Growing with TAEP
Annual ag enhancement program is praised at Holt and Herndon Farms
Story and photos by Page Haynes
The Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program (TAEP) has helped livestock producers like Dr. Levi Holt of Rickman and row crop farmers like Matt Herndon of Smithville invest in equipment that improves efficiency while reducing the financial burden of major farm purchases. Holt Farms in Overton County For nearly every major investment at Holt Farms Angus and Green River Embryo Transfer, Dr. Levi Holt turns to the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program (TAEP). He utilizes the statewide program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, to strengthen both businesses.
TAEP provides cost-share funding to agricultural producers. The annual application window runs exclusively online from October 1-7 and typically covers up to 50% of eligible expenses, depending on the category. For example, the program has provided up to $3,000 for genetics and livestock equipment, $5,000 for working structures and fencing, and $8,000 for hay storage.
“The program provides many options to help producers purchase the products needed to remain successful in their businesses,” says Levi. “There are eligibility rules, maximum funding caps, and deadlines, but participating in the program is well worth the time it takes to complete the paperwork and attend a few educational classes.”
Levi is a veterinarian and fourth-generation cattle producer. Through his veterinarian practice in Rickman, he provides reproductive and embryo transfer services across Tennessee and Kentucky. After graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015, Levi earned his veterinary license, worked briefly in a mixed-animal practice, and later purchased the embryo transfer business.
Levi farms alongside his father, David, brother, Lucas, and the next generation of the family at Holt Farms Angus, a multigenerational beef operation. The Holts transitioned from a Holstein dairy with 100 to 120 milking cows to a registered Angus operation after selling the family dairy in 2006. They manage about 120 registered Angus breeding females in partnership with JBS Angus through annual bull and female sales.
The Holts have maintained a long-standing relationship with Ag1 Farmers Co-op (formerly Overton Pickett Farmers Co-op), which supplies feed, fencing, handling equipment, and other farm inputs. David also served on the Overton Pickett Farmers Cooperative board during the late 1990s.
“We have utilized the TAEP program for as long as it’s been in existence,” says Levi. “Our latest addition is a WW Livestock System — approximately 50-by-58 feet with up to 12 configurable pens — that we use for sorting cattle, housing special-needs animals, and managing donor cows during embryo collections.”
The family purchased the system in October 2025 from Ag1 Farmers Co-op, and it was configured to fit perfectly inside the open-air barn. Levi worked with Billy Maxwell at the Co-op, who coordinated the purchase and measured the building before contacting nearby WW Livestock Systems Plant Manager John Roland. Using those measurements, a WW Livestock Systems outside sales representative and plant staff designed the project using CAD software, and Co-op personnel Billy and Justin Maxwell, along with Lucas Sherrell, spent three days assembling the system on-site.
“The Ag Enhancement Program is a really good initiative,” says Jack Christian, Middle Tennessee field sales specialist for Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. “You can apply for assistance to purchase livestock equipment to help make it easier and safer to work your cattle. There’s been a lot of equipment purchased over the years through TAEP that’s benefited farmers. Of course, it’s helped the Co-op system as well because we’re here to serve our farmers and make sure they have what they need to be successful.”
Dr. Levi Holt of Rickman, left, discusses with Co-op personnel Billy Maxwell, center, and Jack Christian the great advancements he has made to his farm since 2005 while utilizing the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program (TAEP). Last October, he purchased this 50-by-58-foot WW Livestock System on the program.
Levi says he has relied on TAEP on both the farm and veterinary sides of his business for livestock-handling equipment, hay infrastructure, genetics, herd health supplies, laboratory equipment, calving equipment, and veterinary boxes. The cost-share assistance helps lower overhead costs, ultimately benefiting both his operation and his clients.
“We’ve applied for the program year after year for whatever we needed at the time,” says Levi. “It’s a great program because it helps us purchase equipment at a reduced expense. Anything we can do to reduce production costs helps us remain sustainable.”
The application process begins with the October application period, followed by December approval. Producers then purchase and install the equipment, submit required documentation and photographs, and receive reimbursement. Provisions are available for back-ordered items, and financing through local Co-ops is available when needed.
Billy stresses that participating in TAEP is much less intimidating than many producers expect. Local Extension offices offer educational classes, and Extension agents regularly assist producers — especially those who are less comfortable with computers — by helping them complete online applications and reimbursement paperwork.
“I could see how some people could be intimidated by applying for TAEP,” adds Levi. “But it’s a pretty easy process. If you have questions, Extension agents can help you complete the paperwork. I’m sure the people at the Co-op would help you, too. As a veterinarian, I complete the paperwork for clients requesting reimbursement for qualifying livestock genetic improvements. There are plenty of people willing to help if you’re confused about something or have trouble with the forms. Just reach out.” Herndon Farms in DeKalb County Matt Herndon, alongside his father, Jimmy, and brother, James, operates Herndon Farms in DeKalb County, where the family farms roughly 3,500 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat while also maintaining a cow-calf Angus herd.
Since TAEP launched in 2005, the Herndons have used the program to steadily expand and modernize their operation. Through the years, they have purchased a total mixed ration (TMR) mixer, hay barns, grain bins, transport augers, grain bin unloads, a commodity shed, and a grain elevator system by applying for assistance through both row crop and cattle-related categories.
“Ag Enhancement is a fantastic program and a great asset,” says Matt. “It certainly takes a lot of sting out of those big-ticket purchases. Itʼs especially helpful when youʼre investing in buildings or equipment. Once youʼre approved, you work with the Co-op, make the purchase, and then receive reimbursement from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. That makes the sticker shock a whole lot less.”
One of the farmʼs latest improvements is a Westfield MKX21384 auger purchased through TAEP. The 84-foot, 13-inch auger unloads approximately 11,000 bushels per hour, reducing truck unloading times from about 15 minutes to just six minutes and significantly speeding harvest.
Matt says the application process is straightforward and well worth the effort.
“After applying for TAEP and being approved for the auger, I contacted our local Co-opʼs outside salesman, Gilbert Martin, in Smithville,” he says. “He worked with Ernie Herrod at Rutherford Farmers Cooperative in Murfreesboro to order the parts and get this auger built.”
The auger features a hydraulic mover, winch, and multiple work and transport lights to improve positioning, lifting, and nighttime operation. Because of its size, it was assembled on-site by Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Ag Equipment USA employees Keith Pirtle, product manager, and Matthew Isley, truck mechanic.
“This auger has about every bell and whistle you can put on it,” says Matthew. “The hydraulic mover makes it easier to position the hopper under the truck, and the winch saves you from hand-cranking this large tube. The lights also make transporting and unloading grain much safer after dark.”
TAEP provides cost-share assistance for qualifying farm investments, helping producers purchase equipment and infrastructure that improve productivity. Farmers who qualify can receive reimbursement for a portion of approved purchases after meeting program requirements, which vary by category.
“Please support your local Co-ops when you make your TAEP purchases,” Matthew says. “We do a lot of Ag Enhancement work. If you have questions, talk to someone at your local Co-op about applying or what to do. Whether youʼre a large producer or a small or hobby farmer, they can help you.”
For the Herndon family, participating in TAEP year after year has allowed them to improve grain handling, increase efficiency, and reinvest savings into other areas of their operation.
For more information about the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program, visit the Tennessee Department of Agricultureʼs TAEP webpage. Details about changes to the 2026-27 program can be found on page 16.
Discussing the latest farm improvements at Herndon Farms near Smithville are, from left, Matthew Isley, Matt Herndon, Keith Pirtle, and Gilbert Martin.
Matt Herndon applies every year for cost-share funds through the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program to upgrade his farm and recently added to his equipment an 84-foot, 13-inch auger he purchased at the Co-op.
Dr. Levi Holt of Overton County utilizes the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program (TAEP) for nearly every major investment at Holt Farms Angus and Green River Embryo Transfer. Levi is a veterinarian and fourth-generation cattle producer. Through his veterinary practice in Rickman, he provides reproductive and embryo transfer services across Tennessee and Kentucky. Levi’s latest TAEP addition is a WW Livestock System — approximately 50 by 58 feet with up to 12 configurable pens — that is used for sorting cattle, housing special-needs animals, and managing donor cows during embryo collections.
By Page Haynes,
Contact phaynes@ourcoop.com