“Bee” is for “Busy” at Nelson Farms

This winter was a hard one for bees and beekeepers across the state. Nelson Farms, located south east of Licking, was no exception. Terry and Vicki Nelson are in their fifth year of beekeeping, and Terry says they lost about half of their hives over the winter.

Several things can affect bees in the winter. Extreme cold, mites, or even hive beetles can lead to extinction of a hive. Skunks or raccoons will try to bother them as well, but Bella, a friendly yet formidable Great Pyrenees, does a good job keeping them away.

Now the bees are out and active, enjoying the spring flowers. They bring back pollen and nectar, storing the pollen for food for themselves and the larvae. The nectar is also stored, where it is fanned to dry and thicken into honey. When it gets to the right consistency, the bees cap it.

Another box is added to the hive when the honey flow starts, and the bees will store the honey in it. Once the bees have capped the honey, it can be harvested.

The Nelsons’ larger colonies are preparing to swarm in the next week or two. Terry has been splitting colonies to try to avoid losing swarms. The adventures of trying to reclaim bees after they have swarmed can be harrowing, and he would rather keep a step ahead of the bees if possible.

Photo by Shari Harris
Nelson Honey is available at the Licking Farmers Market and at Kinder Feed and Farm.

The honey harvest is usually in June or July, which is a very busy time for the Nelsons. Hay season is usually in June, and they farm about 420 acres, where in addition to raising bees, they have cattle, sheep and chickens. Vicki raises Katahdin sheep, a meat sheep, and they have about 35 ewes.

Both Terry and Vicki Nelson have retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Terry served 20 years as a patrol officer, and Vicki 22 years as a driver examiner. Now farming and their hobbies, including beekeeping, monopolize their time. Vicki also crochets, makes quilts, sews, and is learning to weave and spin.

The Nelsons sell their honey at Kinder Feed and Farm and during the summer, at the Licking Farmers Market. Vicki hopes to add to the honey sales with some of her other handmade items as well.

Many people seek local honey for allergy relief and boosted immunity properties, others tout the positive effects on sore throats, coughs and the digestive tract. Aside from these benefits, the sweet taste is delicious, either by the spoonful, on a biscuit, or mixed in your favorite cup of tea. Grady Rae’s Coffee uses Nelson’s honey for some of their drinks as well.

If you’ve ever seen honey which has crystallized, Terry says don’t throw it away – it’s still good. Just put it in warm water or in a sunny window and it will liquify again.

If you would like more information about Nelson Farms Honey, you can message them through their Facebook page, Nelson Farms. They will be happy to answer your questions and tell you where you can get your own bottle of Nelson Honey.

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