Beginning Farmer Option
IMPORTANT: If a beginning farmer currently meets the minimum requirements for any TAEP Application A program, they are not eligible for the Beginning Farmer Option. However, they may apply for the program for which they are eligible.
This program option allows beginning farmers, who do not meet the current minimum requirements for any TAEP Application A program, the opportunity to participate with reduced minimum requirements in select programs (Genetics, Livestock Equipment, or Row Crop Solutions).
TAEP allows beginning farmers to participate in the Beginning Farmer Option for two consecutive years if they continue to meet the Beginning Farmer Option requirements except for being a first time TAEP applicant.
Beginning Farmer Requirements
- First time TAEP applicant – 2023 will be the first year the applicant has applied for TAEP cost share funding.
- Farming ten years or less – applicant must be actively involved in the production of crops and/or livestock at time of application and must have started their farming operation after January 1, 2013.
- Federal IRS Schedule F (Form 1040) Filing – applicant must have filed a Federal IRS Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss from Farming, within the last two years (2021 or 2022), unless the applicant began their operation in 2023. Applicant may be asked to submit a copy of their Schedule F prior to TAEP approval to verify their farming operation.
- Reduced Minimum Requirements – the program minimum requirements are reduced for applicants qualifying for the TAEP Beginning Farmer Option. Applicant must meet at least one of the minimum livestock/acreage requirements for program applied for.
| Producer Type | Beginning Farmer Option Eligible Programs | Reduced Minimum Requirements | Certification Required to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | Genetics or Livestock Equipment |
5-29 Head | BQA – cattle producers |
| Goats/Sheep | Genetics or Livestock Equipment |
10-49 Head | None |
| Row Crop | Row Crop Solutions | 25-99 Acres in row crop production (corn, cotton, soybeans, and/or wheat) |
None |
- Educational Requirement – if applicant is approved as a TAEP Beginning Farmer, applicant will be required to complete the UT Farming Fundamentals or TSU New Farmer Academy certification by the program reimbursement deadline for 50% cost share.
- Applicant who completes the education requirement will be reimbursed at 50% up to the program maximum. Standard 35% cost share is not available for the Beginning Farmer Option. If the applicant is unable to complete the UT Farming Fundamentals course or attend the TSU New Farmer Academy, their project will not be funded.
- Proof of UT Farming Fundamentals or TSU New Farmer Academy certification is required at time of reimbursement (not at time of application). Certificates issued 2020 or after will be accepted.
| Genetics – Beginning Farmer Option — See pp. 14-19 for eligible items | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced Minimum Requirement* | Certification Required to Apply | Cost Share | Educational Requirement** |
| Cattle: 05-29 Head Goats/Sheep: 10-49 Head |
BQA – Cattle | 50% | UT Farming Fundamentals TSU New Farmer Academy |
| Livestock Equipment – Beginning Farmer Option — See pp. 12-13 for eligible items | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced Minimum Requirement* | Certification Required to Apply | Cost Share | Educational Requirement** |
| Cattle: 05-29 Head Goats/Sheep: 10-49 Head |
BQA – Cattle | 50% | UT Farming Fundamentals TSU New Farmer Academy |
| Row Crop Solutions– Beginning Farmer Option — See pp. 32-33 for eligible items | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced Minimum Requirement* | Certification Required to Apply | Cost Share | Educational Requirement** |
| 25-99 Acres in row crop production (corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat) |
Not Applicable | 50% | UT Farming Fundamentals TSU New Farmer Academy |
* Applicant must meet at least one minimum program requirement at time of application.
** Approved applicant must complete one educational requirement prior to reimbursement.