How many cattle can Henderson County's native pasture support?

Henderson CAD's cattle standard is 1 animal unit per 3 acres of native pasture, with a 10-acre minimum. A 12-acre native-pasture tract therefore supports 12 ÷ 3 = 4 animal units.

How many hives are needed on 12.5 acres in Henderson County?

The standard begins with 6 hives on the first 5 acres and adds 1 hive for each additional 2.5 acres. The additional 7.5 acres require 7.5 ÷ 2.5 = 3 more hives, for 9 hives total.

Can a 5-acre Henderson County tract qualify with sheep or goats?

Yes, the published sheep/goat minimum is 5 acres. On native pasture the rate is 1 animal unit per 4 acres; on improved pasture it is 1 animal unit per 5 acres. Henderson CAD equates 6 sheep or goats to 1 animal unit.

What does Henderson CAD require for wildlife management?

The property must already be receiving 1-d-1 agricultural or timberland valuation. The owner must attach a Texas Parks & Wildlife management plan and photos, then implement at least 3 of the 7 listed wildlife-management practices.

Henderson County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)

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

Henderson County lies in East Texas southeast of Dallas, around Athens and Cedar Creek Lake, where cattle, horses, sheep and goats, hay, orchards, row crops, and apiaries are all recognized agricultural uses. Henderson CAD's 2026 guidelines are especially useful because they publish separate stocking rates and acreage minimums for cattle, registered horses, and sheep or goats, plus a clear hive formula.

Min. Acreage

0 ac

History Requirement

Land must have been used for this purpose at least five of the preceding seven years.

Application Window

January 1 – April 30

CAD Phone

903-675-9296

Grazing Intensity Standards

Pasture Type	Acres per Animal Unit	Confidence
cattle native pasture	3 acres / AU	✓ Verified
cattle improved pasture	2 acres / AU	✓ Verified
horses native pasture	4 acres / AU	✓ Verified
horses improved pasture	3 acres / AU	✓ Verified
sheep/goats native pasture	4 acres / AU	✓ Verified
sheep/goats improved pasture	5 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
bull	1.5	County-published
cow	0.75	County-published
calf	0.25	County-published
horse/mule	1	County-published
sheep/goat	0.1666666667	County-published

Wildlife Management Option

Henderson 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.

Property must currently be receiving Agricultural Land Valuation (1-d-1) or Timberland Valuation. A copy of the wildlife management plan on the Texas Parks & Wildlife form and photos must be attached to the application. At least three of seven listed practices are required; an annual report is required only if requested by the Chief Appraiser.

Required Documents

Form 50-129, Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal
Supplement to Open-Space Land Application (1-D-1 agricultural land)
A copy of your Wildlife Management Plan on the TPW (Texas Parks & Wildlife) form, if applying for wildlife management
Photos with your wildlife management application, if applying for wildlife management

Discretionary Caveats

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"NOTE: EACH OPEN-SPACE LAND APPLICATION WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS"

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"Minimum acreage not stated in published document — confirm with CAD. The guidelines instead state use-specific minimums."

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"HOGS / CHICKENS DO NOT QUALIFY (ONLY FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATION)"

Frequently Asked Questions — Henderson County

: Henderson CAD's cattle standard is 1 animal unit per 3 acres of native pasture, with a 10-acre minimum. A 12-acre native-pasture tract therefore supports 12 ÷ 3 = 4 animal units.
: The standard begins with 6 hives on the first 5 acres and adds 1 hive for each additional 2.5 acres. The additional 7.5 acres require 7.5 ÷ 2.5 = 3 more hives, for 9 hives total.
: Yes, the published sheep/goat minimum is 5 acres. On native pasture the rate is 1 animal unit per 4 acres; on improved pasture it is 1 animal unit per 5 acres. Henderson CAD equates 6 sheep or goats to 1 animal unit.
: The property must already be receiving 1-d-1 agricultural or timberland valuation. The owner must attach a Texas Parks & Wildlife management plan and photos, then implement at least 3 of the 7 listed wildlife-management practices.

Henderson County Appraisal District

Phone: 903-675-9296
Email: hendersoncad@hcadtx.org
Address: P.O. Box 430, Athens, TX 75751-0430
Website: http://www.henderson-cad.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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