Wisconsin Statewide Rule
Wisconsin Beekeeping Registration and Apiary Inspection
Key Facts
- Statute
- Wis. Stat. ch. 94
- Agency
- DATCP
- Rule
- ATCP 21
- Registration
- Required statewide
Summary
Wisconsin requires beekeepers to register colonies with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). State apiary inspection law applies uniformly statewide, though municipalities may regulate hive placement.
The moving, raising and producing of bees, beeswax, honey and honey products shall be deemed an agricultural pursuit. Any keeper of 50 or more hives of bees who is engaged in the foregoing activities is a farmer and engaged in farming for all statutory purposes.
Full Breakdown
Under Wis. Stat. ch. 94 and ATCP 21, Wisconsin requires registration of apiaries with DATCP. The state inspects bee colonies for American foulbrood and other diseases, and may quarantine or destroy diseased hives. Importation of bees into Wisconsin requires a certificate of inspection. While municipalities may adopt zoning ordinances on hive setbacks and number of hives, the state retains exclusive authority over disease management, registration, and interstate movement of bees. Beekeepers must comply with state inspection orders regardless of local rules.
Violations & Penalties
Failure to register or comply with quarantine orders may result in forfeitures, hive destruction without compensation, and DATCP enforcement actions under ch. 94.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my hives in Wisconsin?
Can my city ban beekeeping entirely?
Sources
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