t I purchase used equipment?
- Why are cash receipts or receipts for in kind services not allowed?
- Why do I have to participate in the BQA course or other educational programs in order to participate or to get the maximum cost share?
- My BQA certification is three years old. Is it still valid?
- Can I apply for a cost share program as a Master Producer if I have plans to participate in a Master Beef or Meat/Goat program?
- Why do farm owners have to take these educational courses in order to participate? Why can’t my farm manager qualify for me?
- Can I fax my application?
- What will happen if my application is postmarked on May 31?
- What happens if I decide I would like to apply for an additional cost share program after my application has been mailed?
- Can I submit my Cost Quote for Livestock Feed Storage, Hay Storage and/or Grain Storage after I submit my application?
- If my application is returned because it is incomplete, can I reapply?
- Will my cost share reimbursement be taxed?
- Can I combine livestock type to meet livestock head requirements?
- Can I purchase items before I apply for a cost share program?
- Are County Producers Associations eligible for Producer Cost Share Programs?
1. Can I apply for more than one cost share program?
Yes, you can apply for more than one cost share program per fiscal year. However, you must apply for Livestock Equipment & Handling Facilities, Livestock Feed Storage, Cattle Genetics, Hay Storage and Grain Storage at the same time using one application. You can submit a separate application for Producer Diversification. Make sure your application is COMPLETE before you submit it to TAEP.
2. Why do I have to register my premises in order to participate?
Livestock premises registration is a voluntary, national program designed to protect the livestock industry if a disease outbreak should occur. In exchange for accepting state cost share dollars, as a livestock owner you are doing your part in protecting livestock health by letting us know where livestock are located. This information is confidential and is no different than federal farm numbers, social security numbers, or driver’s license numbers required for other program privileges that we use every day.
3. Why are cost share funds available for certain purchases but not others?
TAEP targets areas for investment that promote long term investments in Tennessee’s agriculture. Each year, the program is re-evaluated and new items are considered for funding based on current market conditions and demand.
4. Why can’t I purchase used equipment?
The goal of TAEP is to encourage strategic long-term investments. New equipment will have a longer life span than used equipment. In addition, it is virtually impossible to verify reasonable costs on used equipment. Only allowing new equipment purchases reduces the potential for abuse and misuse of the system and removes the possibility that TAEP pays twice for the same piece of equipment.
5. Why are cash receipts or receipts for in kind services not allowed?
Avoiding cash or barter transactions reduces the potential for abuse and misuse of the system. Acceptable forms of payment are by check, cashier’s check, money order and credit card.
6. Why do I have to participate in the BQA course or other educational programs in order to participate or to get the maximum cost share?
These instructional programs are designed to help improve individual operations, increase profits and raise the overall quality of livestock and management practices in the state. This in turn will improve the marketability of Tennessee livestock for everyone.
7. My BQA certification is three years old. Is it still valid?
No. BQA certification is only good for two years. You must recertify before applying for cost share funding. Contact your local UT Extension Office or the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association for a class near you.
8. Can I apply for a cost share program as a Master Producer if I have plans to participate in a Master Beef or Meat/Goat program?
As long as you complete the program before you submit your receipts for reimbursement you can apply as a Master Producer. Be sure that you check the box stating that you are planning to attend and list the county where you will attend the course. Submit a copy of your course certificate with your reimbursement request.
9. Why do farm owners have to take these educational courses in order to participate? Why can’t my farm manager qualify for me?
The goal of TAEP is to make long-term, strategic investments to raise the standard of livestock management in Tennessee. As a farm owner, it’s important for you to know about proper management practices, too. More importantly, farm managers may change, but you have your farm’s long-term interest at heart.
10. Can I fax my application?
Faxed applications will not be accepted for the 08-09 fiscal year.
11. What will happen if my application is postmarked on May 31?
TAEP applications are approved on a first come first serve basis. The application period for the 08-09 fiscal year begins on June 2. Any applications with a postmark prior to June 2 will be returned.
12. What happens if I decide I would like to apply for an additional cost share program after my application has been mailed?
Only one application per producer can be accepted for Livestock Equipment & Facilities, Livestock Feed, Cattle Genetics, Hay Storage, and Grain Storage. Do not submit your application until you are sure that you have applied for all cost share programs you are interested in participating in. You can submit a separate application for Producer Diversification.
13. Can I submit my Cost Quote for Livestock Feed Storage, Hay Storage and/or Grain Storage after I submit my application?
The cost quote for any of the above programs must be submitted with the application. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
14. If my application is returned because it is incomplete, can I reapply?
It is possible to resubmit your application after you have completed it. However, remember that all programs with the exception of Producer Diversification are approved on a first come first serve basis. There is no guarantee that funds will be available when you reapply.
15. Will my cost share reimbursement be taxed?
Yes, your cost share reimbursement is taxable. You will receive a 1099 Form for funds received in 2008.
16. Can I combine livestock type to meet livestock head requirements?
You can combine goats and sheep. However, you cannot combine goats/sheep and other livestock (cattle, poultry, swine). Head of livestock refers to the actual number of livestock regardless of sex or age.
17. Can I purchase items before I apply for a cost share program?
Receipts dated prior to July 1, 2008 are NOT eligible. Items purchased July 1, 2008 or after will be eligible if your application is approved and there is funding available for cost share funds. You need to be aware that just because the purchase is made after July 1, 2008 and you submit an application, there is no guarantee that you will receive cost share assistance.
18. Are County Producers Associations eligible for Producer Cost Share Programs?
No. TAEP cost share programs are only available to Producers. Statewide and Regional Ag Producer Program information will available after July 1, 2008.
