Texas Bee “Ag Exemption” (1-d-1 Open-Space Agricultural Valuation), Agricultural History & Filing Deadlines Explained

Originally published April 21, 2020 | Updated August 2026

This article has been updated to reflect current terminology and provide links to Bee Mindful's latest Agricultural Valuation resources. County requirements and procedures can change; always verify current requirements with the applicable Central Appraisal District.

What Is a Texas Bee “Ag Exemption”?

The 1-d-1 Open-Space Agricultural Valuation, commonly referred to as an “Ag Exemption” or “Ag Valuation,” is a special method of appraising qualifying agricultural land based on its agricultural productivity rather than simply its market value.

Despite the commonly used term “Ag Exemption,” it is not technically a property tax exemption. Instead, qualifying land receives a special agricultural appraisal based on its productivity value, which is typically lower than market value.

Honey bees can be used as a qualifying agricultural use in Texas when the applicable requirements are met.

Looking for professional management rather than doing it yourself?

Explore Bee Mindful BaaS™ Agricultural Valuation Management

Can Honey Bees Qualify Land for Agricultural Valuation in Texas?

Yes. Texas recognizes land used to raise or keep bees for pollination or for the production of human food or other commercially valuable products as an agricultural use. For this provision, the land used must be at least 5 acres and no more than 20 acres and must meet other applicable qualification requirements, including the degree of intensity required in the area.

However, placing bee colonies on a property does not automatically qualify the land.

The property must meet the applicable requirements for agricultural use, agricultural history, degree of intensity, acreage, and other requirements established under Texas law and by the property's Central Appraisal District.

County requirements matter. Colony requirements, qualifying acreage considerations, documentation expectations, and local procedures can vary by appraisal district.

Do I Need Five Years of Bees?

Agricultural-use history is an important part of qualifying for Texas 1-d-1 Open-Space Agricultural Valuation. In general, the land must have been devoted to qualifying agricultural use for at least five of the preceding seven years.

How that requirement applies—and how honey bee management should be established over time—depends on the property's agricultural history, current use, qualifying acreage, applicable county requirements, and the landowner's long-term Agricultural Valuation plan.

This is one reason we recommend evaluating the property and developing an appropriate management plan at the beginning of the process rather than waiting until the application year.

Can I Transition from Another Agricultural Use to Honey Bees?

Potentially.

Properties with existing agricultural use or Agricultural Valuation may have different considerations than properties establishing agricultural use for the first time.

If you're considering transitioning from another agricultural practice to honey bee management, it's important to evaluate the property's existing agricultural history, current use, timing, qualifying acreage, applicable county requirements, and appropriate implementation plan before making the transition.

Likewise, properties that have recently changed ownership may have agricultural history and existing valuation considerations that should be reviewed before establishing a new honey bee management program.

Because every property's circumstances are different, we recommend reviewing the property's history and developing an appropriate transition plan before making changes to the existing agricultural use.

Planning to Apply for Agricultural Valuation?

Texas landowners applying for 1-d-1 Open-Space Agricultural Use Appraisal use Form 50-129 — Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal. The form is filed with the appraisal district in the county where the property is located—not with the Texas Comptroller.

We've created a detailed landowner resource explaining Form 50-129, agricultural-use history, documentation, filing considerations, county-specific requirements, and what to expect during the application process.

Read the Texas Form 50-129 Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation Guide →

What About the April 30 Filing Deadline?

Form 50-129 identifies April 30 as the general filing deadline, with provisions for late filing under certain circumstances. Landowners should always confirm the current filing deadline and procedures with their applicable Central Appraisal District.

Just as importantly, landowners should not confuse an application filing deadline with the requirements for establishing and maintaining qualifying agricultural use.

Agricultural Valuation should be approached as an ongoing agricultural management process—not simply paperwork completed before a filing deadline.

Learn More About Form 50-129 and the Application Process →

Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation Requirements Vary by County

Every county is different. Explore our county-specific Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation guides for detailed information on local acreage and colony intensity guidelines, agricultural-use history, application and filing requirements, documentation, inspections, FAQs, official CAD resources, and practical guidance for landowners.

Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation — Hays County →

Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation — Travis County →

Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation — Caldwell County →

Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation — Comal County →

Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation — Guadalupe County →

Honey Bee Agricultural Valuation — Bexar County →

County requirements can change. We regularly review our county-specific resources, but landowners should always confirm current requirements with their local Central Appraisal District.

Can I Buy the Bees and Manage the Apiary Myself?

Yes. Landowners who want to become beekeepers can purchase their own colonies and equipment and assume responsibility for learning to manage and maintain the apiary themselves.

For that, Bee Mindful offers hands-on beekeeping education and apprenticeship programs, as well as honey bees, horizontal top-bar hives, and equipment for landowners who prefer the DIY approach.

Explore Beekeeping Education →

Shop Honey Bees & Hives →

Prefer Professional Management?

For landowners who would rather not become beekeepers, Bee Mindful BaaS™ provides a comprehensive Agricultural Valuation Management Program combining strategic planning, professional apiary management, organized documentation, and long-term support.

Explore Bee Mindful BaaS™ Agricultural Valuation Management →

Not Sure Which Path Is Right for Your Property?

Every property is unique.

Whether you're just beginning to explore honey bee Agricultural Valuation, establishing agricultural use, transitioning from another agricultural practice, preparing to apply, considering managing your own bees, or looking for a professional management provider, understanding your property's individual circumstances is the best place to begin.

Prefer Professional Management?

Bee Mindful BaaS™ provides qualifying landowners with a comprehensive Agricultural Valuation Management Program built around Strategic Planning, Professional Apiary Management, and Regulatory Compliance Support.

Explore Bee Mindful BaaS™ →

Prefer to Become a Beekeeper?

Learn to manage your own colonies through Bee Mindful's hands-on beekeeping education programs and explore our honey bees, horizontal top-bar hives, and equipment.

Explore Beekeeping Education & DIY Options →

Have Questions About Your Property?

Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Property Consultation →

Professional Management. Organized Documentation. Peace of Mind.

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