Episode Details

In this episode of the Upscaling from Hobbyist to Sideliner series, we explore the business side of beekeeping with two beekeepers who successfully made the leap. Hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Tara Dawn Chapman of Two Hives Honey in Austin, Texas, and Jay Williams of Williams Honey Farm in Tennessee.

Tara and Jay share their personal journeys—both of which began outside of agriculture—detailing their challenges, missteps, and the pivotal moments that shaped their businesses. From scaling their apiaries to diversifying their revenue streams, they offer practical advice for beekeepers looking to turn their passion into a sustainable business. One of the biggest lessons they emphasize is that beekeeping businesses don't have to rely solely on honey sales. Both guests discuss the role of agribusiness opportunities, including hive tours, honey tastings, VIP yard management, and B2B partnerships. They highlight the importance of branding, marketing, and pricing honey appropriately, noting that storytelling and quality presentation can dramatically increase a product's perceived value.

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the pitfalls of trying to do everything at once and why finding a niche is key. They explain how agritourism can supplement income, even in regions with inconsistent honey flows, and share insights on hiring employees in a beekeeping business. The discussion also covers state and federal grants that beekeepers can apply for to expand operations, and why pricing honey at premium rates is often more sustainable than undercutting the market.

If you're thinking about expanding your beekeeping beyond the hobbyist level, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and real-world advice from beekeepers who have successfully made the transition.

If you're looking to make honey harvesting more manageable and efficient, this episode provides the guidance you need to take the next step.

Websites we recommend:

• Williams Honey Farm: https://williamshoneyfarm.com
• Two Hives Honey: https://www.twohiveshoney.com
• Tara's Book, "For The Bees": https://www.amazon.com/Bees-Handbook-Happy-Beekeeping/dp/147732951X
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
• 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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