NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee is changing its assistance to farmers diversifying and expanding their farm operations.

The Department of Agriculture says the amendments will be applied to the state's Agriculture Enhancement Program, a cost share program that assists agricultural producers in making long-term investments. The changes are based on a recent survey of participants and industry partners throughout the state.

Those changes include a new cattle herd health program to help improve the profitability of Tennessee cattle, increasing the verification period for long-term equipment and structure investments, and adding a cost-share option for hay production.

The state says the enhancement program has invested more than $168 million in more than 57,000 producer projects since its 2005 launch.