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Verified Incentive Program (VIP) formerly the Feeder Cattle Incentive Program

 
Producers participating in the Verified Incentive Program (VIP)
are eligible for $15 per head up to a maximum of $750 per fiscal year, as funds are available.

PROGRAM GOAL: Increase the value and marketability of Tennessee feeder cattle

FY09-10 Application Period - July 1 2009 - June 30, 2010

VIP encourages Tennessee producers to increase their marketing opportunities by participating in:

  1. A pre-conditioning program consisting of:
         • A 45 day minimum weaning period where cattle are well adjusted to feed bunks
           and water tanks
         • Dehorning
         • Castrating
         • Two rounds of respiratory vaccinations (IBR, BVD, PI3 and BRSV).
           One round of shots must be modified live.
         • Two rounds of 7 or 8 way Blackleg
         • Treatment for internal and external parasites
  2. The USDA Approved Age and Source Verification program is voluntary and administered by the
    UnitedStates Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program is a beneficial marketing tool as it
    provides consumers with the assurance of consistent agricultural products by verifying the age and source of cattle.
  Who is eligible for VIP only items?
  (see Livestock Equipment Section or page 6 of printed application)
      • Producers who meet all basic VIP requirements
      • Producers who have sold Pre-Conditioned, Age and Source cattle - July 1, 2008 - December 1, 2009  
  Participation in TAEP's VIP program is not required.
 
  VIP GUIDELINES
  Basic Applicant Requirements
  1. Producer must be a Tennessee resident and operate a farm/agribusiness in Tennessee
  2. Premises must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
  3. BQA certification
  1. Enrolled in an approved USDA Age and Source Verification Program, a listing of approved USDA programs can be located at www.usda.gov.
  2. Participate in a documented pre-conditioning program

Reimbursement Requirements: Producers assume responsibility for reimbursement paperwork.
  1. Producers marketing through Private Treaty
  2. Producers marketing through Retained Ownership (PVP)
  3. Producers marketing Retained Ownership (QSA)
  4. Producers marketing through a Livestock Market holding a PVP Sale
  5. Producers marketing through a Livestock Market NOT holding a special sale (or is out of state)
  6. Veterinarians assisting clients with marketing
  For more information on VIP call 1-800-342-8206, email vip.feedercattle@TN.gov, contact the
  Tennessee Livestock Network , the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association, your local UT Extension office or 
  local livestock market. Contact the Tennessee Beef Industry Council for Beef Checkoff information.