First Timers

This is our first year for a beehive.  The idea came about when Quin had to deal with some massive bees on the ranch.  They were likely africanized, yet didn't seem to pose a harm to anyone.  These bees were building a hive under a storage building and Quin was afraid that they would cause problems down the road and we didn't want to have aggressive bees chasing anyone.  He eradicated them but they still tend to show up from time to time.  As we read about africanized bees we learned that there is quite a shortage of honeybees due to Colony Collapse Disorder and other diseases.  Because of that, the nations honey resources are dwindling at an alarming rate.  Honey and beeswax is so beneficial to health and wellness that we decided to try our hand at beekeeping.  And so....Goofy Ranch Bee Company was founded in May 2014.

For now, it is a hobby.  Something fun to spend money on and have some local honey to share with friends and family.  We hope that it could be a retirement career down the road.  Who knows.  So for the time being, we'll go on this adventure and see where it takes us.

This Friday we will pick up a new colony with an Italian queen bee.  These are docile honeybees, not the africanized ones we originally found on the ranch.  We've had a good amount of rain at the ranch and there is lots of brush and foliage for the bees to pollinate and feed on.

We've tried hard to educate ourselves and prepare for our first hive.  So far, no major snafus.  We original bought the wrong size hive boxes but luckily realized it before pickup time so we were able to return what we originally bought and buy the correct size.  Everything should arrive on Thursday, in time for our Friday pickup.

Pictures to come!