I can be naïve at times, so when I was asked to write an article about “why women are better beekeepers” I said sure, no problem. After all, the hardest part of writing is finding a topic. But in truth, the assignment turned into a nightmare. My first mistake was thinking it would be fun. […] Read more
I have been asked by an otherwise reputable organization to evaluate the difference between the men and women of beekeeping. I would like to know things such as: This survey has just three questions and an empty box where you can write your opinion. You can answer some of the above questions, or go your […] Read more
Many of my web visitors are soon-to-be beekeepers preparing for their first delivery of honey bees. They have read, attended classes, and talked to other beekeepers. Some write to me with a few last-minute questions. But what they envision and what I foresee are completely different. I was reminded of this beekeeping reality while watching […] Read more
Why indeed? In last week’s post about tossing and turning, I mentioned the beekeeper who said he never wanted to hear the words “it depends” ever again. He wanted concrete answers, a recipe for keeping bees. Yet we all know that’s never going to happen. Today I received the following note from another new beekeeper, […] Read more
I spent a good portion of last week on a bee trip, this time to the high desert of central Oregon. My bee trips give me an opportunity to meet other beekeepers, photograph native bees in their natural environments, and take a break from my website. Not to mention, they give me scads of things […] Read more
With April comes the inevitable question, “What advice would you give a new beekeeper?” I seriously hate this question, mostly because it is fraught with undertones of philosophy. But once again, I will attempt an answer. Please don’t write back and exclaim, “But that’s just your opinion!” Of course, it’s my opinion. If you want […] Read more
Be prepared for a feel-good moment. I first met Mark Luterra and his partner, Liz, two years ago in Corvallis, Oregon. At the time, Mark took me through his apiary and prepared a list of beekeepers I should meet on my visit to the Willamette Valley. I could see Mark was intelligent and passionate about […] Read more