May 29: Tennessee Ag Enhancement Workshop

Drop by the Cannon County Extension Office, Cannon County Farm Bureau, USDA Service Center, Old Feed Store or the Woodbury Farmers Coop to pick up the 2012 Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program application.  Make plans to submit your request during the application submission period beginning June 1st and ending on the 7th. Remember, applications postmarked prior to June 1st are not accepted. All applicants must have a current Beef Quality Assurance certification and Premise Identification which can be obtained by contacting the Cannon County Extension Office.

An important change for this year is that requests for funding will now be approved based on applicant determined priorities instead of on a first come, first serve basis.

This year’s program will again offer cost sharing opportunities for genetics, livestock equipment, hay storage, feed storage, grain storage and producer diversification opportunities. In addition to the new approval process, other changes this year include:

• Genetics - Cost share funds are now available for Goats/Sheep Genetics in addition to Cattle Genetics.

• Hay Storage - Applicants can no longer receive funding for Hay Storage in two consecutive program years, and a maximum reimbursement amount per square foot has been established.

• Producer Diversification – All industry sectors are now eligible for 50 percent cost share.

Remember, cost quotes are required for hay storage, grain storage and livestock feed storage and must be included in your initial application. If you are interested in attending a Master Beef Producer class to qualify for the 50% cost share, check the "plan to attend" in the Master Beef producer section of the application. Follow-up by contacting the Extension Office to register for the class to be help in the Fall.

We plan to meet at the Woodbury Lions Club Building on May 29th beginning at 6:30 to review completed applications. For those wishing to have their applications hand delivered, we plan to collect the completed applications to be dropped off at the TDA TAEP office on June 1st. Remember to complete your application, get the required quotes for hay storage, grain storage and livestock feed storage and make sure you have a current Beef Quality Assurance certification and premise identification for the farm you plan to construct the project.

Participating in the TAEP Program is available to all producers which meets the minimum requirements. Take this opportunity to make improvements in your operation. For more information, please contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County - University of Tennessee Extension Office at 563-2554 or 542-1364 (cell).