Ide's Honey Farm

Ide's Honey Farm
Stan Ide
June 18^th 2009

After supper and a brief meeting at the Blue Lion in Pierceton, club members made the short drive to Ide's Honey Farm, between Pierceton and Larwell, where we all learned about "the birds and the bees". Stan and Sandy love the wholesome lifestyle offered by the country and in addition to farming they have kept just about any pet and livestock imaginable. Stan first became interested in bees when his grandfather kept several hives. He tries to maintain between 20 and 30 hives so that the operation will be small enough to continue to be a fun hobby. He sometimes rescues hives from other people and if he gets too many he sells off the excess. In a good year 25 hives can produce over a ton of honey which he sells locally at fruit markets and coffee shops. To assist the bees the Ides have established a variety of gardens featuring fruit and nut trees, grape vines, and many blossoming perennials including wildflowers. The Spring, Summer, and Fall honeys all have different tastes due to the the seasonal diets of the bees, and seasonal blooming of the plants. In addition to honey the Ides also offer beeswax for sale. The farm is a popular destination for school field trips.