How To Become A Bee Farmer - 10 Simple Steps

How To Become A Bee Farmer - 10 Simple Steps

10 Steps To Move From a Hobby To A Commercial Beekeeper

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[tobyhall]

I was at about 150 last year and should be around 200 at the end of this season and still work full-time up till now. it's incredibly hard work even in winter with jarring and delivery. This season will be first I will be working three day week and my usual job and 4 with the bees.

[elricturbett]

I would love to become a commercial bee keeper! I’ll get there one day.

[markmurphy]

Hi Lawrence, I’m happy being a hobby beekeeper, 10 years ago I started with 2 nucs second year with splits and swarm catches I had 12 hives year 3 multiple again and I’ve got 20 hives, equipment and enough time in the day and the cost aspect I’m happy with my 20 colonies I don’t won’t to get any bigger. Hobby for sure.

[chrishumphreys]

Hi.
I have 14 colony's at present, I'm retiring 1st April and going up to 30, not quite a bee farmer, but I think 30 is enough for me. Thanks again. Chris

[juskonig]

Realy enjoy your vids, lives up to it's name, no BS...all the way from Trinidad, in the Caribbean...cheers!

[flowerstreetfarmbees]

Don't chase your losses. Great advice.

[TimS]

All good points well put. I was always more interested in the commercial than the hobby side and I think that was down to having run my own small company most of my life and also being involved with the family business. It comes down to the old quote namely are you a beekeeper or are the bees keeping you? Because if the bees don't support you why are you doing this? All good fun!

[bernardardis]

Thank you fo the great information as it is just what i needed to help me understand the differences i need to pay attention to in order to be successful as i go to a commercial size operation

[MrChristopherharmon]

This has been incredibly handy! If you make a followup video it would be most appreciated.

[madeingreatbritainchannel]

Great eye opener, didnt think like that but now I will view it in a diffrenet way and implement it.

[FINNBEAR]

Such valuable information.
I have just started working for a small company.
They are looking at contracting work for a larger commercial operation.
And have asked me if I would be interested in the work.
It requires travel and 12 hour days on a 2 to 3 weekly rotation.
Any advice on calculating my rates would be greatly appreciated.
Keep up the great content.

[MansfieldPestControl]

Absolutely spot on, great words, great advice.

[asadullahanfishi]

I am staying with the hobby route! I feel as if any one that does commercial, then they loose that connection with the hives! For example as a hobbyist you understand every step of a beehive and how it grows over a year or multiply years! But with commercial I feel as if they don’t have time and treat everything the same ! Basically I don’t think there’s any enjoyment! Only enjoyment they find is the pay check! Happy to be corrected!!

[benossig]

Great video I hope to get to a larger stage one day currently working on a base of operations to work from

[goodenoughhoney]

Thanks for the information I love honeybees I’m also a beekeeper!

[SylantBill]

I had 15 colonies but that 3:10 was too much work. I'm retired and do beescas something to do and earn extra money . I sold 3 colonies and gave 2 to a new member in our bee club.

[Vulpestwenty]

Love this video Laurence. I know it sounds strange, but your advice has put me off commercial beekeeping. I work in an industry where a lot of hobbyists tell me my job is there dream job. But there is a big difference between part time/weekend and making a living out of it.
Thank you, Jamie.

[glynisreynolds]

Loved the details in your video 👍 but also just loved watching your bees 🐝🐝🐝🐝 I sometimes get up to about 13 hives, with main colonies and splits, and that is just NO FUN 😳 so I don’t think commercial beekeeping is for me 🤣🤣

[rangersteve]

Really interesting thank you Lawrence .. looking to slowly expand in that direction. one question though what happened to No.9??🤔🙂

[robinrathbone]

Love the videos man! I’d love to see that video on how you do a 5 minute inspection! Liked and subscribed, so there’s my vote. Keep it up man! Very informative.