Hive Leasing for "1-d-1 Ag Valuation" on Property Taxes

In 2012 the Texas Legislature amended the Texas Tax Code: Chapter 23, Subchapter D. Appraisal of Agricultural Land Sec. 23.51 to read:

 (2) “Agricultural use” includes but is not limited to the following activities: ….”The term also includes the use of land to raise or keep bees for pollination or for the production of human food or other tangible products having a commercial value, provided that the land used is not less than 5 or more than 20 acres.”

This means that people who own 5 to 20 acres may now have their Property Taxes calculated on Agricultural Use, rather than the typical Residential Use.  This can result in a significant reduction in your property tax bill.  Some people choose to become beekeepers and purchase their own hives and maintain the colonies themselves while others choose to lease bee colonies.  In either case, in order to lower your property taxes, appraisal districts require the AG use for 5 of the last 7 years in order to begin receiving the lower valuation. That means you utilize the land in beekeeping for 5 years in a row and the 6th year your taxes will go down if you meet all the requirements for your county.

Chris & Dalene Barnes at Cornerstone Honey Bees were the FIRST people in Brazos County to apply for the Ag Valuation using honey bees, so we have the knowledge & experience to help landowners through the process.   We have the hives available both for sale for people who want to become beekeepers, but we also have hives available for lease for those property owners who are seeking an immediate alternative.  Leasing the hives removes the burden of maintaining the colonies, as well as removing the risk of losing hives.