Beekeeping “Ag Exemption” Services:   

Do you have 5-20 acres within a 25 mile radius surrounding the Fredericksburg area? Is your property currently under "Ag Exemption" for 5 out of the last 7 years based on another qualifying activity, like livestock management or hay? Did you know that you can transition to managing Honey Bee colonies instead, and discontinue the previous activity while retaining the land's “Ag Exemption” because Beekeeping qualifies for agricultural exemption due to a Texas law that became effective January 1, 2012 which made it possible for Beekeeping to qualify for an “Ag Valuation” on property taxes. This is covered in the Tax Code under Chapter 23, Subchapter D, Sect. 23.51 (1) and (2).

If your land does not currently have an "Ag Exemption," you will need to establish and document five consecutive years of agricultural or Beekeeping use before becoming eligible for the new land valuation in Year 6, when the tax reduction will take effect. Beekeeping for Texas “Ag Valuation” offers a valuable opportunity for landowners to engage in environmentally beneficial agricultural practices while enjoying reduced property taxes. The evaluation recognizes the unique and crucial role of Honey Bees in agriculture and the broader ecosystem. Honey Bees play a crucial role in pollination, which is a fundamental process in the life cycle of plants and a vital component of productive agriculture. It is important to note that, within the context of the Texas Tax Code, each local appraisal district establishes their own standards and requirements for Beekeeping valuation. In most counties, the minimum number of hives to qualify is (6) for the first (5) acres, usually with additional hives needed per additional qualifying acreage up to 20 acres. Properties with a homestead may require more than 5 acres minimum to qualify due to many counties removing an acre for buildings or a homestead. In that case you would need 6 acres to qualify. The exact number of hives and other requirements can vary by county, so it’s important to consult with your local county appraisal district. This exemption is not an outright elimination of property taxes, but rather a reevaluation of the land’s value based on its’ agricultural productivity, rather than its’ market value. 

We are professionals who have dedicated our time to understanding and working with Honey Bees while developing the knowledge and experience to manage Honey Bees for “Ag Exemption”. We know how to handle Honey Bees safely and understand their behaviors including identifying and treating diseases to ensure their health and productivity. 

Getting Started with Beekeeping for Ag Exemption

Step 1: Schedule a Telephone Consultation

Does this sound like something you would like to look further into? Then your next steps will be to reach out to us to schedule a telephone consultation with one of our experts. Please email us at support@tributehoney.com. Please include your complete name, address where the bees will be located, billing address, your best contact number and best time to reach you. During this telephone consultation, we will discuss your needs, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with detailed information about our services and what to expect during our contract. This is a great opportunity for us to understand your goals and for you to learn more about our process.

Step 2: Schedule a Site Evaluation

The next step will be to schedule a site evaluation of your property. This will help us in determining the best location for our hives, taking into consideration items such as constant sunlight, wind direction, distance to water sources and flowering plants. We will need to be able to drive right up to the hives in order to feed and treat them. We will place the hives away from the road and any homes on the property or adjacent properties. At this time we will also schedule the date for the installation of the hive boxes and stands.

Step 3: Hive Installation

On the agreed upon hive installation date, weather permitting, our team will arrive with the hive boxes and stands. At this time we will ensure that the hives are set up in the correct agreed upon location and ready for the arrival of the Honey Bees in the future determined date based on the availability of Honey Bees.

Step 4: Bee Installation

The next step is the introduction of the Honey Bees into their hive boxes. We will carefully install the bees into the hives, ensuring that the queen makes the transfer. Depending on the time of the season and availability of food, we may also start feeding to ensure their health.

Step 5: Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Beekeeping requires regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the health and productivity of the bees. Our team will handle this for you which entails us visiting your property on a regular basis to inspect the hives, manage and treat any pests or diseases, feed the bees and manage their population by adding additional boxes as the hives grow. We will need 24/7 access to your property via a key, code or gate opener.

Step 6: Benefits of Our Beekeeping Ag Exemption Services

Now that the hives are installed, you begin the benefits of maintaining or acquiring your “Ag Exemption” status on your property without having to do anything except filing your requirements by your local taxing district. Beekeeping is the easiest and least expensive way to keep or obtain an “Ag Valuation” for landowners while providing peace of mind.

The Legal Part:

The Tribute Honey Co retains the rights of ownership to the Honey Bees, the hive boxes, the stands and the products of the hives including any and all Honey produced. In regards to any and all Honey produced, Honey Bees normally need the Honey to survive during the winter months so most often the Honey is left for them to survive. However if we do extract any Honey, we will gift you some as a thank you. Amount to be gifted to be determined by The Tribute Honey Co by the quantity of Honey extracted but no more than 6 jars with approximately 12 oz of contents. We will need and require 24 hour unrestricted access to our hives at all times whether it be by key provided for gate lock or pass code/gate opener for electric gates. Our Ag Exemption Services are billed per hive box per month based on your required total amount of hives. You will receive an email on the first of each month with an invoice due by the 10th of the same month. Any invoices not paid by the 14th of the same month due will be assessed a $50.00 late payment. Any invoices not paid by the 30th of the same month will constitute breach of contract and immediate removal of all Honey Bees in hive boxes and stands will occur. Any prevention of The Tribute Honey Co to retrieve the Honey Bees, hive boxes and stands will result in legal action. Landowner will be responsible for any legal expenses incurred by The Tribute Honey Co. for the collection of past due monies for Ag Exemption services and/or retrieval of Honey Bees, hive boxes and stands.