Dairy Solutions
| Minimum Requirements* | Certification Required to Apply | Beginning Famer Option** |
|---|---|---|
| Cattle - 30 Head Goats/Sheep - 50 Head |
BQA – Cattle Dairy Permit |
Not Available |
| $10,000 Maximum Reimbursement | ||
| Standard 35% Cost Share | Master 50% Cost Share | ||
| 50% Cost Share Eligible Master Courses for Dairy Solutions | ||
| Head of livestock = maximum number of single type, regardless of sex or age, at one time during the last 12 months. *Applicant must meet at least one minimum program requirement at time of application. **This program is not available for individuals qualifying for the Beginning Farmer Option. |
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Guidelines
Dairy Permit - required
• Dairy producers must be permitted by TDA to be eligible as a dairy at time of application. Only one person from
the farm operation may apply for cost share.
• Contact TDA Consumer and Industry Services Division Dairy Section for permit information at 615-837-5536.
Master Dairy Program
The Tennessee Master Dairy Program is an educational program that provides a variety of information on animal housing, management, nutrition, reproduction, milk quality, health, handling, welfare, and other topics. Modules are continuously created to provide dairy producers and other interested parties with the most up-to-date information on the topic of interest. At least 3 modules are provided each year across the state to provide dairy producers with easy access to continuing education. Producers interested in becoming a certified Master Dairy Producer will need to receive 6 hours of continuing education credits.
To learn more information and to see upcoming classes, visit https://tiny.utk.edu/MasterDairy.
For questions about the program, contact Dr. Liz Eckelkamp (eeckelka@utk.edu or 865-974-8167).
Eligible Items
New Equipment Only
New items cannot be previously owned.
Items purchased at an auction are considered used and are not eligible.
Replacement parts are not eligible.
1. Automatic robotic milking systems
2. Commercial water heater
3. Generator for dairy barn
4. Industrial fans – metal only, minimum size of 36 in.
5. Manure/lagoon agitator
6. Manure/lagoon pump
7. Milk pipeline system – includes, but not limited to automatic washer/sanitizing unit, clean in-place unit, automatic milk take-offs, milk claws, vertical wash vat, milk meters and monitoring system
8. Milk vacuum pump
9. Plate exchange for heating water or cooling milk
10. Secondary bases for concrete free stalls – includes cow mattresses, gel mats, and water beds designed for cow comfort; not eligible – rubber mats
11. Stationary milk tank
12. UV or filtration system – installation of systems for well water that is required to be tested
13. Vacuum system gauges and regulators
14. Water sterilization equipment
Testing & Services
15. Activity monitor for identifying cows in heat
16. Milk culture, culture sensitivity test
17. Milking equipment service contract
18. Milk quality lab analyses
19. On-farm antibiotic and mastitis testing – cow-side tests including test kits, subclinical mastitis detectors, and incubator or heater block
20. Somatic cell count test
21. Travel/labor for milk tester (when applicable)
Infrastructure
22. New construction – milking parlor and/or tank room
| Email dairy.solutions@tn.gov for additional information. |
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