How many acres do I need for ag valuation in Texas?

It varies by county and use. Most counties require at least 10–15 acres for cattle; beekeeping qualifies on as few as 5; row crops can qualify on smaller parcels. Get your county's intensity standard in writing.

Is wildlife valuation easier than ag?

For absentee, recreational, or hands-off landowners — yes, by a long shot. No fences to maintain, no livestock to manage, no hay to bale. You do need a written plan and documented activities.

What is rollback tax?

If you remove land from 1-d-1 valuation, the county recaptures 3 years (5 in some cases) of the tax difference, plus interest. Plan with a CPA before you change use or sell.

Can I qualify on the year I buy the land?

Not for new use. The land must have 5 years of qualifying use before you qualify — though if the prior owner was already in 1-d-1, you can typically continue it without restarting the clock.