In Dallas and across the United States, the agriculture sector faces a worrying challenge: a notable decline in honey bee populations. Scientists are deeply concerned about the implications this trend might have on the food supply, as estimates suggest that between 60% to 70% of existing honey bee colonies could be lost this year alone. Given that honey bee production is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, this decline is particularly alarming.
Despite these national concerns, Dallas has witnessed a unique response, marked by the emergence of colorful hand-painted wooden bee boxes populating the city. These hives are being installed in diverse locations – from downtown rooftops to hotels, parking garages, and vacant lots, including a spot near the Dallas North Tollway.
Chris Chance, the founder and beekeeper at Oak Cliff Bee Co., expressed the company’s commitment to improving bee management efforts in urban environments. Initially founded to support the agricultural program at Mount St. Michael Catholic School in west Oak Cliff, Oak Cliff Bee Co. has quickly evolved its mission. Established in 2023, this innovative company specializes in corporate hive management, promoting the idea of “bringing bees to business.” Their services include the installation of hives on-site, regular health check-ins, and honey harvesting when feasible.
What began as Chance’s passion for bees has transformed into a significant movement. The company recently celebrated the installation of over 100 hives in various locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, with apiaries now extending into Collin and Henderson counties. Chance proudly notes, “And, we try to do everything as Dallas-centric as we can.”
The growth of urban beekeeping is evident at events like the recent demonstration at the Hilton Anatole, where visitors gathered to observe as Shannon LaGrave, the chief training officer at Oak Cliff Bee Co., educated the crowd about bees and honey production. Together with EarthX CEO Rajan Singh, LaGrave demonstrated hive management techniques, showcasing not just the hives but the sweet rewards of urban beekeeping. General manager Bruce Roy highlighted the success across the hotel’s bees, saying they harvest about 40 pounds of honey twice yearly.
Guests at such establishments benefit directly, enjoying dishes enhanced with local honey, further linking the community to its agricultural roots.
LaGrave, now a Texas Master Beekeeper, recounted her lifelong fascination with bees and shared insightful bee-related tidbits with the crowd. For instance, she noted that honey bees can fly up to a 12-mile radius from their hives, and different pollen sources give honey unique flavors, colors, and textures. She also pointed out that different honey types are indicative of their pollen sources, such as darker Texas honey compared to the purple hue derived from kudzu pollen.
Another driving factor behind the uptick in beekeeping in Texas is the tax incentive introduced in 2012, which offers property tax breaks for landowners who keep bees for five years. This has significantly boosted the number of beekeepers in the state, leading to Texas enjoying one of the most robust beekeeping landscapes in the country. As reported earlier this year, there has been a marked increase in bee farms in Texas—from 1,284 in 2007 to a staggering 8,939 by 2022—many of which are small-scale operations.
In particular, North Texas has seen the largest growth, positioning the region with more beekeeping operations than the bottom 21 states combined. Chance’s corporate beekeeping initiative serves a dual purpose: to promote responsible bee stewardship and raise awareness about the integral role of bees in various ecosystems.
The enthusiasm for beekeeping is palpable among Chance’s clients. At the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, chef Mason James looked forward to showcasing honey in his culinary creations, such as vinaigrettes and butters, as more hive installations take place. With the arrival of spring, Oak Cliff Bee Co. is ramping up activities, which include installing additional hives in locations such as the North Texas Food Bank and various corporate towers in downtown Dallas.
Educational outreach is also an important part of their mission. Oak Cliff Bee Co. has been active in mentoring school bee clubs and organizing visits with specialists, fostering a deeper connection between urban communities and agriculture.
LaGrave emphasized the potential for integrating wildlife and sustainable practices into Dallas’s urban landscape, confidently asserting, “You can bring wildlife and agriculture as a whole into the middle of Dallas and make it work for you.”
As a result, Oak Cliff Bee Co. is not only enhancing local honey production but is also reshaping urban perceptions towards beekeeping and sustainability. Chance believes that by transforming rooftops into thriving ecosystems, his company is playing a pivotal role in driving positive environmental change. He stated, “Hive by hive, we’re creating value, elevating sustainability and proving that local roots can drive powerful impact.”
With the collaborative efforts of businesses, chefs, and the wider community, urban bee farming in Dallas is proving to be a sweet solution to the ongoing challenges faced by honey bee populations.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2025/04/25/texas-has-become-the-mecca-of-beekeeping-and-dallas-businesses-are-getting-in-on-it/
