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Tennessee TAEP & Kentucky CAIP Livestock Equipment Guide
Buying cattle handling equipment with state cost-share funds? We fabricate heavy-duty squeeze chutes, sweep tubs, working alleys, and gates in Bethelridge, KY and provide full itemized invoices for your TAEP or CAIP reimbursement packet.
Using Tennessee TAEP & Kentucky CAIP for Cattle Equipment
Producers across Tennessee and Kentucky regularly use state agricultural cost-share programs to upgrade cattle handling safety and efficiency. Spears Gate Company fabricates heavy-duty squeeze chutes, sweep systems, alley frames, custom gates, and corral panels in Bethelridge, KY and provides the itemized quotes and paid invoices you need for your reimbursement packet.
Tennessee TAEP Overview
Administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Livestock Equipment program provides cost-share reimbursement for qualifying cattle handling equipment:
- Standard Reimbursement: Standard 50% cost-share up to a $3,000 maximum reimbursement under the standard producer path (verify current path rates with TDA).
- Eligible Item Types: Squeeze chutes, headgates, palpation cages, sweep tubs, alley frames, gates, and corral panels.
- 2026–2027 Key Dates: The 2026 application window closed October 7; TDA approval notifications go out in mid-December, and approved producers must purchase eligible equipment by April 1, 2027.
Kentucky CAIP Overview
Administered through local county conservation districts and extension offices with Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) support, the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) assists Kentucky producers with farm infrastructure:
- Investment Areas: Cattle Handling & Livestock Equipment (chutes, headgates, sweep tubs, working alleys) and Forage & Fencing improvements.
- Producer Requirements: Active Kentucky farm number, county-specific herd minimums, and current BQCA (Beef Quality & Care Assurance) certification.
- Local Kentucky Manufacturer: Pick up directly at our Bethelridge, KY shop (Casey County) with free loading, or have your order freighted to your farm.
Spears Gate Equipment & Cost-Share Documentation
| Equipment Category | Spears Gate Specs | Typical TAEP / CAIP Category | What We Provide on Your Invoice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle Squeeze Chutes & Headgates | Heavy-duty galvanized manual squeeze chute, automatic/manual headgate, side exit panels, optional 30" palpation cage | Livestock Equipment — Cattle Handling / Squeeze Chute & Headgate (check TDA herd minimums, typically 10–30+ head) | Itemized line for Squeeze Chute, Headgate, and Palpation Cage + steel specs + paid receipt |
| 180° & 90° Sweep Systems & Alleys | 10-ft radius solid-sheeted crowding tub, positive-lock crowd gate, adjustable working alley & no-back stops | Livestock Equipment — Working Facility / Crowding Tub & Alleyway | Separate line items for Sweep Tub, Alley Frames, Slide Gates, and P-Hook Panels |
| Heavy-Duty Cattle & Farm Gates | 2" OD, 14-gauge galvanized steel pipe, fully welded, 4 ft walk-thru & 8 ft–20 ft widths with ¾" x 12" hinges | Livestock Equipment Panels/Gates or CAIP Fencing & Handling | Exact gate lengths, quantities, 14-gauge galvanized pipe spec, and hardware breakdown |
| Continuous Fence & Corral Panels | 20-ft continuous fence panels (1.75" OD, 14-gauge galvanized steel, 5-rail or 6-rail) & modular P-hook corral panels | Working Facility Corral Panels / Permanent Handling Pens | Itemized panel count, rail count, length, gauge specification, and separate freight line |
Important Program Verification Note: State cost-share rules, minimum herd sizes, and eligible equipment lists are set by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Kentucky county administrators and are updated each program year. Always verify the current eligible-items sheet and herd minimums at tn.gov/agriculture/farms/taep.html or with your local Kentucky County Extension Office before purchasing.
How to Order for State Cost-Share Reimbursement
1. Confirm Program Approval
Confirm your TAEP approval letter (sent mid-December for the 2026–2027 cycle with an April 1, 2027 purchase deadline) or your Kentucky county CAIP approval window before placing your final equipment purchase.
2. Request an Itemized Quote
Call our project desk at (606) 706-3515 or submit the quote form below. Tell us you are applying for Tennessee TAEP or Kentucky CAIP so we itemize each piece of equipment and freight separately.
3. Delivery & Paid Invoice Packet
We fabricate your equipment in Bethelridge, KY, coordinate direct farm freight (or free loading at our shop), and issue your final paid, itemized invoice showing model specs and payment confirmation for your reimbursement claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Spears Gate products are item types on the Tennessee TAEP Livestock Equipment list?
Cattle squeeze chutes, headgates, palpation cages, sweep tubs, alley frames, gates, and corral panels are item types on TAEP's Livestock Equipment list. Because TDA updates specific model and specification requirements each cycle, always check the current eligible-items sheet and herd minimums at tn.gov before you apply.
Do you provide itemized invoices for TAEP and Kentucky CAIP reimbursement?
Yes. Every cost-share order includes a formal, itemized invoice listing the buyer's name and farm address, each piece of equipment (chute, sweep tub, alley sections, gates, or panels) as a separate line item, steel specifications, date of purchase, payment method, and any delivery charges listed separately.
What is the 2026–2027 Tennessee TAEP timeline for purchasing equipment?
For the 2026–2027 TAEP cycle, applications were accepted October 1–7, 2026. Approval notifications are issued by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture in mid-December, and approved Livestock Equipment applicants must complete their equipment purchases and submit reimbursement packets by April 1, 2027. Because we build to order, we recommend ordering early in the winter so your equipment is delivered well ahead of the April 1 deadline.
Can Tennessee and Kentucky producers pick up equipment at your Bethelridge, KY shop?
Yes. Our fabrication shop is located at 705 Ronnie Wesley Rd, Bethelridge, KY 42516—just north of the Tennessee state line via US-27 and US-127. You can bring your flatbed or stock trailer for free forklift loading at our shop, or we can ship your palletized equipment directly to your farm in 1 to 3 days once fabricated.
How does the equipment assemble once delivered to the farm?
Spears Gate Company is a ship-only manufacturer—we focus 100% on heavy-duty steel fabrication and do not send crews. All sweep tubs, working alleys, squeeze chutes, and gates ship with all connector pins, bolts, and adjustable hinge hardware included, ready for you to bolt together on site.
Start Your Build
Request an Itemized Cost-Share Quote
Let us know which equipment you are planning (squeeze chute, sweep system, alley frames, or gates) and whether you are applying under Tennessee TAEP or Kentucky CAIP.
Direct Line to Project Desk:
- (606) 706-3515
Secondary Contact:
- (334) 369-9441
Request a quote
FAST RESPONSE • NO OBLIGATION
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