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Won’t You Bee Mine?

I am not sure if you knew this about me but, I’m a keeper!

I started my beekeeping journey during the first fall I spent in Missouri, when I saw a Facebook post to sign up for spring time nucs. I figured I would inquire about it and down the rabbit hole I went! Suddenly, we were investing into bee houses, bee keeping equipment, and signing up for bee school (it’s a thing!).

You can read all the books but the real knowledge comes from getting your hand dirty!
My Resource Collection

I spent my winter learning what I could by reading books and researching online. I quickly learned that this really only scratched the surface of what’s needed to be known with bee keeping. Two years in and I am still experiencing many firsts. One of which I experienced today!

Today was my first extraction day!!!

I had originally planned to be out of town today however, once I learned that the bee club was hosting it’s annual honey extraction extravaganza I had to shift my focus.

This morning I pulled out 10 frames laden with honey. I was pretty bummed that I only had 10 but it turns out that it’s a decent haul for your first harvest. I brought them in to town where one of my mentors has a shop. There were multiple extractors running and so much honey, it smelled divine! Many people had gathered together to share the use of the equipment. I am so glad I went today, it was so lively and I learned so so SO much!

When all was said and done I came home with approximately 30 pounds of honey, which filled half of a 5 gallon bucket. I have some more honey in my hives that I couldn’t get out today and this experience today makes me think I need to find a way to extract some more before the seasons end.

How about you? Do you have an interest or experience in bee keeping? It’s pretty rewarding! You can always find a local bee keeper that would love showing you their bees if you’re interested and want to learn more!

This was my first time cutting caps so the honey would flow for extraction.
Cutting Caps
This is all the frames i brought in today for extraction.
My Haul
My golden reward.
Aww Honey, Honey!!!
I was a hot mess when all was said and done!
She’s a Keeper!

 

2 thoughts on “Won’t You Bee Mine?

    1. HA! Yes, I did get a small sting when doing this but that’s been the only one in the past two years. The only time I’ve been stung is when I am accidently crushing them to death and I think that’s a legitimate time to do so! My honey bees are really so calm and docile. I had no idea how sweet bees were until I started beekeeping! Must be all that honey.

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