Landowners leaving cattle or hay
Keep your land in ag use without livestock, fencing or equipment.
AG EXEMPTION HIVE LEASING
Bee Hive Leasing for Agricultural Exemption in Central Texas
Texas lets 5–20 acre properties stay in ag use through beekeeping. We supply the bees, manage them all year and keep the records — so your land keeps working for you.
Can beekeeping qualify land for ag valuation in Texas?
Yes. In 2011, Texas added beekeeping to the list of agricultural uses that can qualify land for 1-d-1 open-space (“ag”) valuation. It applies to tracts of at least 5 and no more than 20 acres, where bees are kept to pollinate crops or produce honey and other agricultural products.
“Ag exemption” is the name most people use. The official term is agricultural or open-space valuation — your land is taxed on its productive value instead of its market value. Your county appraisal district decides who qualifies.
Who bee hive leasing is for
New owners of small acreage
Bought 5–20 acres that used to be farmed? Talk to us before the ag use lapses.
Inherited family land
Keep the property in ag without moving there or farming it yourself.
Weekend and retirement properties
Hands-off for you. We handle the hives.
What your county appraisal district looks for
Every county writes its own beekeeping guidelines, so details change from one appraisal district to the next. Most look at:
- Acreage: between 5 and 20 acres for beekeeping.
- Hive count: a minimum number of colonies for the first acres, plus more per extra acre.
- Ag history: usually agricultural use in at least 5 of the past 7 years. Statutory exceptions may apply.
- Active management: bees that are inspected, cared for and kept as a real operation.
- Records: hive counts, inspection dates and management notes.
During your free land check we compare your property against your county's current guidelines, so you know where you stand. Acreage and hive placement alone do not guarantee approval.
How our ag hive lease works
- 01
Free land check
We talk through your county, acreage, current ag status and agricultural history. Your free land check helps you understand the next steps before you commit.
- 02
Lease & hive placement
We agree on your lease and the right number of hives for your county. Hives are placed with access to water, forage and shade, away from homes and livestock.
- 03
Year-round hive management
We handle inspections, feeding, mite control, swarm prevention and colony upkeep year-round, so your hive count stays where it needs to be.
- 04
Records for your appraisal district
We keep inspection logs and hive records your appraisal district may ask for. You file your application; we make sure you're not short on bee documentation.
New applicants generally file Form 50-129 with their county appraisal district, usually by April 30. Confirm current requirements, deadlines and any late-application options directly with your district.
What's included in every lease
- Healthy, locally raised honey bee colonies
- Hive count matched to your county's guidelines
- Hive stands, setup and placement
- Scheduled inspections and seasonal care
- Mite monitoring and treatment
- Swarm prevention and colony upkeep
- Inspection logs and hive records
- One local beekeeper you can actually call
Ag exemption with bees vs. other options
| Consideration | Beekeeping | Cattle or hay | Wildlife management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical acreage | 5–20 acres | Usually more | Varies |
| Equipment you need | None — we supply it | Fencing, water, equipment | Habitat work + plan |
| Day-to-day work for you | None | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| Who manages it | Spoiled Brat Bees | You or a lessee | You or a consultant |
General comparison only. Requirements vary by county. “None” refers to beekeeping equipment and routine hive care under our managed lease; landowner access, application and other obligations remain. Cattle or hay acreage varies by operation. Wildlife management has separate eligibility and planning requirements.
When to start
The sooner the better. Hives need to be placed and actively managed, and new applications for ag valuation are generally due to your appraisal district by April 30. If your current ag use is ending, call us before it lapses.
Bee hive leasing service areas
We serve landowners across Brown County and surrounding Central Texas counties.
Ag exemption bee hive leasing FAQ
Can beekeeping qualify my land for an ag exemption in Texas?
Yes. Since 2011, Texas law has recognized beekeeping as an agricultural use for land between 5 and 20 acres, as long as the bees are kept to pollinate crops or produce honey and other agricultural products. Your county appraisal district makes the final call, and we help you meet its beekeeping guidelines.
How many beehives do I need?
It depends on your county. Each appraisal district sets its own minimums, usually a set number of hives for the first five acres plus more for each additional acre. We match your hive count to your county's current guidelines.
Do I need to know anything about bees?
No. We own, place and manage the hives. You just give us access to the spot we agree on.
Does my land need to already have ag history?
In most cases, 1-d-1 valuation looks for agricultural use in at least five of the past seven years. Land that's already in ag can often move into beekeeping. If yours isn't, we'll talk through your options during the free land check.
Are the bees safe around my family and livestock?
We place hives away from homes, driveways and pens, and manage our colonies for calm temperament. Most clients barely notice them.
Is this tax advice?
No. We're beekeepers, not tax advisors. We give you healthy managed hives and good records. Always confirm requirements with your county appraisal district.
Who owns the bees and the honey?
The hives are ours and we manage them under your lease. Honey and hive ownership are spelled out clearly in your lease agreement before anything is placed.
How much does a hive lease cost?
Pricing depends on your acreage, county guidelines and how many hives are needed. Every quote is custom and starts with a free land check.
Spoiled Brat Bees Apiary provides beekeeping and hive management services. We do not provide tax or legal advice, and qualification for agricultural valuation is decided by your county appraisal district.