7/2/26
South Central Human Resource Agency is working with local counties and program partners to ensure the continuation of dead livestock removal services for area cattle and livestock producers.
In late May 2026, the agency that previously managed the deadstock removal contract made the decision to no longer administer the program. Because of the importance of this service to local producers, SCHRA was asked to consider assuming administrative responsibility for the program to help prevent a loss of service across participating counties.
In early June, the SCHRA Governing Board approved management to move forward with the steps necessary to establish a new contract for the program. Since this is a new program administration responsibility for SCHRA, the agency has taken time to understand the operational requirements, funding structure, county participation, landfill disposal costs, vendor needs, and procurement requirements associated with the service.
SCHRA understands the importance of this program and the concerns producers and local governments may have when a transition occurs. Every effort has been made to avoid a disruption in service. At this time, SCHRA has an emergency Memorandum of Understanding in place with the current removal vendor to allow services to continue while the formal Request for Proposal process is completed and a new contract is awarded.
While not all county budget processes have been finalized, SCHRA has received confirmation from counties with approved budgets and verbal assurance from counties still completing their budget processes that the current participating counties intend to continue participation in the program.
For many years, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has generously supported this important service. However, current funding levels are no longer able to sustain the program at previous levels. To continue the program responsibly and ensure that sufficient funds are available to cover both removal services and landfill disposal fees, a $50 surcharge will be assessed for each carcass once the new contract is in place.
This surcharge is intended only to help sustain the program and cover program-related costs. SCHRA is a nonprofit agency and is not assuming responsibility for this program as a revenue-generating effort. Rather, SCHRA is working to assist local communities in retaining a service that is valuable to area
producers, while also ensuring that the program is financially responsible and does not jeopardize other agency programs or services.
“We recognize how important this service is to local producers and to the counties we serve,” said Sara Brown, SCHRA Executive Director. “Our goal is to help maintain the program with as little disruption as possible while making sure the process is handled properly, responsibly, and in accordance with agency procurement and financial requirements.”
Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks regarding the pickup process, surcharge collection, vendor information, and program procedures once the new contract is finalized.
SCHRA appreciates the patience and cooperation of county officials, producers, vendors, and program partners as the agency works through this transition.
For additional information, please contact: South Central Human Resource Agency 1437 Winchester Hwy. P.O. Box 638 Fayetteville, TN 37334 Phone: 931-433-7182 Website: www.schra.us
