Join the CombUnity

Do you have land? Want to earn a little extra income? Do you want to do something good for the planet? Join the CombUnity!

Here’s how it works: I do all the work. I buy the bees, the hives, the sugar syrup, and medications. The inspections of the hives and the extraction is also done by me. Your share of the honey will be supplied in bulk. You may choose to accept the honey as-is and bottle yourself or you can give me the honey and I’ll give you cash for your share (a buyout). Or you can take a combination of honey AND cash.

Benefits:

  • No out of pocket cost to start
  • Free pollination services for you and your neighbors
  • Earn passive income from your land.

Requirements:

  • Must own the land – location must be able to sustain at least 2 hives and at least 1/4 acre.
  • Land must be in a location that does not ban beekeeping.
  • Location must always be accessible to me with truck access. I will need to access the location at all times of day and all days of the week.

If you want to be successful with this program then take the following actions:

  1. Plant lots of native flowers and trees. People often overlook trees as an important nectar and pollen source.
  2. Use less pesticides, fungicides, and strong fertilizers. Spray in the evenings when the bees are stopping foraging for the day.
  3. Replace lawn with flower beds. Your mower will thank you and so will the bees.

If you are still interested, the next step is a meet-and-greet and a site-walkthrough. Please provide the following information:

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Q. How much space does a hive require?

    A. Each hive has an estimated footprint of about 20″ by 16″ not including the hive stand. Hives should be elevated off the ground at least 8″ to discourage pests like raccoons or skunks. Hives also need roughly three feet in front and 18″ to back and sides for proper working and inspecting.

    Q. I’m allergic to bee stings (or have a family member who is). Are bees dangerous?

    A. Bees are not dangerous or aggressive. There is little risk to you or your family. However, families with young children should consider the risk of having hives on the property or ways to make access to the apiary impossible for curious children. Bees only sting when they feel threatened or stressed. Bees, like any wild animal, deserve our respect but should not be feared.

    Q. Will I get profits my first year?

    A. Understand that many factors determine the success of any agriculture operation. Beekeeping included. Weather plays a huge roll in honey production. If the new bees have a good year, you may see a small amount of honey extracted. A lot of energy is used making wax the first year so, in general, expectations should be tempered. Second year hives are often much better at collecting honey.