Ag Valuation
Agricultural Land Valuation and Farming in Hardeman County
Texas law lets qualifying farm and ranch land be taxed on its agricultural value rather than market value, which can significantly lower the tax bill.
Hardeman County has a long farming history. Wheat, cotton, peanuts, and hay are among the main crops. If you buy agricultural land, you may qualify for an 'ag valuation' — officially called an open-space or agricultural appraisal. This lets the county tax your land based on what it produces, not what it would sell for.
Qualifying uses include dryland or irrigated crops, cattle grazing, and some wildlife management programs. The land must have been used for agriculture for at least five of the past seven years. Apply at the Hardeman County Appraisal District. Losing an ag valuation triggers a rollback tax, so confirm the land qualifies before you buy. Check hardemancad.org or the Texas Comptroller site for forms and details.
Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Agricultural and Timber Exemptions