Livestock Fencing

2026-2027 TAEP Application A

50% Cost Share – Maximum Reimbursement - $3,000

Reimbursement is based on $2.00 per linear foot up to the program maximum. Linear footage is calculated by number of spans (space between posts) x spacing between posts (measured from the center of one post to the center of the next post). The fence must be fully installed, functional, and ready for livestock use by the reimbursement deadline. Final payment will be based on the eligible project installed and documented.

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 Equids – 20 head or Goats/Sheep – 50 head or Swine – 100 head

Head of Livestock = maximum number of single type, regardless of sex or age, during the last 12 months. Equids (horses, donkeys, and/or mules) must be part of a commercial equine business (breeding, training, and/or boarding) to qualify. Goats/sheep can be combined to meet minimum head requirement. Verification of minimum requirements may be requested prior to approval.

Eligible Items & Requirements

1. Permanent perimeter fencing – new permanent fencing enclosing pasture or other land actively utilized for qualifying livestock.
2. Permanent cross-fencing – new permanent interior fencing that creates paddocks, improves grazing management, separates livestock groups, or controls access to sensitive areas.

Requirements
NEW EQUIPMENT ONLY

Requirements
•    New construction only
    •    Livestock fencing must be permanent and constructed with new materials
    •    Livestock fencing project may include a combination of perimeter and cross fencing
    •    Livestock fencing project may include a complete replacement of a clearly defined segment of perimeter or cross-fencing that is unsafe, substantially deteriorated, or no longer capable of containing livestock.
    •    Routine repair, patching, replacement of a few posts, or replacement of isolated strands of wire would not be eligible.
•    Minimum fence height
    •    54 inches for cattle & equids
    •    48 inches for goats & sheep
Maximum post spacing – 20 feet
•    Reporting requirements
    •    Photograph of each fence run showing at least 3 spans
    •    Printed aerial diagram highlighting new fence location
    •    Project receipts

Fencing Resources
    •    Planning & Building Fences on the Farm – University of Tennessee
    •    Tennessee Fence Laws – Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

Eligible Material – New Only
•    Fence
­    •    Steel — min. 4 rails
­    •    Treated wood — min. 4 rails
­    •    Vinyl — min. 4 rails
­    •    Wire
        •    Barbed wire — min. 5 strands
        •    Fixed knot or field woven wire
        •    High-tensile smooth wire — min. 5 strands
        •    Non-climb woven wire
•    Posts
­    •    Steel
­    •    T-posts
­    •    Treated wood

Reimbursement Amount Per Linear Foot
$2.00 per linear foot

Reimbursement is based on linear foot amount up to the program maximum.
Linear footage is calculated by number of spans (space between posts) x spacing between posts (measured from the center of one post to the center of the next post).
The fence must be fully installed, functional, and ready for livestock use by the reimbursement deadline. Final payment will be based on the eligible project installed and documented. See TAEP Livestock Fencing Worksheet to calculate estimated payment.

Ineligible Items – commonly requested
Fencing installed before the allowable purchase date
Fencing intended primarily for wildlife, hunting preserves, or exotic animals
Materials delivered but not installed
Owner labor
Portable corral panels, gates, and guard rail
Poultry/chicken wire fencing
Repairs, patching, replacement parts, or routine maintenance
Residential, ornamental, privacy, dog, or yard fencing
Temporary poly wire, poly tape, step-in posts, or portable electric netting;
Used or previously owned materials; items purchased at auction are considered used and not eligible for cost share

Reimbursement Request Deadline – April 1, 2027

Allowable purchase dates for Livestock Equipment are from October 1, 2026 – April 1, 2027.
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.