Department of Agriculture
Julius Johnson, Commissioner

1. Can I apply for more than one cost share program?
   
2. Why do I have to register my premises in order to participate?
   
3. Why are cost share funds available for certain purchases but not others?
   
4. Why can’t I purchase used equipment?
   
5. Why are cash receipts or receipts for in kind services not allowed?
   
6. Why do I have to participate in the BQA course or other educational programs in order to participate or to get the maximum cost share?
   
7. My BQA certification is three years old. Is it still valid?
   
8. Can I apply for a cost share program as a Master Producer if I have plans to participate in a Master Beef or Meat/Goat program?
   
9. Why do farm owners have to take these educational courses in order to participate? Why can’t my farm manager qualify for me?
   
10. Can I fax or email my application?
    
11. What will happen if my application is postmarked on May 31?
    
12. What happens if I decide I would like to apply for an additional cost share program after my application has been mailed?
    
13. If my application is returned because it is incomplete, can I reapply?
    
14. Will my cost share reimbursement be taxed?
    
15. Can I combine livestock type to meet livestock head requirements?
    
16. Can I purchase items before I apply for a cost share program?
    
17. Are County Producers Associations eligible for Producer Cost Share Programs?

1. Can I apply for more than one cost share program?

You can apply for three cost share programs per fiscal year. However, you must apply for Genetics, Livestock Equipment, Hay Storage, Livestock Feed Storage and Grain Storage at the same time using Application A. You can submit a separate application - Application B for Producer Diversification. Make sure your application is COMPLETE before you submit it to TAEP.

2. Why do I have to register my premises in order to participate?

Livestock premises registration is a voluntary, statewide program designed to protect the livestock industry if a disease outbreak should occur.

In order to be eligible for TAEP cost share funds producers with livestock must register their premises with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Upon registration, you will receive a premises account number that is tied directly to your name and a premises ID number for each farm address you have. You must have a separate premises ID number for each farm address. Remember that the name on the TAEP application must match either the primary or secondary name listed on the premise account. Call 615-837-5120 for additional information. Premises Registration Form Please allow up to two weeks processing time for requests faxed or mailed in. This information is confidential and is no different than federal farm numbers, social security numbers, or driver’s license numbers required for other program privileges that we use every day.

3. Why are cost share funds available for certain purchases but not others?

TAEP targets areas that promote long term investments in Tennessee’s agriculture. Each year, the program is re-evaluated and new items are considered for funding based on current market conditions and demand.

4. Why can’t I purchase used equipment?

The goal of TAEP is to encourage strategic long-term investments. New equipment will have a longer life span than used equipment. In addition, it is virtually impossible to verify reasonable costs on used equipment. Only allowing new equipment purchases reduces the potential for abuse and misuse of the program and removes the possibility that TAEP pays twice for the same piece of equipment.

5. Why are cash receipts or receipts for in kind services not allowed?

Avoiding cash or barter transactions reduces the potential for abuse and misuse of the program. Acceptable forms of payment are by check, cashier’s check, money order or credit receipt.

6. Why do I have to participate in the BQA course or other educational programs in order to participate or to get the maximum cost share?

These instructional programs are designed to help improve individual operations, increase profits and raise the overall quality of livestock and management practices in the state. This in turn will improve the marketability of Tennessee livestock for everyone.

7. My BQA certification is three years old. Is it still valid?

No. BQA certification is only good for two years. You must recertify before applying for cost share funding. Contact your local UT Extension Office or the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association for a class near you.

8. Can I apply for a cost share program as a Master Producer if I have plans to participate in a Master Certification Course?

As long as you complete the course before you submit your receipts for reimbursement you can apply as a Master Producer. Be sure that you check the box stating that you are planning to attend and list the county where you will attend the course. Please note that if this section is left blank, you will automatically receive the Standard Producer cost share allocation of 35%. Submit a copy of your course certificate with your reimbursement request.

9. Why do farm owners have to take these educational courses in order to participate? Why can’t my farm manager qualify for me?

The goal of TAEP is to make long-term, strategic investments to raise the standard of livestock management in Tennessee. As a farm owner, it’s important for you to know about proper management practices, too. More importantly, farm managers may change, but you have your farm’s long-term interest at heart.

10. Can I fax or email my application?

Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

11. What will happen if my application is postmarked on May 31?

Applications must be postmarked June 1-7, 2013. Applications postmarked prior to June 1, 2013 or after June 7, 2013 are ineligible.

12. What happens if I decide I would like to apply for an additional cost share program after my application has been mailed?

Only one Application A per producer can be accepted for Genetics, Livestock Equipment, Hay Storage, Livestock Feed Storage and Grain Storage. Do not submit your application until you are sure that you have applied for all cost share programs you are interested in participating in. You can submit a separate Application B for Producer Diversification.

13. If my application is returned because it is incomplete, can I reapply?

It is possible to resubmit your application after you have completed it. There is no guarantee that funds will be available when you reapply.

14. Will my cost share reimbursement be taxed?

Yes, your cost share reimbursement is taxable. You will receive a 1099 Form for funds received in 2013.

15. Can I combine livestock type to meet livestock head requirements?

You can combine goats and sheep. However, you cannot combine goats/sheep and other livestock (cattle, poultry, swine). Head of livestock refers to the maximum number of single type, regardless of sex or age, during the last 12 months.

16. Can I purchase items before I apply for a cost share program?

Receipts dated prior to June 1, 2013 are NOT eligible. Items purchased June 1, 2013 or after will be eligible if your application is approved and there is funding available for cost share funds. You need to be aware that just because the purchase is made after June 1, 2013 and you submit an application, there is no guarantee that you will receive cost share assistance.

17. Are County Producers Associations eligible for Producer Cost Share Programs?

Currently we do not feature opportunities for Regional or County Producer Associations. However, we do feature grant programs for Statewide Agricultural Producer Associations and Public Farmers Markets.