Estill Springs cattleman Brent Perry is grateful for the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP). The popular Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) initiative offers farmers cost share incentives to make operational improvements that would be difficult to afford otherwise.
“TAEP provides cost-share dollars to agricultural producers to make long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities,” says Keith Harrison, Assistant Commissioner for Business Development at TDA. “Its goal is to help producers maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make a positive economic impact in their communities.”
More than $185 million has been invested in 62,942 TAEP-funded producer projects from 2005 through 2019, and each TAEP dollar generates $6.09 in local economies. TAEP program areas include dairy solutions, herd health, genetics, row crop solutions, hay storage, livestock equipment, livestock solutions, working facility structures, poultry grower, and producer diversification.
Perry says he is quick to recognize the contribution the funds have made to his operation. He started farming livestock with his grandfather, Jim Crownover, and his father, Woody Perry, when he was very young. Focusing on beef cattle and hay production, the family manages a herd of 24 beef cattle and 100 acres of ryegrass and grass hay. Perry says TAEP has helped him improve his operation as a whole.
“Through the program, I have been able to purchase equipment to better manage my cows,” says Perry. “As my cows were getting older, I needed to improve our herd and was able to buy the alleyway and weaning pen. Because of these structures we could retain our heifers to replenish and grow our herd.”
Over the last few years, Brent and Woody have used has used TAEP for cattle working equipment, including holding pens, sweep tub, alleyways, and a head chute. They also purchased a sprayer to help produce higher-quality hay.
“We were having a lot of issues in our hay fields with weeds,” he explains. “We bought the sprayer, and the Franklin Farmers Co-op employees and our local Extension agents helped me find the right mix. Our hay is much better, and weeds are under control.”
Perry says the TAEP pens he built helped him be more profitable throughout cattle price fluctuations. In 2020, he was able to hold the calves until the prices were better. Perry says he was able to “play the market” rather than taking the price as it stood at the barn.
“We wouldn’t be able to purchase the equipment we have without TAEP,” says Perry. “When we started, our profitability was dependent on the market and when our calves were ready. Now, we can control when we sell, how we vaccinate, how efficiently we deworm the calves, and the quality of our overall product. A better product brings a better price.”
Perry admits that he was working his cattle “the hard way” before purchasing the new equipment, and the increased safety is a huge benefit. Farm accidents are common, he points out, and it’s important to have the right equipment to protect both the farmer and the animals.
“The cows don’t mean to hurt you, but it can just happen,” says Perry. “Jeff Vincent, a Franklin Farmers Co-op employee, told us when we bought the chute that the price would be the same as the cost of one emergency bill. It was a great point.”
Perry says he relies on his local Co-op for advice and products and the extension office for expert knowledge. He says that Jeff Vincent and Earl Miller from Franklin Farmers Co-op and John Ferrell from Franklin County Extension Office have been so much help to him when improving his operation’s efficiency.
“They are so good to help me with anything I need,” he says. “Jeff helps me get the products I need and works with me on methods to best manage my operation.”
Important info for participants
By now, producers should have received reimbursement packets from their 2020 TAEP application. Producers are encouraged to make their purchases early so they can submit reimbursement requests by the deadlines. Your local Co-op stands ready to help you with your purchasing decisions.
TAEP deadlines:
Request to Decline Funding - Livestock EquipmentMarch 1, 2021
Reimbursement Request - Livestock EquipmentApril 1, 2021
Request to Decline Funding - GeneticsMay 1, 2021
Reimbursement Request - GeneticsJune 1, 2021
Request to Decline Funding - Dairy Solutions, Hay Storage, Herd Health, Row Crop Solutions, Livestock Solutions, Working Facility Structures,
Poultry Grower, Producer DiversificationJuly 1, 2021
Reimbursement Request - Dairy Solutions, Hay Storage, Herd Health, Row Crop Solutions, Livestock Solutions, Working Facility Structures, Poultry Grower, Producer DiversificationAugust 1, 2021
The application deadline for 2021 has not been set but is typically in October. If you are interested in applying, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/taep.