bee keeping as ag exemption (Austin: universities, taxes, exemptions)

[Austin97]

I discovered that if you have 5-20 acres you can host bees and get an ag exemption.

I am working with a company that will start the process, but I was wondering if anyone knew of solid groups to maintain the bees long term? Im sure the company will recommend a group, but I like to get alternate opinions as well.

for example central texas bee rescue and preserve removes bees for free then establishes the hive elsewhere.

[FalconheadWest]

Did you get the LivingSocial email this morning for the Bee Keeping class? Regular price is $250 and the deal is for $78.99.

[Austin97]

unfortunately I dont have time for another hobby. im just looking for people that want to do it on my property

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Austin97

unfortunately I dont have time for another hobby. im just looking for people that want to do it on my property

Let the Central Texas Bee Keepers Association know. Normally it takes five years to establish your ag - not sure about bee keeping.

[Austin97]

takes 5 years with beekeeping

ecolab is immediate

[10scoachrick]

With all this buzz about ag exemptions, be careful not to get caught in a sting operation. Sounds like a honey of an idea, though. You're smart to comb through as much info as you can.

[Trainwreck20]

I am guessing that it would still take five years to establish the exemption, though? I don't know of any county that allows 'immediate' ag exemptions for property that does not have one already...

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

I am guessing that it would still take five years to establish the exemption, though? I don't know of any county that allows 'immediate' ag exemptions for property that does not have one already...

here is what one company says:

For land that loses “Ag” valuation, Plateau works closely with our sister company, Braun & Gresham, and we have an interesting and effective alternative to paying taxes on market value for five years while reestablishing agricultural use. Taxes can be returned to “Ag” rates immediately if the property is made available for ecological research. Most appraisal districts allow an Ecolab property to move into wildlife management after two years or agricultural use after five. Plateau and Braun & Gresham are uniquely able to set up qualifying Ecolabs through our many relationships with colleges and universities.

[TexasHorseLady]

It can also be returned to ag use quickly if it only lost it for a year or so. There's a difference, though, between re-establishing and initially establishing ag. Plateau knows their stuff, but they seem to have worded that pretty carefully. Will get in touch with them and find out - they don't say that (or haven't the last three times I've attended) in their wildlife ag seminars.

[Trainwreck20]

Yes, 'loses' the ag valuation appears to be an important part of equation, as opposed to initially establishing.