NASHVILLE, TN - Farm families across Middle Tennessee will see a little more breathing room in the year ahead, thanks to new funding increases announced by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The agency has raised cost‑share maximums for several programs within the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP), giving producers more support as they invest in their operations for the 2025–26 program year.
TAEP, launched in 2005, has long been a lifeline for farmers looking to improve efficiency, safety, and profitability. The program reimburses approved applicants for half the cost of eligible projects, and this year’s updates raise the ceiling on how much help producers can receive. Genetics and Livestock Equipment cost‑share maximums are climbing from $2,000 to $3,000. Hay Storage is increasing from $7,000 to $8,000, and Working Structures and Fenceline Systems will now top out at $5,000 instead of $4,000.
For Middle Tennessee producers—many of whom juggle livestock, hay operations, and multi‑generation family farms—these increases arrive at a crucial time. Rising equipment costs and unpredictable weather have made even routine upgrades harder to manage. The state says the enhanced support, backed by Gov. Bill Lee’s administration and Commissioner Andy Holt, is designed to keep Tennessee agriculture strong and competitive.
Applicants who already submitted materials for this cycle should keep an eye on their mailboxes and inboxes. Approval notifications were mailed on December 1 and emailed on December 2, with the usual reminder to check spam folders. Producer Diversification notifications are expected by December 31, and all remaining approvals will be mailed by January 15. Reimbursement packets will follow in late January, and producers can submit reimbursement requests either by mail or through the TAEP Account Portal beginning February 15.
The 2025 application window has officially closed, and no changes can be made to submitted applications. Farmers hoping to apply next year can mark their calendars for October 1–7, 2026, with updated program details expected in late August.
