Texas Tax Break Fuels Beekeeping Boom
A Texas tax break implemented in 2012 has spurred a significant increase in beekeeping operations across the state, leading to both opportunities and challenges for novice and professional beekeepers alike. This policy change has not only benefited commercial beekeepers but also attracted hobbyists, although concerns remain about the sustainability and proper management of beekeeping operations.
Texas Tax Break Fuels Beekeeping Boom
In San Antonio, entomologist Molly Keck recently shared some essential tips with 26 aspiring beekeepers: watch out for beetles that might eat pollen patties, be aware that bees can get irritable on overcast days, and ensure that bee hives are properly sealed to prevent any unintended car escapes.
Keck, 42, who works at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, has been teaching Beekeeping 101 for around twelve years. She recalls how interest in beekeeping skyrocketed following the enactment of a Texas law that offered significant property tax cuts to landowners with small plots if they kept bees. "The bee bill," as it came to be known, was passed in 2012 and led to a surge in beekeeping classes like Keck's.
The impact of the law was substantial. A recent analysis by a Washington Post data columnist revealed that the number of beekeeping operations in Texas soared from 1,851 in 2012 to 8,939 by 2022, surpassing the combined numbers of the bottom 21 states.
This increase in interest came at a critical time when honey bee populations were under threat nationwide. Juliana Rangel, a professor of apiculture at Texas A&M University, noted that factors such as habitat loss due to development, pesticide use, and climate change-induced extreme weather events were contributing to the decline. The introduction of the varroa mite, a persistent parasite that transmits viruses, has also been devastating for honey bee colonies, with annual losses averaging between 30% to 45%.
The Texas tax break provided a much-needed boost of optimism for the beekeeping community. With more beekeeping operations came the hope of more bees, essential for pollinating crops from South Texas watermelons to North Texas cucumbers.
However, the policy also raised concerns. While it attracted a wave of new beekeepers, many were inexperienced and struggled with proper hive management, potentially exposing bees to diseases. Overpopulation of bees in certain areas lacking sufficient natural food sources became another issue of contention.
"This increase has definitely piqued the interest of many, possibly not for the right reasons," Rangel cautioned. "Beekeepers are getting more inventive in how they make money."
Serendipity Leads to the "Bee Bill"
The journey to beekeeping qualifying for tax cuts began with a conversation between wildlife biologist Dennis Herbert and Andrea Williams McCoy, chief of staff for a newly-elected state representative in East Texas. Herbert, who had retired from managing natural resources at Fort Hood, suggested adding bees to the list of agricultural exemptions. McCoy, who had experience raising bees as a girl, was surprised to learn that beekeepers did not already qualify for tax reductions.
State Rep. George Lavender of Texarkana subsequently introduced the bill, which required a minimum of five acres for beekeeping operations, but left it up to local regions to determine hive requirements due to the diversity of local ecosystems.
The bill faced some opposition, notably from county appraisal districts concerned about reduced tax revenues. Despite this, the bill was eventually passed as an amendment to another piece of legislation.
Reflecting on the bill's success, Herbert mused, "It was all due to the problems facing bees, the losses that were occurring, and the importance of bees as pollinators. You need an incentive for those small landowners; they have something that's necessary and extremely important."
Beekeeping Isn’t Easy
Beekeeping has become a popular choice for obtaining tax reductions on smaller or less fertile land, but it is neither inexpensive nor simple.
The day after their classroom lessons with Keck, Marci Pehl and her husband Jim, both retirees living on nearly seven acres near San Antonio, attended a hands-on session inspecting hives at Keck's home in Boerne.
For the Pehls, who were surprised by a $4,800 tax bill on their property, beekeeping could provide both savings and enjoyment in retirement. They were intrigued by the peacefulness of their large property and its natural scenery.
Crystal Treviño, a government contracting professional, had purchased 11 acres near her parents' property southwest of San Antonio. She had hired someone to care for bees, viewing them as a low-maintenance alternative to goats or sheep.
Accompanied by her godsister Melissa Bustamante, a bank employee, Treviño expressed confidence in their ability to manage bees after mastering the required skills.
Business is Booming for Beekeepers
When new beekeepers in Texas decide to quit, many of them turn to professionals like Gary Barber for assistance.
"Some people are beekeepers, and some are bee havers," Barber quipped.
The 50-year-old beekeeper and his team recently faced a May 31 deadline to place bees on properties in Dallas-area counties in time to qualify for the tax reduction. They managed about 200 sites, using a data management system called "Nectar" to track their progress.
Barber, who once worked as a photographer for The Dallas Morning News, has become a bee enthusiast. His iPhone background features bees, and the phone autocorrects "be" to "bee." He has even tattooed a bee on his left shoulder and leg.
Despite the challenges, Barber believes that the state tax break is helping to restore habitats and increase beekeepers and bees. "We love this law," he said. "It's a gift from the state of Texas."
Conclusion: The Texas tax break for beekeeping has sparked a significant increase in beekeeping operations, providing both opportunities and challenges for the beekeeping community. While the law has bolstered commercial and hobbyist beekeeping, concerns remain about the sustainability and proper management of beekeeping operations.
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