Washington County, TX — Ag Exemption Requirements (2026)
Washington County lies between Houston and Austin in the Brazos River country around Brenham, where cattle, hay, cropland, orchards, vineyards, and beekeeping are established agricultural uses. Washington CAD's manual is especially useful because it pairs pasture-specific animal-unit ranges with an active-hive table and detailed wildlife-management conversion rules for small rural tracts.
Grazing Intensity Standards
| Pasture Type | Acres per Animal Unit | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Native Pasture | 7 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 | 0.4 | ✓ 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 with calf or bull | 1 | County-published |
| young cattle 1 to 2 years | 0.5 | County-published |
| calf under 1 year | 0.25 | County-published |
| mature horse | 1 | County-published |
| colt | 0.5 | County-published |
| sheep | 0.1428571429 | County-published |
| goats | 0.1428571429 | County-published |
| exotics | 1 | County-published |
Wildlife Management Option
Washington 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.
Land must have qualified for and been appraised as agricultural land in the prior tax year. The owner must submit an agricultural application and a Texas Parks and Wildlife wildlife management plan that details at least 3 of 7 activities. A stand-alone tract reduced from the prior year must be at least 16.7 acres; tracts in a Wildlife Management Property Association or with endangered species must have at least 11 acres. WCAD inspects wildlife property at least once every three years, and an owner may submit a report instead of an onsite review.
Required Documents
- Form 50-129, Application for 1-d-1 (Open-Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal
- Texas Parks and Wildlife wildlife management plan, if converting agricultural land to wildlife management
Discretionary Caveats
"Degrees of intensity in Washington County are based on actual use. Certain tracts within a defined area may demonstrate unique geographic or topographic characteristics that may increase or decrease the minimum level of intensity for that parcel."
"Note: Most properties that are less than five (5) acres and include a residence are considered principal use residential and will not qualify for agricultural value. The chief appraiser may make exceptions for tracts that are used in conjunction with other agricultural land and/or for operations that can prove adequate intensity. Vacant land less than five (5) acres will usually not be able to meet the minimum intensity standards and will typically be denied ag."
"Grazing standards are published as ranges: Native Pasture 7-15; Improved Pasture 3-5."
"Minimum acreage not stated in published document — confirm with CAD."
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington County
- Washington CAD publishes native pasture at 7–15 acres per animal unit. For 3 animal units, that range is 3 × 7 = 21 acres to 3 × 15 = 45 acres, subject to the parcel's actual-use and site characteristics.
- Washington CAD publishes improved pasture at 3–5 acres per animal unit. For 3 animal units, that is 3 × 3 = 9 acres to 3 × 5 = 15 acres, subject to the parcel's actual-use and site characteristics.
- Washington CAD's apiary table lists 10 active hives at 15 acres. The table begins at 6 active hives on 5 acres and adds one hive for each additional 2.5-acre step through 20 acres.
- The land must have qualified for agricultural appraisal in the prior tax year, and a reduced stand-alone tract must contain at least 16.7 acres. The owner must submit an agricultural application and TPWD wildlife plan showing at least 3 of 7 management activities.
Washington County Appraisal District
- Phone
- 979-277-3740
- wcad@brenhamk-12.net
- Address
- P.O. Box 681 Brenham, TX 77834-0681
- Website
- https://washingtoncad.org
Nearby Counties
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