Your List of TAEP Approved Buildings for Cost-Share

Your List of TAEP Approved Buildings for Cost-Share

September 3, 2024

TAEP Buildings Article

If you’re looking for ways to fund your next agricultural building project, the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program offers farmers opportunities to improve their operations through cost-share support for approved building projects. New infrastructure can enhance your farm’s productivity, the animal welfare, and overall efficiency. Here are the buildings that you can get under the different TAEP producer programs. 

Hay Barns

taep hay storage

Program

This building is part of the Hay Storage producer program with the intention of it being used to store hay. 

Requirements

In addition to the basic TAEP program requirements and the master certificate, you will also need to meet one of these minimum program requirements: 
 

  • Minimum 30 head of cattle 
  • Minimum 50 head of goats or sheep 
  • Minimum of 100 acres in hay production 

Cost-Share

The maximum reimbursement is 50% up to $7,000. 

hay storage examples taep

Minimum Specs

•    Center structure only
    •    Structure must be new construction pole or hoop style barn
    •    At least one side/end must be completely open
    •    Sides/walls are optional
•    Minimum of 1,200 sq. ft.
    •    Loft or 2nd level will not be considered in total square footage of structure
    •    Square footage is calculated post to post
•    Minimum 14 ft. eave height

Permanent Working Structures

taep permanent working structure

Program

This building is part of the Working Structures producer program. 

Requirements

In addition to the basic TAEP program requirements and the master certificate, you will also need to meet one of these minimum program requirements: 
 

  • Minimum 30 head of cattle 
  • Minimum 50 head of goats or sheep 
  • BQA Beef and Dairy Certificate 

Cost-Share

The maximum reimbursement is 50% up to $4,000. 

permanent working structure guide

Minimum Specs

  • Structure or addition
        •    Structure/addition must be new construction pole or hoop style
        •    Additions to existing structures must be in the form of a side shed
        •    Minimum of two openings for livestock access/movement
        •    Sides/walls are optional
  • Minimum size of 480 sq. ft.
        •    Square footage is calculated post to post
  • Minimum width of 16 ft.
  • Minimum eave height – 10 ft. high clearance at the outside of the shortest wall
  • Minimum setup of pre-existing livestock working equipment – the following equipment is required to be permanently placed in a functional layout under the cover at time of reimbursement:
        •    Alley
        •    Crowding system area
        •    Head gate and/or squeeze chute

Get Ready to Apply

The 2024-2025 TAEP application period is October 1-7th for cost-share funding!

Livestock Commodity Sheds

livestock commodity sheds

Program

This building is part of the Livestock Solutions producer program. 

Requirements

In addition to the basic TAEP program requirements and the master certificate, you will also need to meet one of these minimum program requirements: 
 

  • Minimum 100 head of cattle 
  • Minimum 150 head of goats or sheep 
  • BQA Beef and Dairy Certificate 
  • PQ Plus – Swine Certificate 

Cost-Share

The maximum reimbursement is 50% up to $6,000. 

livestock commodity shed guide

Minimum Specs

  • No more than three EXTERIOR walls; not eligible – completely enclosed buildings 
  • Structure must have at least four reinforced INTERIOR walls, 4 ft. minimum height  
  • Minimum 14 ft. concrete apron  
  • Two or more bays 
  • Concrete floor 
  • Minimum 960 sq. ft.  
  • Minimum height requirements: 
    • Monoslope roof – 18 ft. front  
    • Gable roof – 16 ft. 
  •  

Educational Pavilions

picnic shelter pavilion

Program

This building is part of the Producer Diversification – Agritourism producer program. 

Requirements

There are no additional program requirements for this producer program outside of the basic TAEP program requirements, however there is more involved in the application process including a business plan and projected budget for the project.  The pavilion will need to be used specifically for educational purposes. 

Cost-Share

The maximum reimbursement is 50% up to $12,000.

Minimum Specs

No minimum specs.

Restroom Facilities

Program

This building is part of the Producer Diversification – Agritourism producer program. 

Requirements

There are no additional program requirements for this producer program outside of the basic TAEP program requirements, however there is more involved in the application process including a business plan and projected budget for the project. 

Cost-Share

The maximum reimbursement is 50% up to $12,000.

Minimum Specs

No minimum specs.

Next Steps

  • Figure out what producer program you are interested in to confirm you meet the eligibility requirements. 
  • Mark your calendar and set a reminder on your phone for the 2024-2025 TN TAEP program application period October 1-7th!

Disclaimer: While Summertown Metals strives to keep this information up-to-date, please refer to the official TAEP website for the most accurate information.

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