How many animal units do I need for an improved-pasture operation in Tarrant County?

Tarrant CAD lists four animal units as the minimum for both improved and native pasture. At the published improved-pasture rate of 3–5 acres per animal unit, four animal units correspond to a typical range of 12–20 acres, although the document separately lists an 8-acre minimum.

How much native pasture is typical for four animal units in Tarrant County?

Tarrant CAD’s native-pasture range is 6–7 acres per animal unit. Four animal units therefore need about 24–28 acres of native pasture, and the district also requires sufficient forage to provide their primary nourishment.

What does Tarrant CAD require for a beekeeping agricultural use?

The published beekeeping standard applies to 5–20 acres and requires at least 6 colonies or hives. Tarrant CAD also says a usable water source must be within one-quarter mile of the hives.

What is the minimum tract size for dry-crop production in Tarrant County?

Tarrant CAD lists a 10-acre minimum for dry cropland. Its examples are wheat, oats, corn, and grain sorghum, with tilling, planting, herbicide, fertilizer, and harvest identified as required practices.

Tarrant County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)

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

Tarrant County surrounds Fort Worth in the western half of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, where remaining rural tracts support cattle, horses, Coastal Bermuda hay, dry crops, and small apiaries. Tarrant Appraisal District’s test is particularly useful on this urban fringe because it pairs acreage thresholds with a four-animal-unit livestock minimum and specific management expectations.

Min. Acreage

0 ac

History Requirement

Land must have been devoted principally to agricultural use for five (5) of the preceding seven (7) years. Land located within an incorporated city or town must have been devoted principally to agricultural use continuously for the preceding five (5) years.

Application Window

January 1 – April 30

CAD Phone

817-284-0024

Grazing Intensity Standards

Pasture Type	Acres per Animal Unit	Confidence
native pasture	6 acres / AU	✓ Verified
improved pasture	3 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
sheep	0.2	County-published
goat	0.1666666667	County-published
yearling	0.5	County-published
horse	1	County-published

Required Documents

Form 50-129, Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal

Discretionary Caveats

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

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

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"A typical stocking rate for native pasture is 6-7 acres per animal unit."

⚠ Not a fixed rule — confirm with the CAD.

"A typical stocking rate for improved pasture is 3-5 acres per animal unit."

Frequently Asked Questions — Tarrant County

: Tarrant CAD lists four animal units as the minimum for both improved and native pasture. At the published improved-pasture rate of 3–5 acres per animal unit, four animal units correspond to a typical range of 12–20 acres, although the document separately lists an 8-acre minimum.
: Tarrant CAD’s native-pasture range is 6–7 acres per animal unit. Four animal units therefore need about 24–28 acres of native pasture, and the district also requires sufficient forage to provide their primary nourishment.
: The published beekeeping standard applies to 5–20 acres and requires at least 6 colonies or hives. Tarrant CAD also says a usable water source must be within one-quarter mile of the hives.
: Tarrant CAD lists a 10-acre minimum for dry cropland. Its examples are wheat, oats, corn, and grain sorghum, with tilling, planting, herbicide, fertilizer, and harvest identified as required practices.

Tarrant Appraisal District

Phone: 817-284-0024
Email: chiefappraiser@tad.org
Address: 2500 Handley-Ederville Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76118-6909
Website: https://www.tad.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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