It’s a known fact that bees are essential to a thriving, successful ecosystem. In fact, it is now estimated that more than one-third of global food production relies on bee pollination. Unfortunately, bee populations are on a stark decline and have been decreasing year-over-year for a number of reasons including pesticides and parasite infestations.
We’re fortunate to have people like Travis Miller, owner and operator of TC’s Apiaries, that have devoted their lives to protecting, cultivating, and ensuring the survival of our precious bee population. He spends his days tending to his hives, harvesting honey, and transporting swarms to safer areas. But his favorite thing to do is to share his bee knowledge with the world!
“I am considered a very little guy in the industry. I only have around 300-400 hives in the summer. Some others, even close to us, run well into the thousands plus,” Travis shared. “But because I keep it low, it allows me to create multiple programs and focus on the things I like to do most with the bees: educate others about them.”
He continues, “Many think it is honey that generates the most profit, but commercial beekeepers make most of their revenue in pollination services. While I do pollinate carrots, almonds, alfalfa, etc, I have a major passion to educate others on beekeeping. I sell nuc hives to the community (nuc is short for nucleus hive, which are small bee hives that you insert into a regular sized hive box that they can grow into) and I create courses for new beekeepers that they can attend in early spring.”
Travis has taught dozens of burgeoning beekeepers the majesty of the apiary trade.
“In addition to this, I have also created a rental program. There is an 85% failure rate for new beekeepers; it is so much more than just putting bees in a box. It is also a very expensive hobby to begin. So, a rental program is a great way to have all the benefits of the bees, while also having a trained beekeeper to walk you through everything. Most purchase their own hives the following year.”
He also focuses his efforts on changing the stigma associated with bees. Nearly everyone has experienced the pain of a bee sting, but in truth, bees are actually surprisingly calm creatures that would prefer to never have to use their stinger. “My message to anyone is that bees are more naturally defensive than aggressive. When they are out foraging, they pose absolutely zero threat to people unless they are threatened themselves. So, if a hive is ever found in your house, walls, shed, or yard, instead of poisoning them, please contact a local beekeeper like me to come out and re-home them. Otherwise, the best thing to do is to just let them bee." Pun intended.
Interested in learning more about bees, the art of apiaries, or starting your own hive? Visit Travis online at tcsapiaries.com
