Yao Yang

This past month, we trained 9 HAFA members in beekeeping. They went through two trainings, painted their hives and then I worked with all the members to start their hives. Their dedication and devotion to learning how to keep bees on the farm has been an exciting surprise!

Last year I went through extensive training with the Bee Lab at the University of Minnesota to be able to develop our HAFA beekeeping program and give HAFA farmers the information they need to train the next person. So the trainer trains the trainee to be a trainer.

We tend the bees unveiled and unsuited. Most people wear a bee suit, hat and veil. But I am proud to say that many of HAFA farmers are comfortable enough around bees without protective gear. This shows that they are confident in tending the bees without harming them.

There’s a misconception about honeybees in the media and society. The bees we keep on the farm are a European species which are scientifically known as Apis mellifera ligustica. They are some of most gentle bees. These bees can tolerant northern climates and produce massive honey.

Many people ask why we keep bees on the farm. Our intention is to pollinate the fields and help restore the colonies because we are committed to preserving nature’s key species. The bee population has been decimated over many decades due to heavy use of chemicals, parasitic mites, loss of natural habitation and diseases. Without bees we would not be able to eat 1/3 of our diet. Not only us but other natural beings like deer, bats, birds, and insects that are all part of the ecosystem depend on pollination. What would the world look like if fruits and vegetables didn’t exist in our diet?