Kids in the Moorhead Public Library were able to experience what all of the buzz was about Saturday when the Minnesota Honey Queen came to town.
The Honey Queen, Kelly Tjepkes, read to them about honey production during the Busy as a Bee story time before heading downstairs for the Kids 'N Bees Expo.
The expo was set up as a creative learning experience for children, complete with interactive learning stations on Minnesota beekeeping and Minnesota-grown honey.
Tjepkes promotes agricultural literacy by traveling throughout the state, focusing especially on elementary schools. The 20-year-old Hennepin Community College sophomore also participates in farmers markets, festivals and parades.
Her favorite part of the job is teaching people about honey production.
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"It's nice to see the look on people's faces when they learn something new," she said. "Everything about it is great."
Cathy Jo Ruper, chairperson of the promotion board for the Minnesota Honey Producers Association, discussed how the drought is affecting honey production.
"In some areas, commercial beekeepers are moving the bees," Ruper said. "They're pretty sure production will be down if we don't get any moisture in the next few weeks. The next few weeks are going to determine a lot."
Rain plays an integral part in pollination. Without it, flowers won't bloom and bees won't pollinate.
The drought has raised honey prices throughout the nation, putting some independent distributors in a sticky situation, Ruper said.
"I know the struggle of trying to compete with big honey bottlers," she said. "Independent marketers deal with big conglomerates, like Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. It's hard right now."
Ruper said beekeepers are having a difficult time with rising gas prices. "We have to keep accommodating for these changes," she said.
Despite uncertain times for the honeybee industry, Minnesota ranks in the top five states for honey production. A Minnesota bee colony, on average, can produce about 80 pounds of honey each year.
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"It's important to get that message out there so that people can understand the value of the honey bee," Ruper said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kim Winnegge at (701) 241-5509
