Dairy Solutions

2025-2026 TAEP Application A

50% Cost Share – Maximum Reimbursement - $10,000

The amount of payment is based upon 50% of expenses incurred for eligible program items up to the program maximum.

Applicant Responsibility

It is the applicant’s responsibility to review all TAEP program requirements prior to applying for cost share. Applicant must qualify for program selected at time of application to be considered for approval.

Applicant Eligibility
Educational Requirements
Reimbursement Requirements
Verification Requirements
Applying for TAEP

Minimum Requirements

Cattle – 30 head or Goats/Sheep – 50 head

Applicant must meet at least one of the minimum requirements of head of livestock for program.
Head of Livestock = maximum number of single type, regardless of sex or age, at any one time during the last 12 months. Goats/sheep can be combined to meet minimum head requirement. Verification of minimum requirements may be requested prior to approval.

Dairy Permit Required

• Dairy producers must be permitted by TDA to be eligible as a dairy at time of application.
• Only one person from the farm operation may apply for cost share.
• Contact TDA Consumer and Industry Services Division Dairy Section for permit information at 615-837-5536.

Eligible Items & Requirements – Print Version

Eligible Items & Requirements

NEW EQUIPMENT ONLY

New items cannot be previously owned.
Items purchased at an auction are considered used and are not eligible.
Replacement parts are not eligible.

1. Automatic robotic milking systems
2. Commercial water heater
3. Generator for dairy barn
4. Industrial fans – metal only, minimum size of 36 in.
5. Manure/lagoon agitator
6. Manure/lagoon pump
7. Milk pasteurizer – pasteurizer for calf milk, not eligible – pasteurizer used for human consumption
8. Milk pipeline system – includes, but not limited to automatic washer/sanitizing unit, clean in-place unit, automatic milk take-offs, milk claws, vertical wash vat, milk meters and monitoring system
9. Milk vacuum pump
10. Plate exchange for heating water or cooling milk
11. Secondary bases for concrete free stalls – includes cow mattresses, gel mats, and water beds designed for cow comfort; not eligible – rubber mats
12. Stall loops and/or neck bars
13. Stationary milk tank
14. UV or filtration system – installation of systems for well water that is required to be tested
15. Vacuum system gauges and regulators
16. Water sterilization equipment

TESTING & SERVICES
17. Activity monitor for identifying cows in heat
18. Milk culture, culture sensitivity test
19. Milking equipment service contract – receipts must indicate services performed; not eligible – prepaid service contracts
20. Milk quality lab analyses
21. On-farm antibiotic and mastitis testing – cow-side tests including test kits, subclinical mastitis detectors, and incubator or heater block
22. Somatic cell count test
23. Travel/labor for milk tester (when applicable)

INFRASTRUCTURE
24. New construction – milking parlor and/or tank room

Reimbursement Request Deadline – August 1, 2026

Allowable purchase dates for Dairy Solutions are from October 1, 2025 – August 1, 2026.
All items, regardless of backorder status, must be purchased (paid in full or financed) by the program reimbursement deadline. Backordered items may be ineligible for cost share if not delivered to the farm by the program deadline.
Receipts must be in the name of the applicant approved for cost share funding.
Quotes and purchase orders do not represent a purchase and are not considered receipts.
Proof of payment may be requested to verify purchase.
See “Reimbursement Requirements” link at the top of the page for more information.