Beekeeping for ag valuation in Texas: acres, hives, and the catch

The state rule

Raising bees to pollinate, or to produce food or other commercial products, counts as agricultural use on land that is at least 5 and no more than 20 acres (Tax Code §23.51(2)). The state sets the acreage. Each appraisal district sets how many hives it expects.

The catch

• History still matters. The land needs ag use in 5 of the last 7 years. Bees can carry existing valuation forward, for example on a small tract where the cows are going. Bees on land with no ag history won't get you valuation this year.
• It has to look like a real operation. Districts may want honey sale receipts or a distribution contract. Trinity CAD's guidelines say so directly.
• Hives have to stay on the land. Several East Texas districts want them there 7 months a year.

What East Texas districts expect

• Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, Angelina: listed at 6 hives for the first 5 acres, plus 1 for every 2.5 acres after that. San Jacinto, Walker and Angelina add 7 months a year on the land.
• Trinity: 6 hives for 5 acres, plus 1 per 2.5 acres over 5, for commercial sale. From Trinity CAD's own guidelines.
• Tyler: not published. Call the district.

Most of these numbers come from the Texas Beekeepers Association's county list, which tells landowners to confirm with the district. Do that before you buy hives.

That works out to 6 hives on 5 acres, 8 on 10 acres, and 12 on 20 acres.

Getting started

• Call your appraisal district and confirm the hive count and how long bees must be on the land.
• Find a local beekeeper. Many East Texas beekeepers will place and manage hives for landowners.
• Keep records: hive inspections, honey harvested, and sales.
• File the 1-d-1 application (Form 50-129) by April 30.

Your county

Each county's appraisal district has its own address and local expectations:

General information, not legal or tax advice. Your appraisal district makes the final call.