Noncommercial beekeeping sees growth in Montana
LIVINGSTON, Mont. — Many people are afraid of bees -- they sting and can cause allergic reactions. But we talked to a Livingston ranch hand who loves them.
“They are always doing something new,” said Hazel’s Honey owner Andrew Bauer. “There is always some new behavior I have never seen before. We had an observation hive, and I could just sit there and watch them for hours. They’re just really neat.”
Noncommercial beekeeping jumped from 94 beekeepers in 2017 to 453 in 2021 making it a fast growing hobby in the Treasure State.
Bauer believes out-of-staters play a part in this new trend.
“Their seasonal allergies are different now,” said Bauer. “They say that honey helps with that. I don’t have allergies so I couldn’t say, but I know that honey does alleviate swelling and inflammation, so I could see where it would work.”
Bauer also sells his bees to anyone who may be interested in starting a hive of their own.
Queen bees are sold for $50 apiece, but the honey is where the real fun is.
“Although bees are just small little insects, they work quickly, especially in large numbers. Bauer says it only takes his bees a day to fill up one of these large trays with fresh and delicious honey.”
For more information on Hazel’s Honey in Livingston, click here.
