One of the first things we noticed on the farm was a distinct humming noise coming from a black walnut tree just off our driveway. Upon inspection we saw it was honey bees. We weren't quite sure if it would be a short lived home for them, but after speaking with the previous buyers we learned they've called this tree home since 2015.
Do we collect the honey?
This is always the first question we get about the bees. The simple answer is, no, we do not. In order to access the honey we would have to damage the tree. Frankly, we enjoy having the bees here to pollinate our gardens more than what the honey is worth.
The honey you find in the market comes from our neighbors who own Homesteadysh. Our bees normally swarm once or twice a year as they've proven to be an extremely prolific and healthy hive. Whenever this happens - we call Jenny and Forrest to come capture the swarm as they are on the search for a new place to call home.
So, in a round-a-bout way, the raw honey available in the market is partially from bess that were once located on our property.
Beekeeping isn't something we have ventured into due to the commitment (both time and knowledge). We know our limits and that exceeds what we are currently able to commit to. Maybe one day we will manage our own hives, but I don't see that in our near future.
Take a peak.
Obviously, if you have an allergic reaction to bee stings you shouldn't approach the hive, but feel free to walk up to the tree. Take a listen to the humming as they work & watch them as they come and go from their hive. They truly are fascinating little creatures!
It's not the easy way, but we feel as though it’s the best way. We believe your food deserves better. ♥️
-Josh, Dayna & Hadley