Press Release:
NASHVILLE – Tennessee agricultural producers will have a new opportunity to receive cost-share assistance through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) this year with the addition of a Livestock Fencing program.
The 2026-27 TAEP application window opens today, Oct. 1, and closes Oct. 7.
The new Livestock Fencing program will provide cost-share funding for eligible fencing investments that support livestock operations by strengthening their long-term viability through the installation of new permanent perimeter fencing and new permanent cross-fencing.
“Adding livestock fencing to TAEP gives more Tennessee livestock producers a way to invest in the infrastructure they need to manage their operations,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “As producers prepare to apply, I encourage them to review the requirements and eligible investments for the programs that fit their operations.”
For 2026-27, most TAEP programs offer a 50% cost share on eligible expenses, up to each program’s maximum reimbursement amount. Maximum reimbursements range from $3,000 to $12,000.
Other changes this year include reducing the minimum hay production requirement from 100 acres to 50 acres and reducing the minimum swine requirement from 1,000 head to 100 head. Additional items have also been added to the Livestock Equipment program.
TAEP programs available for the 2026-27 application cycle include Dairy Solutions, Farming Solutions (previously Livestock Solutions), Genetics, Hay Equipment, Hay Storage, Herd Health, Livestock Equipment, Livestock Fencing, Poultry Grower, Producer Diversification, Row Crop Solutions, Swine Producer, and Working Structures and Fence-line Systems.
Applications will be accepted online only during the application period. Producers should review program requirements and eligible investments before applying.
TAEP has invested more than $309 million in 97,855 producer projects since the program began in 2005, helping Tennessee agricultural producers make investments in their operations through cost-share assistance.
For application information, program requirements and eligible investments, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s TAEP webpage.
