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

VIP is designed to encourage Tennessee producers to increase their marketing opportunities by participating in both a Pre-conditioning program and a USDA Approved Age and Source Verification program. Participation is voluntary.

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 (1BR, BVD, P13 and BRSV) on round of shots must be modified live.
   • Two rounds of seven or eight way Blackleg
   • Treatment for internal and external parasites
2. 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.

PRODUCERS participating in VIP are eligible for $15 per head up to a maximum of $750 per fiscal year, as funds are available. Reimbursement requests may be submitted any time. They will be processed during the first two weeks of November, March and July.

1. Applicant must be a Tennessee resident operating a farm in Tennessee
2. Premises must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
3. Current 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 documented pre-conditioning program

Marketing and Reimbursement Requirements - Producers can market Pre-Conditioned, Age & Source cattle a variety of ways and receive cost share. Listed below are the marketing methods covered. Participating producers assume responsibility for reimbursement paperwork, unless selling through an approved PVP sale hosted by a TN Chartered Livestock Market.

1. Livestock Market hosting a Pre-Conditioned, Age & Source Sale 
   • Livestock Market submits required paperwork on behalf of producer
2. Producers marketing through Private Treaty, Retained Ownership, QSA, or by video
   • Producers must submit the following paperwork for reimbursement:
     • Pre-Conditioning/producer information form
     • List of EID (electronic identification) tag numbers with birth dates
     • Sales Receipt (or initial yard report for producers marketing through retained ownership). Sales receipt must include:
       • Seller's information (name/address/phone)
       • Buyer's information (name/address/phone)
       • # Head sold
       • Sale Date

Reimbursement requests may be submitted any time.

They will be processed during the first two weeks of November, March and July

Tennessee Department of Agriculture, TAEP - VIP

P.O. Box 40627

Nashville, TN 37204

For more information on the VIP Program, click here