TAEP Updates 2026-2027

TAEP Application & Program Information – Online Only

The TAEP application process is entirely online. Application and program information is available online only. 

Online applications will be available as a live link (no downloading required) on this webpage during the application period (October 1-7). The application link does not exist within the TAEP Account Portal. It is not necessary to have a TAEP Account to apply.

Applicants will need the following to apply online:

• Email address – applicant must have a working email address which is exclusive to the applicant and not utilized by other TAEP applicants. Applicant must be able to monitor email account for confirmation email and other correspondence related to cost share participation.
• Internet access – applicant will need access to the internet to apply.
• Electronic device – applicant will need access to a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to apply. Computers are preferred over smartphones.

Proof of Applying

• Applicant will receive a confirmation email from taep.confirmation@tn.gov if application is successfully submitted.
• Check spam/junk folder if confirmation email is not received within 15 minutes of submitting application. Applicant can add taep.confirmation@tn.gov to trusted contact list.
• Applicant is encouraged to save confirmation email as proof of applying.
  

Educational Requirement – Master Certification & Special Requirements

• Master Certification - Application A - approved applicants will be required to have a current eligible master certification at time of reimbursement - not at time of application - to be considered for cost share funding. Eligible master certifications are determined by program. 
• Special Requirements - Application B (Producer Diversification) - approved applicants will be required to have a current eligible master certification or special requirement equivalent for Producer Diversification at time of reimbursement - not at time of application - to be considered for cost share funding. Eligible special requirements are determined by program.

50% Cost Share

The amount of payment is based upon 50% cost share of expenses incurred for eligible program items up to the program maximum. The option of 35% cost share is no longer available.

Approved applicants are required to have a current eligible educational requirement at time of reimbursement to be considered for cost share funding. See Educational Requirement.

• Head of livestock definition -maximum number of single type, regardless of sex or age, during the last 12 months at time of application. 
• Hay – minimum requirement reduced from 100 acres in production to 50 acres in production (first cutting only); eligible programs for hay producers:
  • Farming Solutions (previously Livestock Solutions)
  • Hay Equipment
  • Hay Storage
• Swine – minimum requirements reduced from 1,000 head to 100 head and commercial producer requirement removed; eligible programs for swine producers:
  • Farming Solutions
  • Livestock Equipment
  • Livestock Fencing
  • Swine Producer
• Farming Solutions – previously Livestock Solutions
  • Program name changed to allow additional sectors access to eligible items
    • Row Crop – rotary cutter/pasture clipper, and spreader (fertilizer)
    • Hay – rotary cutter/pasture clipper and hay wrapper
    • Swine – livestock trailer and multi-animal scale
  • Changes to eligible items:
    • Hay wrapper – added single bale wrapper as eligible
• Hay Storage
  • Minimum requirement – reduced from 100 acres to 50 acres of hay production (first cutting only)
  • Hay Storage Projects
    • New structure
    • Additions (side shed or extension) to existing structure
• Herd Health
  • Lifetime Limit – remove limit of three (3)
• Livestock Fencing
  • New program for livestock producers (cattle, equids, goats/sheep, and swine)
  • Eligible items include permanent perimeter fencing and permanent cross-fencing
  • Reimbursement will be determined 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).
  • Livestock Fencing added to the Beginning Farmer Option as an eligible program
• Livestock Equipment
  • New eligible items:
    • Automatic waterer – commercially manufactured for livestock; not eligible – water trough with float valve secured to hose
    • Hay feeder – includes hay ring, hay hut, slant bar hay feeder on legs/skids/wheels; cover optional at time of purchase
    • Virtual fencing – minimum purchase of five collars; accessories eligible at time of purchase only
• Poultry Grower
  • Commercial growers
  • New eligible items:
    • Composter
    • Incinerator
    • Water sanitation/treatment system – commercial whole farm poultry system
• Swine Producer
  • Minimum requirement reduced from 1,000 head of swine to 100 head of swine and commercial producer requirement removed
  • New eligible items:
    • Composter
    • Incinerator