• Minimum Acreage:

  • 5 acres is the minimum if the land is raw, undeveloped land.

• 6 acres is the minimum if the land includes a homestead or any other building. (Please check with your counties requirements!!)

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• Usage Requirements: To qualify, the land must be used for genuine agricultural activities. This means that it’s not just a hobby; it needs to have a sustained, documented agricultural use over at least five years.

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• Hive and Activity Requirements:
  For beekeeping, counties typically require a minimum number of hives. Usually, that means at least six hives on five acres, with additional hives allowed as the acreage increases. This ensures that the land is genuinely used for agricultural purposes.

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• Application Process:
  The application is submitted to the County Appraisal District using the 1-D-1 Open Space form. This form outlines your agricultural activities, the number of hives, and documentation of the land’s use over the required period.

• By meeting these criteria, landowners can significantly reduce their property tax burden while supporting sustainable agriculture.

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• Registering with Texas Apiary Inspection Services.

     Some counties require this, some do not. By staying registered with TAIS, you gain access to timely updates on emerging diseases, pests, and pesticide usage, allowing you to take proactive measures to protect your bees. This not only helps maintain the vitality of your colonies but also contributes to the overall health of the local bee population. https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/