Welcome to the world of beekeeping! Beekeeping, or apiculture, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with evidence of honey harvesting found in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics from around 3000 BCE. The practice evolved as civilizations recognized the value of honey not only as a food source but also for its medicinal properties and as a sweetener. The Greeks and Romans further advanced beekeeping techniques, developing hives made from clay and woven materials. In the Middle Ages, beekeeping became more widespread across Europe, with monasteries often serving as centers for honey production. The invention of the movable frame hive in the 19th century by Lorenzo Langstroth revolutionized the industry, allowing beekeepers to inspect hives and harvest honey without destroying the colonies. Today, beekeeping is practiced worldwide, contributing significantly to agriculture through pollination and the production of honey and other bee products and not much has changed since Langstroth modernized the art of keeping bees.
Dr. Charles Dolittle made significant contributions to the bee industry, as well, particularly through his research and advocacy for bee health and management practices. His work in the early 20th century focused on understanding the behaviors and diseases of honey bees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy colonies for successful beekeeping. Dolittle was a pioneer in promoting the use of scientific methods in apiculture, helping to educate beekeepers about the significance of disease prevention and proper hive management. Notably, he also advanced queen bee breeding techniques, developing methods for selecting and rearing high-quality queens, which are crucial for maintaining strong colonies through a superior outlook of selective breeding. His efforts in developing better beekeeping practices and advocating for the environmental importance of bees have had a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring future generations of beekeepers and researchers to prioritize bee health and conservation as my family has. You may have heard me say this already, “You do not have to settle for working with mean bees.”
The Logan Cutts Family Tradition
Growing up in a beekeeping family, I was surrounded by the humming of bees, whether that be the bees themselves or the men of my family talking about them. I can still remember the first time I donned a Cutts beekeeping suit – shorts and a tee-shirt. You see, my family believes that we do not have to settle with “mean bees”. Our selective breeding techniques have led the South-East in a direction towards quality genetics. I was extremely nervous but excited to be a part of, “the men”, and the moment I stepped into the hive, I embraced a smell and feeling I will never forget. The gentle buzzing was like a symphony of nature that roared for my attention, the bees smelled of a musty sweetness from the various pollens, nectars and wax mixing that is always different from hive-to-hive. Each hive is a bustling community, its own utopia. Where every bee has a role to play based on her age and instincts —from foragers gathering nectar to workers tending to the queen. This teamwork reflects a sense of harmony that I’ve come to cherish and respect. From the drones and queen(s), my family taught me to appreciate them and care for them. I take a great deal of pride knowing it is something within generations of my blood that drives both my career choice and my passion.
My granddaddy never forced anyone in the family into beekeeping, we just very naturally were drawn to it from his immense passion of it. This same passion I want to put into my own children and hopefully you, the reader, Granddaddy said, “Us Cutts men know two things, the Gospel and beekeeping and neither are supposed to be secrets.”
In this series, I’ll share a general knowledge of honey bee taxonomy, what beekeeping means to me, the joys and challenges that come with maintaining a healthy hive, and we’ll even discuss other pollinators. Whether you’re considering starting your own journey or just curious about trade regarding these fascinating insects, I hope to inspire you to appreciate the intricate relationship we share with bees. Even if you might be fearful of them, I hope that you still will know their importance for not only our survival, but for the world’s, too. Together, let’s explore the buzzing world of beekeeping!
95% of the honey bees in Florida (which means hundreds of thousands of hives!) are maintained by only 5% of beekeepers. To be successful in the commercial industry, you must be a master-of-all. You must sell honey to consumers, nucs and/or queens to other beekeepers, and manage pollination contracts to make it by in the industry. I have pioneered a new aspect of the industry where you consult small scale beekeepers in their journey for a profit – I do this on an international level. If we are being honest and transparent, my commercial beekeepers do not need a consult, but a hired hand that knows how to do more advanced tasks without being monitored or taught on the fly. If maybe they want to venture into a new type of pollination or honey production, I help them find the farmer or the new yards to make that possible for their operation.
What to Know Before You Start
One of the most important lessons passed down through the generations is that understanding that a healthy bee is the key to successful beekeeping. Coming from breeders – I was taught how to evaluate and promote the health of the colony and the aspects of genetics that compliment that goal. While focusing on this the honey will come second hand. (Location permitting)
You can put any sickly bee in a good yard, and they will bulk up and make a good crop of honey, but it is the bees that remain strong in the sense of health within a time of dearth (a time where there is no nectar yielding blooms) that I am interested in.
To do this you must know the bee on a deep and fundamental level. These insects are incredibly intelligent and complex, communicating through intricate dances and pheromones and sometimes chirping/piping. Learning to read their behavior, spotting signs of health or distress, and knowing when to intervene requires a keen eye and a lot of patience. It’s a journey of observation and connection that deepens our appreciation for these amazing pollinators. You will fail (a lot), but that is the only road to learning within your own apiary. If you are a struggling novice, don’t give up!
Beekeeping Challenges
As a fifth-generation beekeeper, I’ve had the incredible privilege of growing up alongside these remarkable creatures. The Cutts’ history with bees stretches back over a century, and each generation has passed down not just the techniques and knowledge, but also a deep respect for the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. To prove our passion, just ask our wives if we like to talk about bees. Following in the precedent of Dr. Dolittle, my family’s passion has surrounded the research industry and the promotion “good beekeeping” through extension efforts. My granddaddy, Laurence Cutts, the only beekeeper in the Florida AG Hall-of-fame, was the spearhead for the building of the world-renowned Bee Lab at the University of Florida for the best bee researcher in the world, Dr. Jamie Ellis.
Beekeeping is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life that connects us to nature, teaches us patience, and rewards us with the sweet reward of honey if we prove to be good stewards. From my great-great-grandfather’s simple barter trade for his hives to the modern beekeeping that I teach today, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our understanding of these pollinators has evolved.
What my grandfather did in his apiary represented the best methods of his time, but with different pests and diseases that are plaguing the bees today, those practices are simply out-of-date. When he was alive, he too would preach this exact message: that he was glad he was retired, but sad for what we had to deal with, though let’s be honest, he never retired. Beekeeping is not a stagnant industry. We are constantly growing and adapting from the various obstacles that come our way.
Generational families of beekeepers are increasingly facing challenges due to the destructive impact of the varroa mite, which has become one of the most significant threats to honey bee populations worldwide. When asked what is killing bees, before we can even take a breath, “Varroa!” is blurted out.
These mites are not only parasites to the bees, weakening entire colonies and making them more susceptible to diseases, but sucking the lifeblood from the beekeepers themselves. For many traditional beekeeping families, the struggle to manage varroa infestations has led to increased costs and labor, often outweighing the benefits of maintaining hives.
As a result, a younger generations may be increasingly discouraged from continuing the family tradition, the hard work and stress leading to a decline in artisanal beekeeping practices that have been passed down through the years. The ongoing battle against varroa mites not only threatens the bees but also the cultural heritage of beekeeping itself that my family and few others still cling to.
Beekeeping is a journey of constant growth, where every challenge brings new insights and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. It’s through these experiences—both the successes and the setbacks—that we become better caretakers, not only for our bees but for the environment they help sustain. While the path isn’t always easy, you’re not alone—I’m here to help guide you through the ups and downs, sharing what I’ve learned so you can thrive on your own beekeeping adventure.
