Tennessee Verified Incentive Program (V.I.P.)

Producers participating in the Verified Incentive Program (VIP) are eligible for $15 per head up to a maximum of $750 per fiscal year, as funds are available.

VIP encourages Tennessee producers to increase their marketing opportunities by participating in:

1) A pre-conditioning program consisting of:

• A 45 day minimum weaning period where cattle are well adjusted to feed bunks and water tanks
• Dehorning
• Castrating
• Two rounds of respiratory vaccinations (IBR, BVD, PI3 and BRSV). One round of shots must be modified live.
• Two rounds of 7 or 8 way Blackleg
• Treatment for internal and external parasites

2) The USDA Approved Age and Source Verification program is voluntary and administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  This program is a beneficial marketing tool as it provides consumers with the assurance of consistent agricultural products by verifying the age and source of cattle.

VIP Guidelines - Basic Applicant Requirements

1. Producer must be a Tennessee resident and operate a farm/agribusiness in Tennessee.
2. Premises must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
3. BQA Certification
4. Enrolled in an approved USDA Age and Source Verification Program, a listing of approved USDA programs can be located at www.usda.gov.
5. Participate in a documented pre-conditioning program

Reimbursement Requirements: Producers assume responsibility for reimbursement paperwork.

1. Producer must submit the following documentation to the VIP Coordinator:

• Producer Information Sheet
• Pre-Conditioning Form for group of cattle sold
• Documentation from a USDA Age and Source Program verifying age and source of cattle (example: PVP Certificate)
• Copy of receipt for sale of cattle off farm.  Receipt must include the following information:
  • Seller's name, address, phone number
  • Buyer's name, address, phone number
  • # of head sold Pre-Conditioned, Age and Source

2. VIP Coordinator will then mail the producer

• Grant Authorization and Payment Form
• Substitute W-9 to be completed and signed

3. Producer must return forms back to the VIP Coordinator for payment to be issued

Tennessee Department of Agriculture, TAEP - VIP

P.O. Box 40627

Nashville, TN 37204

For more information on the VIP Program, click here