Our core services are:
- Hive Management
- Hive Hosting
- Hive Shares
In addition, we support Alaska beekeepers with package installations, honey extraction and bottling, and wax rendering.
Hive Management
Interested in having a hive but don’t know where to begin or simply don’t have the time to manage one? Then having a hive on your property managed by our team is a good option. Under a managed hive arrangement, the Alaska Honey Collective provides:
- The hive(s) and bees
- Regular hive checks and feeding
- Honey extraction, bottling, and labeling
The property owner provides:
- Space and sunshine for the hive(s)
- An interest in bees
In an average year, expect 3-4 gallons (36-48 lbs) of honey from your hive. If your hive struggles or fails (it happens sometimes), we’ll provide 3 gallons of honey from one of our other local hives.
A fully managed hive is $400. We’re currently taking orders for the 2019 summer season. View our managed hive agreement for details.
If an entire beehive’s worth of honey seems like too much, you can host a hive instead.
Don’t want a hive on your property, but still want a supply of local honey? Then a hive share might be a better option.
Wax rendering
We can melt and bulk package wax from your hive. We use a double-boiler method to separate wax and impurities and then strain out any remaining particles.
Wax rendering is $1.00/lb.
Package bees installation
Installing a package of bees for the first time can be intimidating. We want to see new beekeepers succeed and can help you install that new package. We provide hands-on instruction and hope you are able to actively participate in the hiving process.
Maybe you’re a seasoned beekeeper but won’t be available to hive the bees when they arrive. We can also install those packages.
Package installation for 2019 is $50 for the first package, $25 for any additional.