By Chris Hicks, County Director – UT Extension Smith County
Since 2005, the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) has provided cost share dollars to agricultural producers for the purpose of making long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make a positive economic impact in their communities.
Until this year, farmers had to be somewhat established in their operation with requirements for minimum number of head and/or acreage, which could be a limiting factor for new farmers. That has changed this year with the Beginning Farmer Option. The Beginning Farmer Option will allow farmers who have been actively farming for less than 5 years, but who do not meet the TAEP minimum head of livestock/acreage requirements, to still apply to receive cost share assistance.
Beginning farmers will have to have a current Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) at time of application and will have to complete the UT Farming Fundamentals class prior to reimbursement. This online class will be available after January 1.
Experienced farmers can of course still apply as well. Offerings this year include hay equipment, livestock equipment, genetics, and herd health. A UT study found that each TAEP dollar generates $6.09 in the local economy. Over $2.8 million has been paid to Smith County farmers through TAEP to help invest in infrastructure, equipment, and genetics for their farms.
The TAEP application period for all producers is October 1-7. Paper applications are available at the UT Extension office, or you can apply online at www.tn.gov/taep. For TAEP questions, give us a call at 615-735-2900.
