Our Bees
Welcome to our world of Carniolan Bees! These remarkable bees, native to Eastern Europe, bring unique advantages to our apiary. Known for their rapid population growth in spring and summer, they skillfully regulate their numbers based on nectar and pollen availability. With their gentle temperament, working alongside our bees is a joy as they thrive in 250 acres of pesticide-free fields filled with wildflowers, grasses, fruit trees, and vegetables.
The Beekeepers
Helene van Beuren, the queen bee of Bad Ass Honey, has been a champion for animal welfare for years. With a heart as sweet as honey, she’s served on the board of the Robert Potter League for Animals and led the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Helene knows that bees are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, tirelessly working as the world's most important pollinators for food and crops. She’s not just a beekeeper; she’s a bee whisperer, taking immense pride in her buzzing buddies. With the help of Tony, she’s personally extracted, hand bottled, and labeled over 10,000 bottles of liquid gold.
Tony Cochran, the Farm Manager and Head Beekeeper, is the wizard behind the curtain. From building hive boxes and assembling frames to inspecting hives and managing extractions, Tony’s got the technical know-how to keep the bees happy and healthy. He’s also the chief salesman, spreading the word about Bad Ass Honey’s magic. Tony’s dedication ensures that every drop of honey is crafted with love and expertise.
