Are You Eligible for the TN TAEP Program?

Eligibility Article feature image

Are You Eligible for the TN TAEP Program?​

September 23, 2025 by Summertown Metals

Eligibility Article feature image

Are You Eligible for the TN TAEP Program?

September 23, 2025

Are You Eligible for the TN TAEP Program?

September 23, 2025

Eligibility Article feature image

If you’re looking for ways to fund your next agricultural building project, the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program offers cost-share opportunities for farmers through their producer programs. There are several types of buildings you could get cost-sharing for from hay barns to commodity sheds, but there are some basic eligibility requirements for the TN TAEP program as well as each producer program. Let’s review the eligibility updates and criteria for the 2025-2026 cycle. 

Basic Requirements

U.S. Citizen

As you might expect, you do have be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States of America. 

Tennessee Resident

You must be residing in the state of Tennessee. 

Adult

You must be an adult, legally defined as 18 years or older. 

Farmer

You must have a working farm in Tennessee which includes filing a Federal IRS Schedule F (form 1040) within the last two years. Only one individual per farm is eligible to apply. 

Working Email

The TN TAEP program application has moved to online only. You will need a working email to register and apply which also means internet access and a capable electronic device. 

Program Requirement

You can only apply to one program and you will need to meet one of the minimum requirements. Additionally, each producer program has a list of eligible master courses. You will need to be certified in one of them. 

Master Certificate

There is a 50% cost-share available (the previous 35% cost-share option is no longer available). With only the 50% cost-share available, it is now required that all approved applicants have a master certificate that is not older than three years. You do not need to have a master certificate before you apply. 

TAEP Application A
Program Eligible Master Courses
Genetics Master Beef
Master Small Ruminant
Master Dairy
Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
Master Forage Program
Master Horse Program
Hay Equipment
Hay Storage
Herd Health
Livestock Equipment
Livestock Solutions
Working Structures And Fence-Line Systems
Dairy Solutions Master Dairy
Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
Master Forage Program
Row Crop Solutions Master Row Crop
Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
Poultry Grower Master Commercial Poultry
Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
Swine Producer Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
Beginning Farmer Option
Genetics Or Livestock Equipment
UT Farming Fundamentals
TSU New Farmer Academy
TAEP Application B
Program Eligible Master Courses
Agritourism Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
TSA New Farmer Academy
Fruit & Vegetable
Value-Added Products
Honey Bees Master Beekeeping
Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
TSU New Farmer Academy
Horticulture Master Nursery Producer
Master Farm Manager
Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
TSU New Farmer Academy

Contact your local University of Tennessee or Tennessee State University extension office to learn more about educational course offerings. 

University of Tennessee 

utextension.tennessee.edu 

Tennessee State University 

tnstate.edu/extension 

Get Ready to Apply

The 2025-2026 TAEP application period is October 1-7th for cost-share funding.

Program Requirements

With so many program options and eligible cost-sharing items, you could get assistance for more than just agricultural buildings. Visit the TAEP website for more details if you’re interested in cost-sharing for something other than a building. Here are the program requirements for the four producer programs that offer cost-sharing for buildings:
 

  • Hay Storage 
  • Working Structures 
  • Livestock Solutions 
  • Producer Diversification: Agritourism 

Hay Storage Program

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

  • Minimum 30 head of cattle 
  • Minimum 20 head of equids
  • Minimum 50 head of goats or sheep 
  • Minimum of 100 acres in hay production
  • Master Certification for qualified program

Working Structures Program

In addition to the basic 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 
  • Master Certification for qualified program

Livestock Solutions Program

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

  • Minimum 30 head of cattle 
  • Minimum 20 head of equids
  • Minimum 50 head of goats or sheep 
  • Master Certification for qualified program

Agritourism Program

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

  • Master Certification for qualified program

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 2025-2026 TN TAEP program application period October 1-7th!

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