Turnkey Beekeeping Programs for Texas Landowners
Lupine Land Services offers turnkey beekeeping programs for landowners pursuing agricultural valuation through beekeeping. From hive placement and forage planning to documentation and inspection support, we manage every step of the process so your property stays compliant, productive, and in good standing with the county.
Beekeeping is a powerful land stewardship tool — supporting pollinators, improving plant diversity, and, when done correctly, significantly reducing property taxes.
Who Qualifies for Beekeeping Ag Valuation?
Acreage Requirements
- Property must have 5–20 qualifying acres (after the homestead exemption area is removed).
- A minimum of 5 acres of open land is required for beekeeping use.
- Up to 20 acres may qualify, even if the property is larger.
Agricultural History Requirement
- Land must have been in agricultural use for 5 of the past 7 years to qualify immediately.
- Properties without ag history must maintain active beekeeping for 5 consecutive years before applying.
- Beekeeping is a reverse lease: instead of us paying you, you pay Lupine to lease and manage the colonies.
- Depending on location, beekeeping can reduce property taxes by up to 80% when approved.
Contact Lupine Land Services to schedule a consultation and see if beekeeping is the right fit for your land.
Our Beekeeping Program: How It Works
Year 1: Setup & Documentation
Years 2–5: Colony Expansion & Management
Year 5: Application & Submittal to the County
Beekeeping Standards & Compliance
To maintain agricultural valuation through beekeeping, the following standards must be met:
1. Hives Must Be Present Year-Round
- No seasonal or temporary apiaries
- Hives must remain on the qualifying acreage at all times
2. Colonies Must Be Alive & Actively Managed
- Hays CAD may inspect 1–2 times per year
- Required hive counts must be maintained at all times
- Colonies must be replaced promptly if losses occur
3. Forage & Landscape Plan Required
We create a simple, county-appropriate forage plan showing adequate nectar and pollen sources, such as:
- Native wildflowers and perennial blooms
- Native shrubs (mesquite, agarita, mountain laurel)
- Fruit trees
As part of this plan, we strongly discourage pesticide use. Pesticides are harmful to bees and can result in colony loss, which may require costly replacements.
What Qualifies as Beekeeping?
Land qualifies for ag valuation if bees are used for:
- Pollination
- Production of honey or other hive products (wax, pollen, propolis)
Beekeeping is its own land category for valuation and must be clearly evident during inspection.
Common Landowner Questions
How many hives do I need?
Hays CAD requires 6 hives for the first 5 acres, then 1 additional hive per 1.5 acres.
Can I buy bees and qualify immediately?
Only if your land already meets the 5-of-7-year ag history requirement. Otherwise, beekeeping must be maintained for 5 years before applying.
Do the bees have to stay on my land year-round?
Yes. Colonies must remain on the qualifying acreage 12 months a year.
Can hives be placed near my home?
Yes, as long as the first 5+ qualifying acres are outside the homestead exclusion area.
Can Lupine manage the bees for me?
Yes. We provide full-service, turnkey beekeeping, including hive placement, maintenance, forage planning, documentation, and inspection support.
What happens if some hives die?
Colonies must be replaced promptly to maintain compliance.
Can hives be rotated or moved seasonally?
No. Hives must remain on the qualifying acreage year-round.
What happens during inspection?
The appraiser verifies:
- Correct number of hives
- Living, active colonies
- Forage plan implementation
- Proper land use (not neglected or primarily non-ag)
Inspections are typically quick when everything is in order.
How long does the exemption last?
Indefinitely — as long as required hive counts, forage plans, and active beekeeping are maintained.
Schedule a Beekeeping Consultation
Every property is different. Pricing depends on existing vegetation, acreage, and colony requirements.
We recommend an on-site evaluation before starting any beekeeping program to ensure long-term success and compliance.
Contact Lupine Land Services to schedule a consultation and see if beekeeping is the right fit for your land.