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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Appalachian Highlands Farmers Magazine
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SUMMARY:Tennessee TAEP Application Period
DESCRIPTION:Tennessee Farmers Can Apply for TAEP Cost-Share Funding\nThe Tennessee TAEP Application Period runs October 1-7\, giving eligible agricultural producers a limited window to apply for cost-share assistance through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. \nAdministered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture\, TAEP helps producers make long-term investments intended to improve farm efficiency\, safety\, profitability\, and competitiveness. The program has operated since 2005 and has invested more than $309 million in nearly 98\,000 producer projects through 2025. \nSubmit applications for the 2026-27 program year online. Paper applications are not available\, and you do not submit the application through the TAEP Account Portal. The live application link will appear on the TAEP website during the October 1-7 application window. \n\n\nCost-Share Programs Cover a Range of Farm Needs\nTAEP offers cost-share opportunities across numerous agricultural sectors. \nPrograms available for 2026-27 include Dairy Solutions\, Farming Solutions\, Genetics\, Hay Storage\, Hay Equipment\, Herd Health\, Livestock Equipment\, Livestock Fencing\, Poultry Grower\, Row Crop Solutions\, Swine Producer\, and Working Structures & Fence-line Systems. Producer Diversification supports projects involving agritourism\, fruits and vegetables\, honey bees\, horticulture\, organics\, and value-added products. \nDepending on the program\, reimbursement maximums generally range from $3\,000 to $12\,000. TAEP typically reimburses 50% of eligible expenses up to the applicable program maximum. Producers must meet both the program’s general eligibility requirements and any requirements specific to the cost-share category they select. \nEligible applicants may apply for both Application A and Application B when they meet the requirements. Application A allows a producer to request one cost-share program\, while Application B covers Producer Diversification opportunities. \nPrepare Before the Application Window Opens\nApplicants must use a working email address exclusively for themselves for TAEP purposes\, internet access\, and an electronic device. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recommends using a computer rather than a smartphone when possible. \nFarmers should review the requirements for their desired program before the application period begins. Eligibility standards vary by program and may include minimum livestock numbers\, acreage\, or other production requirements. \nFor example\, Farming Solutions requires applicants to meet at least one applicable minimum production threshold\, such as 30 cattle\, 20 equids\, 50 goats or sheep\, 50 acres of hay\, 100 acres of row crops\, or 100 swine. Other TAEP programs have their own requirements. \nApplicants should therefore verify that they qualify for the specific program they select before submitting an application. \nEducation Requirements Apply Before Reimbursement\nApproved applicants may also need an eligible master producer certification or an approved equivalent before receiving reimbursement. \nFor the 2026-27 TAEP year\, applicable master certifications generally must have been issued on or after January 1\, 2023. Producers who are unsure whether their certification remains current should contact their local UT-TSU Extension office. \nThe certification requirement applies at the reimbursement stage\, not at the initial application stage. \nApproval Decisions Come in December\nAfter the October application period closes\, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture plans to mail approval notifications in mid-December. Reimbursement packets are scheduled to follow in January 2027. Individual reimbursement deadlines then vary by approved program. \nApplicants should save the confirmation email they receive after submitting their application. The department says that email serves as proof that the application was successfully received. You cannot make application changes after the October 7 application period closes. \nFor Tennessee farmers considering equipment\, infrastructure\, livestock\, production\, or diversification investments\, the October 1-7 application period provides the annual opportunity to seek TAEP cost-share assistance. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/tennessee-taep-application-period/
CATEGORIES:Education,Grants & Deadlines
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261003T100000
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CREATED:20260921T183540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T185846Z
UID:10233-1791021600-1791039600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Poultry Processing Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Hands-On Education for Small Poultry Producers\nN.C. Cooperative Extension’s Watauga County Center will hold a Poultry Processing Workshop on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 252 Poplar Grove Road in Boone. \nThe training is particularly relevant to small farms\, homesteaders\, and poultry producers interested in processing birds on a smaller scale. Registration is required through Watauga County Extension. \nThe October 3 Poultry Processing Workshop also serves an important practical purpose: Watauga Extension requires first-time users of its Mobile Poultry Processing Unit to complete Extension-organized processing training before renting the equipment. The county specifically lists the October 3 workshop as its next qualifying training session. \n\n\nAccess to Mobile Processing Equipment\nWatauga County’s Mobile Poultry Processing Unit gives trained producers access to equipment that can otherwise represent a significant expense for a small operation. \nThe unit includes kill cones and a stand\, a poultry scalder\, a mechanical plucker\, stainless steel work tables\, a food-grade water hose\, and other processing equipment. Extension provides the unit for short-term rental after required training is completed. \nThe rental program is not limited to Watauga County residents. Extension notes\, however\, that other mobile processing units are available in North Carolina and producers may be directed toward equipment located closer to their farms. \nCurrent rental fees for the Watauga unit are $50 for rentals of up to three days. \nTraining Matters for Food Safety and Farm Planning\nProcessing poultry involves more than learning how to use equipment. Farmers must also understand safe handling\, sanitation\, and the regulations that may apply to poultry processed for sale. \nN.C. Cooperative Extension resources emphasize food safety\, animal welfare\, and proper handling during poultry processing and advise producers with regulatory questions to consult the appropriate state agencies and Extension specialists. \nFor farms considering small-scale meat poultry production\, access to shared equipment and training may reduce processing-related infrastructure barriers. \nWatauga Extension has not posted a detailed session-by-session agenda for the October 3 Poultry Processing Workshop\, so participants who need specific regulatory or certification information should contact the county Extension office before attending. \nAdvance registration is required. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/poultry-processing-workshop/
LOCATION:Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center\, 252 Poplar Grove Road\, Boone\, NC\, 28607\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
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