How much improved pasture is needed for cattle in Caldwell County?

Caldwell CAD lists a 4-animal-unit minimum for improved pasture at 3 acres per animal unit. That is 4 AUs × 3 acres per AU = 12 acres.

How many hives are needed on 15 acres in Caldwell County?

A 15-acre property falls in Caldwell CAD’s 14.00–15.49-acre band, which requires 12 hives.

How much mixed brush pasture is needed to meet Caldwell CAD’s livestock minimum?

The mixed-brush standard is 16 acres per animal unit and requires 4 animal units. The listed minimum is therefore 4 × 16 = 64 acres.

Caldwell County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)

Last verified 2026-07-12 · Source: Caldwell County Appraisal District official guidelines

Caldwell County lies south of Austin around Lockhart and Luling, where Blackland Prairie crop ground gives way to native and brush pasture. Caldwell CAD’s standards give landowners a clear progression from 12 acres of improved pasture to 64 acres of mixed brush pasture for its four-animal-unit minimum.

Min. Acreage

5 ac

History Requirement

The land must have been devoted principally to agricultural use for five of the preceding seven years.

Application Window

January 1 – April 30

CAD Phone

512-398-5550

Grazing Intensity Standards

Pasture Type	Acres per Animal Unit	Confidence
Improved Pasture	3 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Open Native Pasture	7 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Mixed Brush Pasture	16 acres / AU	✓ Verified

Beekeeping Intensity Standards

Acreage Range	Base Hives	Extra Hives/Acre (above base)	Confidence
5–20 acres	6	0	✓ Verified

Animal Unit Equivalencies

An animal unit (AU) is a standardized measure used to compare livestock of different sizes. One AU = one 1,000-lb cow. Your total stocking rate is calculated in AUs, then multiplied by the acres-per-AU standard for your pasture type. These values are published by the county.

Animal	Animal Units	Source
cow	1	County-published
bull	1	County-published
calf 500 lb	0.5	County-published
sheep	0.2	County-published
goat	0.2	County-published
axis	0.2	County-published
horse	1.5	County-published

Required Documents

Form 50-129, Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal
Documentation showing proof of agriculture use on the property for 5 of the 7 previous years
An aerial photo with an identified location of hives, if applying for beekeeping

Discretionary Caveats

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"Properties with multi land types will be treated case by case."

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"Properties that qualify under this exception may be asked to reapply annually."

Frequently Asked Questions — Caldwell County

: Caldwell CAD lists a 4-animal-unit minimum for improved pasture at 3 acres per animal unit. That is 4 AUs × 3 acres per AU = 12 acres.
: A 15-acre property falls in Caldwell CAD’s 14.00–15.49-acre band, which requires 12 hives.
: The mixed-brush standard is 16 acres per animal unit and requires 4 animal units. The listed minimum is therefore 4 × 16 = 64 acres.

Caldwell County Appraisal District

Phone: 512-398-5550
Email: publicinformation@caldwellcad.org
Address: P.O. Box 900, Lockhart, TX 78644-0900
Website: https://caldwellcad.org

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LandTally is an informational and record-keeping tool. It does not provide tax, legal, or appraisal advice, and is not affiliated with any county appraisal district. Requirements are set by your county and may change — always confirm details with your county appraisal district before acting.

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