Honeybees are critical to food supply and security. Most of the foods consumed are manufactured from foods pollinated by honeybees. In recent years honeybees across the world have been faced with many challenges threatening the very existence of the species. Colony Collapse Disorder, tagged as the main culprit, is still being researched to understand better the factors leading to the mass extermination of honeybees overnight. Honey bees are plagued by a number of pests (hive beetles, varroa mites, tracheal mites) and diseases (American Foul Brood, European Foul Brood) but aprairies in the USA for the most part have these pathogens under control. Please visit our resources page to learn more about honeybees and their health challenges.

At NWF, we seek to work closely with nature to support the bees. We practice Integrated Pest Management strategies which over the long term results in less need for human intervention in the hives. We do not use chemicals or pharmaceuticals to treat the bees but rather use essential oils to ward off pests and strengthen the honeybees immune system. We are also very careful not to remove all honey stores from any hive so that the bees can go through the winter with adequate supplies to feed themselves. We are also very careful to select cultivars to plant that support the bees and at least one other species: goats, poultry, or humans. The herbal garden boasts herbs that support bee health including thyme, oregano, basil, lemongrass, and spearmint. The inflorescense from these plant not only help to strengthen the immune system of the bees but also adds diverse sources of antioxidants to the honey which we are able to share with the bees.

At NWF, we produce raw, mixed wild flower, unpasteurized honey. The taste /flavor will vary from season to season depending on the nectar the bees are bringing back to the hives. From time to time, we also produce wax and have plans to harvest and package pollen in the near future. Please visit our store to see what is available at this time. Please visit our gallery to see pics and videos working the bees.