Agricultural & Timber Tax Exemption in Cottle County, Texas

Agricultural Exemption Requirements in Cottle County

Cottle County is located in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas. The Rolling Plains supports cattle ranching on native rangeland alongside wheat, cotton, and grain sorghum production. Properties tend to be larger with moderate stocking rates. Mesquite management is a common challenge.

To maintain an agricultural tax valuation (1-D-1 special appraisal) in Cottle County, property owners must:

• Use the land primarily for agriculture, timber, or a qualifying agricultural purpose
• Meet the Cottle County Appraisal District's intensity standards for their specific land use (stocking rates, crop production minimums, etc.)
• Have been in qualifying agricultural use for at least 5 of the preceding 7 years
• File the appropriate application or renewal with the Cottle County Appraisal District
• Maintain documentation of agricultural activities, expenses, and production records

Qualifying Agricultural Uses in Cottle County

The following agricultural uses typically qualify for 1-D-1 special appraisal in Cottle County:

• Livestock Grazing — Cattle, goats, sheep, horses, exotic livestock
• Crop Production — Row crops, grain, vegetables, cotton
• Hay Production — Coastal bermuda, native hay, alfalfa
• Beekeeping — Minimum 6 hives on 5-20 acres in most counties
• Orchard / Vineyard — Fruit trees, pecans, grapes
• Aquaculture — Fish farming, crawfish production

Each use type has specific intensity requirements set by the Cottle County Appraisal District. Contact them directly for current stocking rates, minimum acreage, and production requirements in Cottle County.

Cottle County Appraisal District Contact Information

Intensity Standards in Cottle County

Each county appraisal district sets its own intensity standards — the minimum level of agricultural activity required to qualify for special appraisal. Native rangeland typically requires 1 AU per 12-20 acres. Cropland must show active cultivation. Wheat and cotton are primary crops.

Contact the Cottle County Appraisal District at (806) 492-3638 for the exact intensity standards applicable to your property in Cottle County.

Learn more about intensity standards → · Animal unit equivalents →

What Happens If You Don't Comply in Cottle County?

Common triggers for rollback taxes include:

• Stocking rate dropping below the county's intensity minimum
• Failing to file required applications or renewals
• Change of use (converting ag land to residential or commercial use)
• Subdividing property below the minimum qualifying acreage
• Ownership transfer without timely reapplication

Learn more about rollback taxes →

Other Counties in the Rolling Plains Ecoregion