How many active hives are needed on 12.5 acres in Parker County?

Parker CAD starts at 6 active hives on 5 acres and adds one hive per additional 2.5 acres. At 12.5 acres, that is 9 active hives.

What pasture acreage thresholds does Parker CAD publish?

Parker CAD’s seminar lists a 10-acre minimum for native pasture and a 5-acre minimum for improved pasture. It describes improved pasture as cleared and planted with improved grasses for hay or grazing.

What does Parker County require for wildlife management?

The land must already qualify for agricultural use, contain at least 20 acres, and meet 3 listed practices such as habitat or predator control, supplemental food or water, shelter, or census counts.

Parker County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)

Last verified 2026-07-11 · Source: Parker County Appraisal District official guidelines

Parker County lies immediately west of Fort Worth, where equestrian properties, hay ground, and native pasture coexist with fast suburban growth. Parker CAD’s published seminar gives landowners concrete acreage and hive thresholds for improved pasture, native pasture, beekeeping, orchards, and wildlife management.

Min. Acreage

3 ac

History Requirement

Land must have been devoted to a qualifying agricultural use for at least 5 of the last 7 years.

Application Window

January 1 – April 30

CAD Phone

(817) 596-0077

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 are statewide default values — confirm with your CAD.

Animal	Animal Units	Source
cow	1	Statewide default
cow calf	1	Statewide default
horse	1	Statewide default
sheep	0.2	Statewide default
goat	0.17	Statewide default
deer	0.2	Statewide default
turkey	0.018	Statewide default
chicken	0.01	Statewide default

Wildlife Management Option

Parker 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.

The land must currently qualify for agricultural use, have at least 20 acres in Parker County, and meet three listed wildlife-management practices.

Required Documents

Form 50-129, Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal
Wildlife management plan using the appropriate Texas Parks and Wildlife Department form, if the land is used for wildlife management

Discretionary Caveats

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"The agricultural use must be to the degree of intensity generally accepted in the area."

Frequently Asked Questions — Parker County

: Parker CAD starts at 6 active hives on 5 acres and adds one hive per additional 2.5 acres. At 12.5 acres, that is 9 active hives.
: Parker CAD’s seminar lists a 10-acre minimum for native pasture and a 5-acre minimum for improved pasture. It describes improved pasture as cleared and planted with improved grasses for hay or grazing.
: The land must already qualify for agricultural use, contain at least 20 acres, and meet 3 listed practices such as habitat or predator control, supplemental food or water, shelter, or census counts.

Parker County Appraisal District

Phone: (817) 596-0077
Email: parkercad@parkercad.org
Address: 1108 Santa Fe Dr., Weatherford, TX 76086-5818
Website: https://www.parkercad.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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