By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher

Moore County farmers heading into harvest are paying around $6 a gallon for farm diesel at local Co-ops and gas stations as compared to $3.75 a gallon during September 2025, according to the Bureau of Transpiration. With input costs like diesel and fertilizer squeezing local farmers, every penny counts. Next week, the state opens the application window for a program that can’t touch that fuel bill directly but can ease pressure on the rest of the farm budget.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, known as TAEP, will begin accepting applications online only from October 1 through October 7. The program reimburses farmers for half the cost of eligible long-term investments such as hay barns, fencing, livestock equipment and cattle genetics, up to program maximums that range from $3,000 to $12,000.

Moore County farmers have completed 602 TAEP projects and received $1,723,072 in cost-share payments since the program began, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s 2026 fact sheet, which covers fiscal years 2005-06 through 2024-25. The state estimates each TAEP dollar generates $6.55 in local economic activity, citing the University of Tennessee’s Agri-Industry Modeling and Analysis Group. By that estimate, the program’s payments in Moore County have produced roughly $11.3 million in local economic activity. Statewide, TAEP has paid more than $309 million across 97,855 projects.

A COSTLY HARVEST

Nationally, farm diesel averaged $5.45 a gallon on September 4, up from $3.02 a year earlier, an increase of about 80%, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Farm Bureau attributes the spike to disruptions in global energy markets, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, and limited refining capacity in Russia.

The increase has arrived at one of the most fuel-hungry times of the farm year, when combines, tractors and trucks run long days to bring in crops and hay.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s September farm income forecast projects farm fuel and oil expenses will rise $4.8 billion this year, or 28.8% over 2025.

The cost doesn’t stop at the farmer’s own tank. Diesel moves fertilizer, feed, grain and livestock, so farmers also pay for higher fuel prices through freight charges and supplier prices. Fertilizer may be the next pressure point: sulfur prices have risen more than fivefold, threatening phosphate fertilizer production heading into next year.

WHERE TAEP FIT IN

TAEP does not pay for fuel, fertilizer or other operating costs. It is designed for long-term investments on the farm.

But money saved in one place can be spent in another. For a farmer who was already planning to build a hay barn, put up fence or replace a piece of equipment, TAEP covers half the cost, and that half stays in the operating account for fuel, feed and fertilizer.

That benefit depends on the purchase being one the farmer was already going to make. Buying equipment simply because the program exists is new spending, not savings.

Timing matters, too. Approval notifications go out in mid-December, and reimbursement packets are mailed in January. Farmers submit for reimbursement only after a project is complete. The money won’t arrive in time to help with this fall’s harvest fuel bill, but it can help with spring planting and 2027 input costs.

CHANGES THIS YEAR

Several changes for 2026-27 could open the program to more Moore County operations. The minimum for hay producers dropped from 100 acres to 50 acres of first-cutting hay production, which applies to the Hay Equipment, Hay Storage and Farming Solutions programs. The minimum for swine producers dropped from 1,000 head to 100.

A new Livestock Fencing program for cattle, horse, goat, sheep and swine producers reimburses permanent perimeter and cross-fencing at $2 per linear foot, up to the program maximum. Livestock Fencing is also available through the Beginning Farmer Option.

The Livestock Equipment program added automatic waterers, hay feeders and virtual fencing collars as eligible items. The former Livestock Solutions program has been renamed Farming Solutions and now includes some items for row crop, hay and swine producers.

All programs now pay a 50% cost share. The former 35% option has been eliminated.

APPLICATIONS END OCTOBER 7

Applications are accepted online only from 12:01 a.m. October 1 through 11:59 p.m. October 7 at tn.gov/taep. Late applications are not accepted. Applicants do not need a TAEP account to apply.

Each applicant needs a working email address that is not shared with any other TAEP applicant, internet access and a computer, tablet or smartphone. The state recommends a computer.

After submitting, applicants should receive a confirmation email from taep.confirmation@tn.gov within 15 minutes. The state advises checking spam folders and saving the email as proof of application.

Approved applicants must hold an eligible master certification, such as Master Beef Producer, by the time they request reimbursement. The certification is not required at the time of application. Equipment and structures purchased through the program must be used for their intended purpose for at least five years.

The Moore County Extension office helps local farmers with applications and required certifications. The office is at 241 Main Street in Lynchburg and can be reached at (931) 759-7163. Program information is also available from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at (615) 837-5160. •

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