Upshur County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)
Upshur County is in the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas, northwest of Longview, where cattle grazing, hay production, and timber are important rural land uses. Upshur CAD's published standards are especially useful for small grazing tracts because they state both a three-acre grazing minimum and livestock-specific animal-unit rates.
Grazing Intensity Standards
| Pasture Type | Acres per Animal Unit | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cow/calf | 3 acres / AU | ✓ Verified |
| Mare/foal | 3 acres / AU | ✓ Verified |
| Goat/kid | 0.3333333333 acres / AU | ✓ 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 calf | 1 | County-published |
| mare foal | 1 | County-published |
| goat kid | 1 | County-published |
Required Documents
- Form 50-129, Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal
- Minimum of 3 receipts and/or bills in any combination
- Copy of receipts for livestock purchased/sold
- Copy of feed/fertilizer bills
- Copy of vet bills
- A current written agreement between the land owner and the owner of the livestock stating that the land owner is allowing the owner of the livestock to graze on the property. It must also include who is responsible for fencing, fencing maintenance and fertilization. Both parties must sign and date the agreement.
Discretionary Caveats
"Beekeeping intensity standards not found in published document — confirm with CAD."
"The document states: "Minimum of 3 acres designated to grazing pasture" and "Minimum of 5 acres designated to other agricultural land.""
"All agricultural/timber land subject to an on-site review."
Frequently Asked Questions — Upshur County
- Upshur CAD lists one cow/calf animal unit per 3 acres. 12 acres ÷ 3 acres per animal unit = 4 cow/calf animal units.
- Upshur CAD lists 3 goat/kid animal units per acre. 2 acres × 3 animal units per acre = 6 goat/kid animal units.
- The published guideline sets a minimum of 3 acres designated to grazing pasture. It separately sets a minimum of 5 acres designated to other agricultural land.
Upshur County Appraisal District
- Phone
- 903-843-3041
- Address
- 105 Diamond Loch Rd., Gilmer, TX 75644-9372
- Website
- https://www.upshur-cad.org/
Nearby Counties
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