Genetics – Bulls & AI Semen

2025-2026 TAEP Application A

50% Cost Share – Maximum Reimbursement - $2,000

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

Applicant must meet minimum requirement 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.
Verification of minimum requirements may be requested prior to approval.

Eligible Items & Requirements – Print Version

Eligible Items

Buyer must communicate with the seller prior to purchasing to ensure the bull meets all TAEP eligibility requirements. Bulls that do not meet all eligibility requirements between October 1, 2025 and date of purchase will be denied cost share reimbursement.

1. Bulls — Eligible Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) or Index required for cost share reimbursement up to $2,000.
2. AI — semen from eligible AI sires – 5 sires maximum (qualification proof required: GE-EPD or Index – Beef; LNM/PI - Dairy), new semen tanks, liquid nitrogen fills, synchronization cost, AI supplies & equipment, AI technician fees, and/or AI training certification

Requirements - Bulls
1. BVD-PI — test negative for BVD-PI; lab results required; ear notch samples must be submitted if using TDA Kord Lab
2. 840 EID — “840” are the first three digits — available from veterinarian at time of BSE, BVD-PI, and Trichomoniasis testing
3. BSE — performed by licensed veterinarian within 90 days of purchase; Trichomoniasis testing recommended
4. Dairy — bulls and semen must meet or exceed the minimum LNM or PI requirements; AI sires are recommended
5. Beef — bulls and semen must meet or exceed GE-EPD/Index requirements in each of the two (2) GE-EPD/Index groups (Calving Ease + Index or Growth) for one of the two (1 of 2) bull type options: Balanced Trait/Maternal or Carcass Merit/Terminal.

Genomic Enhanced EPD (GE-EPD), Index, and Pedigree Print Date Information

Eligible beef breeds for the TAEP Genetics program must have a national breed performance testing program that participates in a National/International Cattle Evaluation (NCE) program using current methodology and compute Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD). The GE-EPD and Index values submitted will be compared against the relevant guideline values from the most prevalent American beef breed association evaluation that computes for the breed of bull purchased (i.e., SimAngus GE-EPDs and Indexes will compare against the Simmental Association guidelines; Angus from Angus Association guidelines; etc.).

TAEP 2025-2026 Genomic Enhanced EPD (GE-EPD), Index, and Pedigree Print Date Information will be posted in September 2025 and included in the reimbursement packet.

$2,000 Maximum Reimbursement
Bulls must have eligible Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) and Indexes on breed association pedigree between October 1, 2025 & date of purchase and meet TAEP GE-EPD/Index requirements for one of the two (1 of 2) eligible bull type options to be eligible for cost share reimbursement.
•  Breed:
    Angus
­    Beefmaster
­    Black Hereford
­    Brangus & Ultrablack
­    Braunvieh
    Chianina & Chiangus
­    Charolais
­    Gelbvieh & Balancer
­    Hereford
­    Limousin & Lim-Flex
­    Maine-Anjou & MaineTainer
­    Red Angus
    Salers
­    Santa Gertrudis
    Senepol
­    Shorthorn
­    Simmental & Hybrid
    Wagyu
•  Breed association pedigree must be submitted with reimbursement request and include eligible GE-EPDs, Indexes, accuracies, genomic status, and have a printed date between October 1, 2025 and date of purchase.
•  Reimbursement will be calculated based on purchase price at 50% up to $2,000 maximum.
•  Payment will be denied if individual bulls do not have eligible Genomic Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD) & Indexes calculated by their breed association between October 1, 2025 and date of purchase.

Bull Type Options
Bulls and semen must meet or exceed GE-EPD/Index requirements in each of the two (2) GE-EPD/Index groups (Calving Ease + Index or Growth) for one of the two (1 of 2) bull type options:
•    Balanced Trait/Maternal — must meet CED + (Maternal Index or WW or YW)
•    Carcass Merit/Terminal — must meet CED + (Terminal Index or WW or YW)

FY2025-2026 TAEP - Genomic Enhanced EPD (GE-EPD) & Index - breed minimum requirements – not currently available

Email livestock.genetics@tn.gov for additional information or to request a copy of: FY2025-2026 TAEP - Genomic Enhanced EPD (GE-EPD) & Index - breed minimum requirements.

Reimbursement Request Deadline – June 1, 2026

Allowable purchase dates for Genetics are from October 1, 2025 – June 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.