Taking the Final Leap

The weather outside is turning from cold winter snow to spring rain. With the rain, the flowers will blossom and bees will begin their busy work of harvesting nectar. The bees do most of the work, collecting nectar and making honeycomb. Will you be ready? Honey is a valuable commodity which any backyard apiculturist can cultivate from their own hive for their own benefit or for resale.

Our ancient ancestors were able to bee keep, cultivating honey and other byproducts from their hives (Crane 142). Their hives were made of mud, dung, straw, and clay formed into long tubes where the bees were able to build combs inside (Grossman). Fortunately, times have evolved and we have bee boxes, much like the Eco Bee Box, with removable panels where the bees build their honeycomb making it easier to cultivate (Eco Bee Box).

With the evolution of beekeeping, rules and regulations have evolved, as well. Bee boxes, like Eco Bee Boxes, have removable panels not only for ease of cultivation, but so local bee inspectors can check the hive. To ensure the safety of the hive, and other hives within the state and local area, all used equipment and colonies being purchased outside of the state of Utah are to be inspected. Placing regulations on hives protects your colony as well as other colonies, domesticated or wild. Always be sure to learn your own local rules and regulations (Utah Code).

Honey is used for many holistic remedies as well as for food, tools such as candles, and other commodities such as cosmetics. While most backyard apiculturists cultivate honey for their own benefit, maintaining a hive more as a hobby than a business, there is always the potential to expand (Honey Bees and Beekeeping 6.4). Farmers markets are located in several cities and towns throughout the state of Utah, and the nation as well. Personally, I have seen a few local residents at farmers markets selling raw honey as well as honeycomb.

By knowing the history, rules, and the benefits of maintaining your own hive, you are a giant step closer to keeping your own backyard hive. Before purchasing your own hive and colony, learn as much as you can from other apiculturists. Take a course on beekeeping from your local farm store or from an extension at a local university. If your plan is to sell honey or other byproducts, take a course on food safety through the local health department. Then, when you are ready, take the leap and enjoy beekeeping in the comfort of your own backyard.

Work Cited

Crane, Eva. “Honey: Past, Present, and Future.” American Bee Journal, vol. 117, no. 3, 1977, pp. 142-145.

Eco Bee Box. Sustainable At Home Business. 2018, Image, ecobeebox.com/

“Honey Bees and Beekeeping 6.4: Commercial honey processing.” Youtube, uploaded by BeeHealth, 29 June 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rhm4uvkcUs

Grossmann, Mark. “Hive: What is a “Mud and Clay Tube Beehives”?” Grossmann’s Hives. 11 Sept. 2014. grossmannsbees.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/hive-what-is-a-mud-and-clay-bee-hive/

Utah Code. Utah State Legislature, 2017, le.utah.gov/xcode/Title4/Chapter11/4-11.html