The Journey to Becoming a Honey Queen

In a world where agriculture and horticulture play a vital role in our daily lives, the North Scott FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter has been making waves in the community. One of their standout achievements is the selection of a Honey Queen, a title that requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for apiculture. The journey to becoming a Honey Queen is a long and arduous one, but for North Scott FFA member, [Name], it was a dream come true.

The Opportunity

The opportunity to become a Honey Queen was made available to North Scott FFA members through Jacob Hunter, one of the chapter’s FFA advisors. Hunter, who has been involved with the FFA for many years, recognized the importance of promoting agriculture and horticulture in the community. He saw an opportunity to create a unique and engaging experience for the students, and thus, the Honey Queen program was born. The program is designed to promote the importance of honey production and the role it plays in our daily lives. The Honey Queen is a symbol of excellence and achievement in the field of apiculture. The program is open to all FFA members, regardless of their level of experience or expertise.

The Convention

The annual IHPA (International Honey Producers Association) Convention is the premier event for honey producers and enthusiasts. It is a platform for industry professionals to share knowledge, showcase their products, and network with peers.

“I was just a regular beekeeper, and then suddenly I’m representing the entire state of Iowa in this role.”

The Unexpected Honor

Addy’s journey to becoming the 2025 Honey Queen of Iowa began with a surprise visit from the Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA). The IHPA, which represents the state’s beekeepers, approached Addy with an offer to represent Iowa at the Iowa State Fair.

“They love learning about bees and want to be beekeepers. I think that’s fantastic. I want to inspire them to pursue their passion and make a difference in the world.”

The Importance of Beekeeping in Iowa

Iowa is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, but few people know about the crucial role that beekeeping plays in the state’s ecosystem. Beekeeping is not just a hobby; it’s a vital industry that contributes significantly to Iowa’s agricultural economy.

The Economic Impact of Beekeeping

Beekeeping is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, with Iowa being one of the top beekeeping states. According to the Iowa Beekeepers Association, the state’s beekeepers produce over 100 million pounds of honey annually, generating significant revenue for local farmers and the economy. Key statistics:

• Iowa produces over 100 million pounds of honey per year. The state’s beekeepers contribute to the agricultural economy through pollination services. Beekeeping is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States. ### The Role of Beekeeping in Iowa’s Ecosystem

The Role of Beekeeping in Iowa’s Ecosystem

Beekeeping is essential for maintaining Iowa’s agricultural ecosystem. Bees pollinate over 75% of the state’s crops, including corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Without bees, many of these crops would not be able to reproduce, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. Key statistics:

• Bees pollinate over 75% of Iowa’s crops. Without bees, many crops would not be able to reproduce. Beekeeping is crucial for maintaining Iowa’s agricultural ecosystem. ## The Challenges Facing Iowa’s Beekeeping Industry

The Challenges Facing Iowa’s Beekeeping Industry

Despite its importance, the Iowa beekeeping industry faces several challenges.

“My dad would take me there to play golf, and I would watch the bees fly around the golf balls.”

The Unconventional Beekeeper

In a world where beekeeping is often associated with traditional practices and rural settings, Addy is breaking the mold. She keeps her bees in an alfalfa pasture, a former golf course, in a unique and innovative approach to apiculture.

The Benefits of Alfalfa Pastures

Alfalfa pastures offer several benefits for beekeeping. The legume’s deep taproots allow it to absorb nutrients from the soil, making it a nutrient-rich food source for the bees. Additionally, alfalfa pastures provide a diverse range of flowers and nectar sources, which support the bees’ nutritional needs and promote healthy colony growth. Alfalfa pastures can also help to reduce the risk of disease and pests in bee colonies. The tall, grassy stalks of alfalfa provide a natural shelter for the bees, protecting them from harsh weather conditions.

“I’m just worried that I’ll lose everything I’ve built.” The fear of losing her hive is a common theme among beekeepers. Many beekeepers experience anxiety and stress when it comes to their bees, and it’s not uncommon for them to check on their hives more frequently than necessary.

The Psychology of Beekeeping

Beekeeping is a complex activity that involves not only the physical care of the bees but also a deep emotional connection. Beekeepers often form strong bonds with their bees, which can lead to feelings of attachment and anxiety. Beekeepers may experience a sense of responsibility for the well-being of their bees, which can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety when things don’t go as planned. The physical and emotional demands of beekeeping can be intense, leading to feelings of burnout and stress. The uncertainty of bee behavior and the unpredictability of environmental factors can create anxiety and uncertainty.

The Impact of Beekeeping on Mental Health

Research has shown that beekeeping can have a positive impact on mental health, but it can also have negative effects. Studies have found that beekeeping can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with mental health conditions. The physical activity and social interaction involved in beekeeping can improve mood and reduce stress levels.*

The Role of Fear in Beekeeping

Fear is a common emotion experienced by beekeepers, and it can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. Fear of losing their hive or their bees can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Fear of bee stings or other potential dangers can also create anxiety and uncertainty.

The second chamber is also used for brood rearing, where the bees will lay their eggs and raise their young.

The Unique Structure of Addy’s Beehive

Addy’s beehive is a remarkable example of the intricate social organization and engineering skills of honey bees. The hive is divided into two distinct chambers, each serving a specific purpose.

Chamber 1: Honey Harvesting

The top chamber of the beehive is specifically designed for honey harvesting. This chamber is typically larger than the second chamber and has a more complex structure. The walls of this chamber are made up of hexagonal cells, which are the same shape as the cells used for storing honey. The hexagonal cells are made of wax, which is produced by the bees themselves. The hexagonal cells are incredibly strong and efficient, allowing the bees to store large quantities of honey while minimizing the amount of wax used. The cells are also designed to be easily accessible, with a narrow entrance that allows the bees to enter and exit the chamber quickly and efficiently. The honey harvesting chamber is typically located at the top of the beehive, allowing the bees to easily access it and minimizing the risk of damage or contamination.

Chamber 2: Brood Rearing

The second chamber of the beehive is used for brood rearing, where the bees will lay their eggs and raise their young. This chamber is typically smaller than the honey harvesting chamber and has a more complex structure. The brood rearing chamber is designed to provide a safe and stable environment for the developing bees.

Harvesting Honey in Winter

As the winter months approach, beekeepers like Addy prepare their hives for the cold weather. One of the most crucial tasks is to protect the bees from the harsh conditions. To do this, beekeepers wrap their hives with layers of foam and foil, creating a cozy and insulated environment for the bees to survive the winter.

Preparing the Hive for Winter

Before the winter sets in, beekeepers like Addy take several steps to prepare their hives for the cold months. Here are some of the key tasks:

• Wrapping the hive: Beekeepers wrap their hives with layers of foam and foil to keep the bees warm and protected from the cold. Removing excess honey: Beekeepers like Addy remove any excess honey from the hive to prevent it from freezing and damaging the bees. Reducing the hive’s size: Beekeepers may reduce the size of the hive by removing any unnecessary frames or equipment to minimize the amount of space the bees need to heat. * Providing ventilation: Beekeepers ensure that the hive has adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and moisture. ### Harvesting Honey in Winter**

Harvesting Honey in Winter

Once the hive is prepared for winter, beekeepers like Addy can start harvesting any remaining honey. Here are some key things to know about harvesting honey in winter:

• Timing is everything: Beekeepers like Addy typically harvest honey in the late winter or early spring, when the weather is starting to warm up.

  She has already begun to prepare the new hive by cleaning and disinfecting the area, and has even started to build the hive structure using wax and propolis.

  Preparing for the Hive

  As Addy prepares the new hive, she is also thinking about the queen’s needs. She wants to ensure that Petunia has enough space to lay eggs and that the hive is at a comfortable temperature for her. To achieve this, Addy has been researching different types of ventilation systems and is considering installing a new ventilation fan to improve airflow. Key considerations for the queen’s comfort: + Adequate space for egg-laying + Comfortable temperature + Proper ventilation

  Building the Hive

  With the queen’s needs in mind, Addy is now focusing on building the hive structure. She is using a combination of wax and propolis to create the hive’s framework and walls. The wax is harvested from the bees themselves, while the propolis is a natural adhesive that helps to hold the structure together. Materials used in the hive: + Wax + Propolis + Other natural materials (e.g.

  The eggs are sold to a local restaurant for breakfast dishes. The restaurant owner, Tony, is also a beekeeper. Tony has a beekeeping business and he sells honey to a local store. He also sells his bees to local beekeepers. Tony is also a mentor to Addy.

  The IHPA’s Honey Queen and Princess Program

  The Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the honey industry in Iowa.

  She is a Republican and has been a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2019.

  Olivia Allen’s Background and Career

  Olivia Allen is a rising star in the Arkansas Republican Party. Born into a family with a strong political background, she has always been drawn to public service. Her father, Bill Allen, served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1997 to 2003. This exposure to politics at a young age likely influenced her decision to pursue a career in politics. Allen’s entry into politics was marked by her election to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2019. At just 25 years old, she became one of the youngest members of the state legislature.