Beekeeping

Dr. Lance Hawvermale is an Advanced Level beekeeper in Texas A&M’s Master Beekeeper Program. He sells honey locally through his Brave Bee Honey brand.

Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, impacting both people and the planet.

Pollination Powerhouses: Bees are essential pollinators. They transfer pollen between flowers, enabling them to bear fruit and produce vegetables. Without bees, crop health would suffer, resulting in reduced-size and worse-tasting produce.
Food Security: Approximately one-third of the world’s food production depends on bees. When bees collect and spread pollen, they allow plants (including many food crops) to reproduce. Birds, rodents, monkeys, and even people contribute to pollination, but bees are the most common and effective pollinators.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Bees are part of the biodiversity we all rely on for survival. They provide high-quality food such as honey, royal jelly, and pollen. Additionally, beeswax, propolis, and honey bee venom have various uses.
Income and Livelihoods: Beekeeping is not only about honey production. It’s an important source of income for many rural communities. More than 80 million beehives globally produce an estimated 1.6 million tons of honey annually.
Environmental Health: Bees contribute to ecological balance by pollinating plants. They help maintain vibrant ecosystems and ensure the well-being of both humans and bees themselves.

Beekeeping Basics:

What Is a Beekeeper?: Beekeepers are agricultural workers who raise, propagate, and manage bee colonies. They ensure hive health, productivity, and profitability.
Where Do Beekeepers Work?: Beekeepers operate on bee farms, where hives are located. They work outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.
Education Requirements: While no formal education is required, most beekeepers take basic courses to gain foundational knowledge. Some pursue certification as a Master Beekeeper for advanced expertise.

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Whether you’re interested in beekeeping as a hobby or want to contribute to a healthier planet, bees and beekeepers play a vital role.