Arkansas
How Agricultural Use Valuation Works
Arkansas law allows landowners using property for agriculture — including beekeeping — to have it assessed at its agricultural productivity value instead of market value.
Check your property
Enter your county, acreage, and current assessed value above. We'll estimate your savings based on your county's tax rates and agricultural productivity values.
See your savings
Get an instant estimate of how much you could save annually, the number of hives you'd need, and your return on investment.
Get your free guide
Download a county-specific guide with your County Assessor's contact info, application tips, and the March 1 deadline.
Why Arkansas Is Great for Beekeeping
Arkansas's climate and legal framework make it an excellent state for combining beekeeping with property tax savings.
Diverse Forage Sources
Arkansas's forests, wildflowers, and agricultural crops provide excellent bee forage year-round, from spring blackberry blooms to fall goldenrod.
Straightforward Process
File your agricultural use application with your County Assessor by March 1. Once approved, your classification typically continues annually as long as agricultural use continues.
Significant Tax Savings
Arkansas assesses agricultural land at productivity value rather than market value — often 40-70% lower, resulting in substantial annual tax savings.
Quality Honey Production
Arkansas hives typically produce 50+ lbs of honey per year. Local raw honey sells for $15-25/lb, providing income alongside your tax savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arkansas agricultural use valuation?
Under Arkansas law, land used for "bona fide agricultural purposes" — including beekeeping — is assessed at its agricultural productivity value instead of market value. This typically reduces the taxable value of the land by 40–70%, leading to significant property tax savings for Arkansas landowners.
What are the minimum requirements?
Requirements vary by county, but most Arkansas counties require a minimum of 5 acres and 5 beehives to qualify for agricultural use valuation. The application must be filed with your County Assessor by March 1 each year.
When is the application deadline?
March 1 of each year. First-time applicants must file a full application with their County Assessor. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply with a late filing, but it's not guaranteed to be accepted. After your first year, the classification typically continues as long as agricultural use continues.
How many beehives do I need?
Arkansas law doesn't specify an exact number — it requires "bona fide agricultural use." In practice, most County Assessors look for at least 5 hives on minimum acreage, with roughly 1 additional hive per 5 acres beyond that. Our calculator estimates the appropriate number based on your county's typical requirements.
How much does it cost to get started with bees?
A basic hive setup runs about $197 for equipment and $260 for a nucleus colony (nuc) of bees — roughly $457 per hive. Annual maintenance (mite treatments, feed, replacement parts) averages around $75 per hive. Most beekeepers also earn income from honey: Arkansas hives typically produce 50 lbs per year, which sells for about $20/lb locally.
Can I combine this with homestead exemption?
Yes. Agricultural use valuation and homestead exemption are separate programs and can be combined. Your home and the surrounding 1 acre continue to receive any applicable homestead benefits and are taxed at market rate. The agricultural use valuation applies to your remaining qualifying acreage, reducing that land's taxable value.
Do I need beekeeping experience?
No prior experience is needed. BeeKings provides hives, bees, equipment, hands-on training, and ongoing support. Arkansas also has excellent local beekeeping associations and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service for education. You may need to register your apiary with the Arkansas State Plant Board.
How long does approval take?
If you file by March 1, your County Assessor will evaluate your application and typically notify you within a few months. If denied, you can appeal. Once approved, the classification typically stays in effect as long as your agricultural use continues — you don't need to reapply annually in most cases.
Ready to See Your Savings?
Use the calculator above to get a free, instant estimate for your Arkansas property
Free • Instant • No spam
Arkansas Beekeeping Agricultural Use Valuation Guide
What is Arkansas agricultural use valuation? Arkansas law allows landowners to have their property assessed at its agricultural productivity value instead of market value if it's being used for bona fide agricultural purposes — which explicitly includes beekeeping. This typically reduces the taxable value of the land by 40–70%, resulting in substantial property tax savings for Arkansas landowners.
Minimum requirements. Most Arkansas counties require a minimum of 5 acres to qualify for agricultural use valuation. You'll also need to demonstrate genuine agricultural activity — typically 5 beehives on minimum acreage, with roughly 1 additional hive per 5 acres beyond that. Requirements may vary slightly by county.
How many beehives do I need? While Arkansas law doesn't specify an exact number, most County Assessors look for 5 hives on minimum acreage (5 acres), with approximately 1 additional hive per 5 acres beyond that. Our calculator estimates the appropriate number based on your county's typical requirements and your property size.
Arkansas's beekeeping advantage. Arkansas's diverse landscape — from Ozark forests to Delta farmland — provides excellent bee forage throughout the growing season. Arkansas hives typically produce 50+ lbs of honey per year. At $15-25/lb for local raw honey, that's meaningful income on top of your tax savings.
All 75 Arkansas counties. Our calculator covers every Arkansas county, from Benton and Washington in the northwest to Chicot and Ashley in the southeast. Each county has its own County Assessor and tax rates, and we factor in your county's specific data to give you the most accurate estimate possible.