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Verified Incentive Program (VIP)                     

PROGRAM GOAL:
Increase the value and marketability of Tennessee feeder cattle.
Maximum value can be obtained for pre-conditioned, age and source verified feeder cattle
by marketing truck load lots of uniform and high quality calves.
VIP provides prospective buyers with assurance as to the vaccination program, farm of origin,
as well as the maximum age of calves qualifying for international markets.
FY11-12 Application Period - July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012
Producer Form Veterinarian Form Market Form
VIP is designed to encourage Tennessee producers to increase their marketing opportunities by
participating in both a Pre-conditioning program and a USDA Approved Age and Source Verification program. Participation is voluntary.
  1. A pre-conditioning program consisting of:
    a. A 45 day minimum weaning period where cattle are well adjusted to feed bunks
        and water tanks
    b. Dehorning
    c. Castrating
    d. Two rounds of respiratory vaccinations (1BR, BVD, P13 and BRSV).
        one round of shots must be modified live.
    e. Two rounds of seven or eight way Blackleg
    f.  Treatment for internal and external parasites
  1. USDA Approved Age and Source Verification program is voluntary and administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program is a beneficial marketing tool as it provides consumers with the assurance of consistent agricultural products by verifying the age and source of cattle.
VIP PRODUCER GUIDELINES
PRODUCERS participating in VIP are eligible for $15 per head up to a maximum of $750 per fiscal year, as funds are available.
Reimbursement requests may be submitted any time.
They will be processed during the first two weeks of October, January, March and July.
  1. Applicant must be a Tennessee resident operating a farm in Tennessee
  2. Premises must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
  3. Current BQA certification
  4. Enrolled in an approved USDA Age and Source Verification Program, a listing of approved USDA programs can be located at www.usda.gov
  5. Participate in a documented pre-conditioning program
Marketing and Reimbursement Requirements - Producers can market Pre-Conditioned, Age & Source cattle a variety of ways and receive cost share. Listed below are the marketing methods covered. Participating producers assume responsibility for reimbursement paperwork, unless selling through an approved PVP sale hosted by a TN Chartered Livestock Market.
  1. Livestock Market hosting a Pre-Conditioned, Age & Source Sale
    a. Livestock Market submits required paperwork on behalf of producer
  2. Producers marketing through Private Treaty, Retained Ownership, QSA, or by video
    a. Producers must submit the following paperwork for reimbursement:
        • Pre-Conditioning/producer information form
        • List of EID (electronic identification) tag numbers with birth dates
        • Sales Receipt (or initial yard report for producers marketing through retained
           ownership). Sales receipt must include:
            ° Seller’s information (name/address/phone)
            ° Buyer’s information (name/address/phone)
            ° # Head sold
            ° Sale date
VIP VETERINARIAN GUIDELINES
TENNESSEE VETERINARIANS have the opportunity to receive incentive funds by assisting their clients participating in VIP. Veterinarians assisting their clients with VIP are eligible to receive $10.00 per animal for pre-conditioned cattle that have been enrolled and marketed through an USDA approved Age and Source Program.
Veterinarians are eligible for a maximum of $150.00 per producer premises up to $1,000.00 total per fiscal year.
Reimbursement requests may be submitted any time.
They will be processed during the first two weeks of October, January, March and July.
  1. Register their premises with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
  2. Adhere to all eligibility requirements and application rules listed within the Veterinarian Equipment Application.
To receive reimbursement – Veterinarians must:

  1. Complete and sign a VIP – Veterinarian Information Sheet
  2. Sign and submit a copy of a Pre-Conditioning Verification Form for the group of feeder calves their client is marketing, including EID numbers for that group of calves. Calves must meet both qualifications of Pre-Conditioning and Age and Source Verification Programs for Veterinarians and/or Producers to be eligible for payment.
Veterinarians will not be reimbursed until cattle are sold by producer and copy of receipt submitted to VIP Coordinator for proof of sale.
Ineligible Items
  1. Cattle sold through a general livestock market sale are not eligible for VIP reimbursement.
For more information on VIP, call 1-800-342-8206, email vip.feedercattle@TN.gov. You may also contact the Tennessee Livestock Network, the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association, your local UT Extension office, or local livestock market.