Ag Exemption with Bees in Montague County, Texas: Hives, Acres, Cost & How to File (2027 Guide)

Quick answer: Montague County landowners can use beekeeping as a qualifying agricultural use on eligible tracts from 5 to 20 acres. Montague County Appraisal District's current beekeeping supplement sets the degree-of-intensity standard at 6 hives on the first 5 acres, then 1 additional hive for each additional 2.5 acres, reaching 12 hives at 20 acres. The district also states that colonies must be active, maintained, and located on the property for at least 7 months of the year.

Does Montague County allow bees for agricultural appraisal?

Yes. Montague CAD recognizes beekeeping for pollination or production of food or other commercially valuable tangible products as an agricultural use on qualifying 5-to-20-acre tracts. The appraisal district makes the final decision on qualification.

How many hives does Montague County require?

Montague CAD's current supplement also says hives must be active and maintained, should be situated off the ground, and should have adequate forage. The district requests a map showing vegetation and hive placement.

Visit the Montague County managed bee leasing page or use the county hive calculator.

How many acres do I need?

Montague CAD lists 5 to 20 acres for beekeeping agricultural use, excluding acreage used for the house. The amount of qualifying agricultural acreage can therefore be different from total deeded acreage.

What agricultural history is required?

Montague CAD's current beekeeping guidelines state that property owners initially qualifying for agricultural appraisal must show agricultural-use history for any 5 of the preceding 7 years. The district determines whether the documentation and prior use satisfy the requirement.

How long must the hives stay on the property?

Montague CAD's current beekeeping supplement states that active, maintained hives must be located on the property for at least 7 months of the year.

What documents does Montague CAD ask for?

The district's current special-appraisal requirements identify the 1-d-1 open-space application, a supplemental beekeeping questionnaire, apiary-related documentation, and a map showing hive and plant placement among the materials used for bee properties. Requirements can change, so landowners should confirm the current filing package directly with Montague CAD.

What does Ten Box Bees handle?

Our managed program is designed for landowners who do not want to become beekeepers. Ten Box Bees provides the colonies, installation and placement, routine inspections, feeding and treatment when needed, queen and colony management, normal replacement support, and dated service records.

What does managed bee leasing cost in Montague County?

Standard Ten Box Bees pricing is $385 per hive per year plus a one-time $200 setup fee for a new property. At the county's published schedule, annual managed lease cost ranges from $2,310 for 6 hives to $4,620 for 12 hives before the one-time setup fee.

Where does Ten Box Bees serve in Montague County?

Our Montague County route includes qualifying rural acreage around Bowie, Nocona, Saint Jo, Montague, Sunset, Forestburg, Ringgold, Stoneburg, Spanish Fort, and nearby communities, subject to route capacity and practical service access.

Montague County bee ag exemption FAQ

Can I qualify with fewer than 5 agricultural acres?

No under the county's current beekeeping guidelines. The published range for beekeeping agricultural use is 5 to 20 qualifying acres.

Do I need to own the bees?

No. Ten Box Bees can own and manage the colonies under a managed lease. The landowner remains responsible for the agricultural-appraisal application.

Does Ten Box Bees guarantee approval?

No. We provide managed beekeeping and supporting service records. Montague County Appraisal District makes the final determination regarding acreage, history, intensity, documentation, and qualification.

Can I buy nucs instead?

Yes. We sell seasonal five-frame nucs and queen bees for customers who want to own and manage their own colonies. That is separate from the fully managed landowner leasing program.

Get a free Montague County property evaluation

Send us the property location, total acreage, approximate homesite acreage, current or prior agricultural use, and any Montague CAD correspondence you already have. We will review the basics and recommend the next step.

Request a free property evaluation | Read the Texas Bee Ag Exemption FAQ | View all service counties

This article is general educational information and is not tax or legal advice. Montague County Appraisal District makes the final agricultural-appraisal decision and may update its standards or documentation requirements.