I Would Like to Start Beekeeping

by Lori
(Gloucester County/South Jersey)

I would like to start beekeeping this spring, but am having problems finding a location. Any help/advice you could give would be appreciated. Please feel free to send out my information. I am located in West Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County/South Jersey).

My name is Lori Kuserk. I am a culinary student at the Walnut Hill Restaurant School, I work for a well known company; and I am, in general, an enthusiast for all things food and honey.

I am writing to you because I am looking for a small spot of land to use starting this late March/early April to keep bees; and was wondering if there might be somebody who is able to offer me somewhere to place my hives.

This would be a hobby although the business does have commercial potential. I am doing this mainly as looking for a friendly exchange of land use for the benefits the bees.

I really would like to be up close and personally witness the sophisticated, intelligent lifestyle that bees live and then experiment with all the honey, beeswax, royal jelly, and pollen created. Once enough starts to be produced, I would be more than willing to share with the landowner.

Of course, another reason to start keeping bees/host a bee keeper is the timely matter of Colony Collapse Disorder, there has been so many news reports about this mysterious disease. This is probably one of the main reasons for creating and keeping honey bee farms replenished.

If anyone who reads this would be interested in letting me keep hives on their farm or land, please read my story to find out how I’ve become interested in the hobby of beekeeping.

A few months ago a chef I work with gave a presentation showcasing his beekeeping hobby, the honey his bees created and his overall passion for the insect.

I was enthralled to say the least. I have always liked honey, but had no idea how much in common it had with the creation and characteristics of wine (a long time passion and hobby of mine).

Each kind of honey, dependent on where the bees are from and what they have pollinated have very distinct flavors. Each honey can of course be tasted on its own or our used in any number of recipes.

Since the presentation I have joined The Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild. This past weekend I attended a seminar presented by the Guild titled, "A day with Ross Conrad", the author of Natural Beekeeping and proprietor of Dancing Bee Gardens in Vermont. This was a great opportunity to hear one of the foremost authorities on organic beekeeping.

March 12, 2011 I will attend 8 hours of training on bee keeping; I will be trained in the setup and care of the bees. To supplement the training, my colleague from work, Chef Tom, who gave the presentation a few months ago, will act as my mentor and provide hands on help if needed.

Chef Tom; is not only an established bee keeper but also one of only 70 Master Chefs in the world. Being able to spend so much time with him and share a hobby will provide us with an invaluable working relationship with a very important individual world wide.

Please let me know if you would like to set up a meeting, I would be happy to do so.

Thank you.

Lori
(856)342-8654
(856)651-8424
Email: lkuserk@hotmail.com

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I do hope you receive some replies Lori and please keep us all informed of your new adventure. Janette from www.health-benefits-of-honey.com