It’s time for agriculture and beef producer program renewals
It’s that time of year again for farmers, producers, nursery growers, beekeepers and others to start thinking about the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP). Starting on Oct. 1 the 2018 Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program application period will begin.
This program is run by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and is designed as a cost share program to help farmers purchase building structures, equipment, livestock, genetics, and nursery plants.
By saving this money, farmers are able to use it towards other parts of their operations to increase productivity.
If there is anything you need for your operation that is covered by TAEP then then you can save money by taking advantage of this cost share program.
The application period this year will be Oct. 1 through Oct. 15.
Anyone wishing to pick up an application booklet may do so at the Extension office located in the Anderson County Courthouse in room 213 or at the Anderson County Farmers Co-op.
For beef producers wishing to apply you must be current on your Beef Quality Assurance program (BQA).
If you have not been through this during the last three years or if you are unsure if you are still covered, you may contact me and/or come by the Extension office during one of the three planned BQA trainings. Beef Quality Assurance will enable to you be eligible for 35 percent reimbursement through TAEP.
To be eligible for 50 percent reimbursement you will need to go through the Advanced Master Beef course which will be held March 2019 in Knoxville. Advanced Master Beef only needs to be completed before you turn in reimbursement applications which won’t be due until 2019.
BQA trainings will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, and at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18.
All sessions will be held at the Extension office. Please let me know if you plan on attending.
If you have any further questions feel free to contact me at (865) 457-6246 or email me at wbruhin@utk.edu.
Extension provides programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and county governments cooperating, UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment