In every corner of the world — even Hobbiton in New Zealand— bees are the heartbeat of life. We’re proud to nurture our hives with the same love you’d find in the Shire.
#HomesteadHives #Beekeeping #Hobbiton #BeeKind #honey

Mānuka honey comes from the mānuka plant—but the bees that make it? Same Apis mellifera we keep at Homestead Hives. In WI, they forage basswood, clover, goldenrod & more.
Same bees. Different blooms. Different magic. #beemagic #beekind #honey

Manuka honey is one of the world's most talked-about honeys-and it's made by bees you already know! These hives in Queenstown, NZ are home to apis melliferia--the same honeybee species we care for at Homestead Hives in Madison! What makes the honey different? The bees forage on wild manuka plants!

As Homestead Hives gears up for the 2025 honey season, we're taking inspiration from apiaries in New Zealand -- where hives rest in peaceful, scenic surroundings. This post kicks off a short series exploring New Zealand apiaries, manuka honey, and what we're learning from bees abroad.

One of the questions we get asked the most is, "Where do the bees go in the winter?" The answer? They stay right in their hive, forming a tight cluster around the queen, vibrating to generate heat—like a living space heater! 🔥 It can be nearly 90 degrees in the center!

As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome a sweet new year, we're grateful for the buzz around Homestead Hives this year. 🐝 Here's to a 2025 filled with community, growth, and of course, honey! #HappyNewYear #HomesteadHives #SweetBeginnings

Beekeeping season is wrapped up for the winter! Now it’s time to enjoy and share the golden honey our hardworking bees have gifted us. 🐝🍯