I think you will find keeping bees is a fascinating and fulfilling pastime with benefits not even imagined. You can expect a window on nature that is unprecedented, a hobby that is challenging and tremendously rewarding, honey for family and friends, stings, material to produce candles and other crafts, an ongoing attempt to understand the honey bee and learn from them, a pollinating army for your crops and all the wild plants around you, and joy when you produce that first crop of sparkling sweetness.

As you tend to your prospering hive, the field force of workers will come and go as they pollinate your garden or small orchard. Returning to the hive laden with nectar or pollen, they fuel the growth which ultimately translates into honey for themselves and you. The pollen has been dusted from flower to flower to ensure fertilization and thus our food supply.

More and more as large commercial beekeepers retire or leave the business, hobby beekeepers are playing a vital role in the beekeeping industry. All too often people tell me they are taking up beekeeping because they don’t see bees visiting the apple tree in their backyard. No bees, no apples. Hobby and Sideline beekeepers are filling the void created by the loss of commercial beekeepers. One third of our diet comes either directly or indirectly from bee pollinated crops. More and more the person with just a few hives in their backyard is playing a vital role in American agriculture.

If you are interested in taking up such a rewarding endeavor, here are a few tips which might be helpful. We also have about an hour long video on Getting started in beekeeping and what it really take

1. Join a Beekeepers Association: One of your most valuable resources. Through organizations you gain much knowledge on the local honey plants, your needs as far as equipment in your area, the availability of bee inspectors, state laws, and the opportunity to meet a mentor that will help you with any challenges. The experience of going into a hive with someone that has kept bees for several years is extremely helpful. If you need help finding an association near you give us a call
2. Locate the Bees: Make sure that you find a reputable supplier of bees and queens. You can contact us for help on this. You can pick bees up here at our store on 3 specific days during the spring. Package Bees can be sent through the Post Office, this is not the best way to get them, but if you are in an area too far from a breeder this may be an option. If you are able to buy a nuc (nucleus hive, usually 4-5 frames with bees and brood) locally that would be your best choice.
3. Get a basic Beginners Kit: We offer Kits in both 10 Frame and 8 Frame size. Our kits come with a beginner’s book and a DVD to help you get started. The size hive you get depends on what you hope to accomplish with your hives, where you live, and your age and physical strength. It is a good idea to have 2 hives to be able to manipulate them based on their production and success.
4. Not Sure What You Need, Request a catalog: We design our catalog to be an educational tool. Each product is explained with hints and tips for use and a tremendous amount information is contained within its pages.