Okay- I'm helping my MIL get bees set up at her house for her Ag exemption (Robertson county).

I am a complete newbie to this, as is she. She has looked into buying complete nucs from Bird and Bee Farm in Rockdale. (Are they good?) Would that complete nuc also include the boxes for it? It says it has the top and bottom and a honey super. Or do we still need to buy complete setups for each hive?

Are there places locally for supplies, or is anyone selling various supplies/tools?

Generally a Nuc is just a queen and some workers in a box that is temporary. I am not familiar with the Rockdale company, I would contact them and see what they are including in their Nucs. I believe Robertson County has a club now but if not you can get a ton of info, Nucs, mentorship from the Brazos Valley Bee Club ( bvbeeks.org ). Bee Weaver and R Weaver Apiaries in Navasota also have all types of supplies and Nucs. Prime Bees here in College Station are also a good source. Mann Lake is a good online source for supplies.

COOP in Bryan and Tractor Supply carry a small amount of bee supplies.

I would strongly encourage you to attend some club meetings. I believe Brazos County Bee Club meets every 3rd Tuesday at Bryan High. Check the website for contacts and such.

Some links that may be helpful ....

Local Clubs TX

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local clubs
THE JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION | JAN/FEB 31
with TBA delegate and regular meeting info

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Beekeeping 101

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OVERVIEW

Explore how to start a beehive with this online beekeeping course for beginners. Learn how to start a beehive, honey bee biology, beekeeping equipment needed and more.

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Texas Apiary Inspection Service

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Welcome to the Texas Apiary Inspection Service
*** UPDATE BELOW***

The Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) is the sole agency responsible for regulating the apiary industry of Texas. TAIS is a state agency administered under AgriLife Research, a part of the Texas A&M university system. Honey bees are a vital part of the agricultural industry here in Texas and nationwide. Pollination by honey bees provides billions of dollars in added value to crops here in the United States. In order to ensure the health and safety of the industry, TAIS routinely inspects commercial operations for pest and pathogens and permits the movement of hives.

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Thanks!

Yes, she looked into the club in Brazos county. She said she submitted a request for info or something but never heard back.

Thank you! That is all great info and I will pass it on. I know she already did the beekeeping 101 course, so she is at least a *little* prepared

histag10 said:

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Thanks!

Yes, she looked into the club in Brazos county. She said she submitted a request for info or something but never heard back.

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She can just show up at a meeting. The meetings are posted on the website. They are really welcoming (No dues unless you want to use their equipment, then I think it is only $25 for the whole family).

Steve Butler might be a good source, he's a very experienced bee keeper in the Franklin area.

How much land does she have
There are folks that bring the hives in then move them somewhere else then back and they handle everything and after the appropriate time period your Ag exemption will start...

12 acres. 11 after homrstead exemption is taken. So needing 8 hives.

Honestly though- she wants to do it. My FIL passed away in 2022 after a 10 year hardfought battle with cancer. She just moved back to Texas from NM, and wants something to keep her occupied. She is excited about the prospect of eventual honey, maintaining the hives, and planting/maintainin wildflowers by her pond.

And honestly, we looked into a few places that rent bees/hives. Most are wanting around $500 per hives per year, which is a bit insane in my opinion.

message me. I'll have nucs for sale in April. And I can teach her 1:1 everything she needs to know... I got hives all over the bravos valley.

darrin at avalonweddingsbcs dot com

Thanks! I will email you and pass along your info

histag10 said:

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12 acres. 11 after homrstead exemption is taken. So needing 8 hives.

Honestly though- she wants to do it. My FIL passed away in 2022 after a 10 year hardfought battle with cancer. She just moved back to Texas from NM, and wants something to keep her occupied. She is excited about the prospect of eventual honey, maintaining the hives, and planting/maintainin wildflowers by her pond.

And honestly, we looked into a few places that rent bees/hives. Most are wanting around $500 per hives per year, which is a bit insane in my opinion.

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not insane.. Its a LOT of hard work...

I can recommend studioone, he helped remove a hive from our property, basically vacuuming the bees up and removing the hive structure. (A few pieces were stuck on the trash can lid, those were eaten by nocturnal animals). There were of course a few unhappy bees who returned a day or so later to find their home gone, but that's par for the course.