The Symbiotic Relationship Between the Commercial and the Hobby Beekeeping Industry
Panel: Andony Melathopoulos, Moderator, with Max Kuhn, Jeremy Mitchell, Jason Rowan, Linda Zahl
The purpose of the panel is to discuss how hobby beekeeping and commercial beekeeping are reliant on each other. The audience will be encouraged to ask questions in writing through the moderator. Note cards will be available on the tables to write questions.
Max Kuhn became interested in beekeeping in about 2004 when a swarm of honey bees landed on a bush in his front yard. In an effort to rid himself of this plague from parts unknown, he located a beekeeper. As it turned out, the beekeeper lived nearby and the swarm could well have been from his apiary. He came right over, arriving in shirt sleeves and armed with a cardboard box. He proceeded to shake the bees into the box, place it in the back of his pickup truck and drive away—leaving a trail of honey bees flying behind his truck. Max was stunned! From that point on, he spent a great deal of his free time seeking information about Honey Bees. He purchased his first package of bees from GloryBee in Eugene, Oregon, a few years later.
In 2007 he attended beekeeping school put on by Lane County Beekeeper’s Association. The one-day school galvanized his interest in beekeeping and sent him on a search for more information.
In 2009 he enrolled in Washington State’s Beekeeper program at the Apprentice level, receiving his certificate in May 2010.
In 2010 he enrolled in Washington State’s Beekeeper program at the Journeyman level, receiving his certificate in 2011.
In 2012 Oregon had then started their own Master Beekeeper Program and he enrolled as an Apprentice, receiving his certificate in 2012. Since 2012 he has completed the Journey and Master levels for certification in the Oregon Program.
Max has thoroughly enjoyed the learning process relevant to beekeeping and plans to continue his efforts in that pursuit. He has nothing but praise for all those involved in the Master Beekeeper programs in both Oregon and Washington. He does not regret a single day spent in the search for knowledge regarding honey bees and beekeeping. As a matter of fact, his only regret is that he did not start this quest earlier in life. Max urges anyone considering beekeeping as a hobby or occupation to get started. He doubts you will regret your decision.