November 1, 2005
State Launches Cattle Improvement Initiative
First Installment of Ag Enhancement Program Fund
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) today announced an initiative
aimed at increasing farm income in Tennessee by providing cost-share funds to farmers for the
improvement of beef and dairy cattle genetics and livestock handling facilities.
"Cattle production is the single largest generator of farm income in this state.
Its what we do best, and it represents an area where we can have the greatest impact on the bottom
line for Tennessee farmers," said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. "We're
offering a series of cost-share options that are designed to help farmers develop and maintain
a competitive advantage in today's livestock industry."
The initiative is funded through a $5 million appropriation for farm programs in this year's
state budget as proposed by Governor Phil Bredesen and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.
The cattle improvement initiative is part of department plans to also use the funding to help
implement the National Animal Identification System in Tennessee and to encourage farm diversification.
Tennessee beef and dairy farmers can apply now for reimbursement of 35 percent, or up to $700,
for the cost of a bull purchase or lease, or for artificial insemination to improve cattle genetics.
The department will also reimburse producers up to an additional $175 for the cost of a herd evaluation
by an approved evaluator.
Applications must be approved before qualifying purchases and lease agreements will be accepted.
Applications will be considered beginning Jan. 1, 2006.
Cattle farmers can also apply for reimbursement of 35 percent, or up to $850, of the costs of
cattle handling facilities such as headgates, holding chutes and other approved equipment used
for managing cattle.
"Helping farmers invest in handling equipment is an important part of improving Tennessee cattle,"
said Givens. "It may be a simple concept, but it's common sense that if you can't catch your cattle
you can't properly manage them. We want to encourage not just better genetics but better management for
safeguarding animal health."
In order to be eligible for cost-share funds under both the Cattle Genetic Improvement Program
and the Cattle Handling Facilities Program, producers must register their livestock farm or premises,
for the National Animal Identification System. Farmers can register their livestock premises at Farm
Service Agency, UT Extension, Farm Bureau or Tennessee Farmers Co-op locations. Premises registration
forms and instructions are also available from TDA online at www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/tpis or by
calling (615) 837-5120.
Producers must also be certified under the Beef Quality Assurance Program, a two-hour educational
course on cattle management and care sponsored by the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association. Certification
is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. More information on BQA classes is available by contacting TCA
at (615) 896-2333 or info@tncattle.org , or by visiting their Web site at http://www.tncattle.org .
In order to qualify for reimbursement under the Cattle Genetic Improvement Program, producers must also:
- Maintain ownership of purchased bulls for a minimum of two successive breeding seasons or
lease bulls for a minimum of 60 days;
- Only lease or purchase bulls that pass a Breeding Soundness Evaluation;
- Identify leased or purchased bulls with an electronic tag registered with TDA;
- Lease or purchase beef bulls that are in the 60th percentile of their breed in at least two Expected
Progeny Difference (EPD) traits for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight or milk. EPD is the
standard used to determine an animals expected genetic potential;
- Lease or purchase dairy bulls that are in the 80th percentile of their breed for Lifetime Net Merit,
an economic index based on production traits;
- Be certified through an accredited program if performing artificial insemination, or utilize technicians
affiliated with an approved artificial breeding company.
Equipment purchases eligible for reimbursement under the Cattle Handling Facilities Program include headgates,
squeeze and holding chutes, curved or offset working chutes, loading chutes, crowding tubs and gates,
weaning or holding pens, single animal scales, hoof trimming tables, headlock stanchions and catch lanes.
To determine the effectiveness of the genetic program, the department is partnering with the University of
Tennessee Extension to evaluate selected herds. The department is also offering scholarships to producers who
participate in the UT Extensions Master Beef Producer Program. The 12-session program costs $100 of which the
Tennessee Department of Agriculture will pay half. For more information on the Master Beef Producer Program,
contact your local UT Extension office.
Applications and additional details about program requirements can be found online at http://www.picktnproducts.org or by calling TDA's Cattle Improvement Initiative Coordinator at (615) 837-5160.
Contact: Tom Womack
(615)837-5118
Tom.Womack@state.tn.us
|
