Question 1

Can beekeeping help me get an agricultural valuation?

Accepted Answer

For qualifying Texas properties, a managed beekeeping operation can be one path toward establishing or maintaining agricultural use. Eligibility depends on your acreage, county, and the use-history requirements set by your county appraisal district. We provide the bees, maintenance, and documentation — but we cannot guarantee an outcome; final approval is up to your CAD.

Question 2

How many acres do I need?

Accepted Answer

Beekeeping agricultural valuation may be available for qualifying properties generally between 5 and 20 acres of ag-use land. Residential homesites may reduce the eligible acreage. We'll review your specific property during a free property review.

Question 3

How many hives are required?

Accepted Answer

The required hive count varies based on your acreage, local intensity standards, and your county appraisal district. We'll recommend a hive count and placement plan after reviewing your land.

Question 4

Do you handle the maintenance, or do I?

Accepted Answer

We do. Leased hives are fully managed — placement, scheduled inspections, colony health, splits, and over-wintering are on us for the length of the lease. You also receive placement and maintenance records you can use for valuation filings.

Question 5

When are nucs available?

Accepted Answer

Spring nucs are ready March through May, timed to the Hill Country wildflower flow. We open reservations each February and they fill fast.

Question 6

Do I need my own hive body?

Accepted Answer

Yes — nucs are sold as the five frames only. Bring a deep hive body (or buy one from us) to transfer them into the same day.

Question 7

What's the queen guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Every nuc leaves queen-right with a laying queen and a healthy brood pattern. If she fails within seven days of pickup, we'll replace her.

Question 8

Can you deliver?

Accepted Answer

We deliver within the Hill Country for orders of two or more nucs. Single nucs are pickup-only at the New Braunfels apiary.

Question 9

I'm brand new to bees. Can you set up my first hive?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our turnkey hive setup includes the hive, a colony, hardware, smart siting, a starter gear kit, and a hands-on walk-through of your first inspection. The Backyard package is built for first-timers.

Question 10

What if a colony fails after setup?

Accepted Answer

Every installed colony is queen-right and established on setup day. If a colony fails to settle within 30 days, we'll requeen or replace it — no extra charge.

Question 11

Do I need experience to take a class?

Accepted Answer

No. Beekeeping 101 is designed for complete beginners — veils on, hives open, gear provided. You'll leave able to open a hive and read what you see.

Question 12

Where are classes held?

Accepted Answer

All classes are held outdoors at the New Braunfels apiary with live colonies. They stay small so everyone gets time at the frames.

Beekeeping questions, answered.

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