How much improved pasture is recommended for Collin County's livestock minimum?

CCAD requires at least 2 animal units on pasture for most of 180 days. Its recommended improved-pasture rate is 3–5 acres per animal unit, so 2 AUs correspond to 6–10 acres of improved pasture.

How many hives are needed on 16.3 acres in Collin County?

CCAD starts with 6 hives on the first 5 acres and adds 1 hive per additional 2.5 acres. The remaining 11.3 acres contain four complete 2.5-acre increments, so 6 + 4 = 10 hives; the guideline gives this same 16.3-acre example.

What does Collin CAD expect for a five-acre improved-grass hay operation?

The guideline lists a 5-acre minimum, 2–3 cuttings per year, and about 60 square bales or 3 round bales per acre per cutting for improved grasses. It identifies 15,000 pounds as the equivalent weight for that minimum operation.

Can land convert directly from a non-agricultural use to wildlife management?

No. CCAD says the tract must already have qualified and been appraised as 1-d-1 agricultural land in the prior year. The owner must also complete a wildlife plan, perform at least 3 of 7 practices, and report annual activity.

Collin County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)

Last verified 2026-07-12 · Source: Collin Central Appraisal District official guidelines

Collin County lies north of Dallas in the Blackland Prairie, where cattle grazing, hay production, grain crops, and small apiaries coexist with rapid suburban growth. Collin Central Appraisal District’s guidelines are especially useful for small rural tracts because they pair recommended pasture stocking ranges with a two-animal-unit minimum and a precise hive formula.

Min. Acreage

0 ac

History Requirement

The land must have been devoted to a qualifying agricultural use for at least five (5) of the preceding seven (7) years.

Application Window

January 1 – April 30

CAD Phone

469-742-9200

Grazing Intensity Standards

Pasture Type	Acres per Animal Unit	Confidence
Improved	3 acres / AU	✓ Verified
Native	4 acres / AU	✓ Verified

Beekeeping Intensity Standards

Acreage Range	Base Hives	Extra Hives/Acre (above base)	Confidence
5–20 acres	6	0.4	✓ 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
calf	0.5	County-published
sheep	0.1666666667	County-published
goat	0.1428571429	County-published
horse	1	County-published

Wildlife Management Option

Collin County allows wildlife management as a qualifying use. Landowners must implement at least 3 of the seven recognized wildlife management practices defined by Texas Parks and Wildlife. An annual wildlife management plan report is required.

Land must have qualified and been appraised as agricultural land under 1-d-1 in the year prior to conversion. A Wildlife Management Plan shall be completed on a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department form for each tract. The owner must perform at least three of seven wildlife-management activities, and CCAD mails each qualifying property a Wildlife Management Annual Report to detail actions taken during the year.

Required Documents

Form 50-129, Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal
Wildlife Management Plan completed on a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department form, if applying for wildlife management
Beekeeping Annual Report and recent evidence of use, if applying for beekeeping

Discretionary Caveats

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"It should be noted that these guidelines are to be used as a general guide for qualifying agricultural land. Exceptions to this guide will be handled on a case-by-case basis. All contiguous parcels can be considered on a stand alone basis with consideration being given to common ownership."

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"CCAD requires a minimum of two (2) animal units run on pastureland for the majority of the year (180 days) to qualify for 1-d-1 agricultural appraisal."

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"Degree of intensity standards are subject to change from year to year."

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"Minimum acreage not stated in published document — confirm with CAD."

Frequently Asked Questions — Collin County

: CCAD requires at least 2 animal units on pasture for most of 180 days. Its recommended improved-pasture rate is 3–5 acres per animal unit, so 2 AUs correspond to 6–10 acres of improved pasture.
: CCAD starts with 6 hives on the first 5 acres and adds 1 hive per additional 2.5 acres. The remaining 11.3 acres contain four complete 2.5-acre increments, so 6 + 4 = 10 hives; the guideline gives this same 16.3-acre example.
: The guideline lists a 5-acre minimum, 2–3 cuttings per year, and about 60 square bales or 3 round bales per acre per cutting for improved grasses. It identifies 15,000 pounds as the equivalent weight for that minimum operation.
: No. CCAD says the tract must already have qualified and been appraised as 1-d-1 agricultural land in the prior year. The owner must also complete a wildlife plan, perform at least 3 of 7 practices, and report annual activity.

Collin Central Appraisal District

Phone: 469-742-9200
Email: marty.wright@cadcollin.org
Address: 250 Eldorado Pkwy. McKinney, TX 75069-8023
Website: https://www.collincad.org

Nearby Counties

See all documented counties →

Learn the Basics

Get a free reminder before Collin County's next ag exemption deadline

Join the waitlist — we'll email you before the dates that matter, and you'll get first access to the app when it's ready.

Join the waitlist

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.

Spotted an error or outdated information? Let us know →