Bees on the Farm: A Sweet Exchange of Honey, Wax, and Wisdom

One of the most magical parts of our homestead is the way relationships shape the land. We didn’t go out and buy bees, hives, and all the equipment. Instead, we entered into something far more organic — a barter rooted in reciprocity.

a local master beekeeper, known as Tucka Bee, keeps her hives on our land. In exchange for space and blooms, she gifts us honey and wax. She tends to the bees with deep care, shares her knowledge with us, and has begun teaching us the art of beekeeping ourselves. It’s a partnership that honors both tradition and sustainability — and it means that the honey on our table is more than food, it’s a relationship.

Why This Exchange Matters

We believe in bartering and community exchange as a way of life. Instead of pouring thousands of dollars into equipment and learning everything the hard way, we get to apprentice with someone who has already walked this path. In return, she has access to the diverse food forest we’re cultivating — filled with fruit trees, flowering herbs, and native blooms. The bees thrive here, and so does our connection.

Honey with a Story

There’s something special about honey that comes from a food forest. The flavor shifts with the seasons: citrus blossoms in spring, wildflowers in summer, fruit tree nectar in fall. We like to think the diversity of our land gives the honey a richness and complexity you can taste. It’s sunshine, blossoms, and earth, all captured in a golden jar.

The wax, too, has been a gift — we’ve been able to use it in salves, candles, and herbal creations that circle back into our wellness practice. Every bit of it feels like medicine.

The Spiritual Side of Bees

Tucka Bee brings more than technical knowledge. She teaches the spiritual aspect of bees — the way they model community, harmony, and resilience. She’ll be offering classes here on the farm, sharing not just how to keep bees, but how to listen to them, integrate them into your homestead, and honor their role as sacred pollinators.

Why We’re Grateful

For us, this exchange is proof that abundance doesn’t always come from money. Sometimes it comes from trusting relationships, from offering space, and from sharing what we have. The bees remind us daily that when each member of a community plays their role, everyone thrives.

And yes — our honey really is the best we’ve ever tasted. We like to believe it’s because it’s infused with more than nectar — it’s infused with the spirit of this land and the love that flows through it.