As summer sunshine gives way to autumn’s honey-colored hues, Geoff Neale prepares for a sweet fall harvest, thanks to the work of thousands of bees.

"We need to extract the honey while it’s still warm, usually at the end of summer," Geoff says. "It’s a process that takes a couple of days, and then it can take weeks to clean everything up."

Geoff Neale says his interest beekeeping began with a curiosity about bees—many years ago.

"I’ve always been interested in bees," Geoff says. "My mother gave me a book on beekeeping, and my father-in-law was a beekeeper. That’s what really got me started."

Now beekeepers for over two decades, Geoff and Nora Neale manage several hives across different locations, including their backyard and an orchard in Topsfield.

The hives require consistent attention throughout the year, with the honey harvest typically taking place around Labor Day.

Beekeeping is more than just a hobby for the Neales; it’s a way of life. Both Geoff and Nora are heavily involved in the Essex County Beekeepers Association (ECBA), an organization that plays a significant role in educating the community about bees. Along with other members of ECBA, Geoff teaches a winter course called Practical Beekeeping, which runs every February. "Some people take the course because they’re serious about starting beekeeping, while others are just curious," he said. The course covers everything from bee biology to setting up hives and managing bees throughout the seasons.

Nora, on the other hand, has found her niche in education through the ECBA, particularly focusing on younger populations. "One of my roles with the Essex County Beekeepers Association is education," she says. "I visit preschools, libraries, and elementary schools, bringing along an observation hive and equipment to show how a hive operates. We talk about the importance of local pollinators, and it’s fascinating for the kids to see the bees up close through the plexiglass."

One of the highlights of the year for the Neales is the Topsfield Fair, which is known for having one of the largest and most comprehensive beekeeping exhibits in the country. Nora is particularly involved with the fair, where she spends a significant amount of time each October. "I’m there every day," she said. "We live close by, so it’s easy to be involved. Hundreds and hundreds of fairgoers go through the bee building every day, and we have four observation hives on display."

Geoff and Nora’s commitment to beekeeping extends to their understanding of the bees themselves. "How much honey we produce depends on several factors," Geoff explained. "The weather, what’s blooming, and the strength of the colony all play a part. A strong colony with good weather and a strong nectar flow can produce up to 100 pounds of honey." However, not every hive is as productive. "Some years, I get zero honey from certain hives because they don’t produce enough to even feed themselves through the winter. In those cases, I have to feed the bees."

The flavor of the honey they harvest is also a product of the environment. "It depends on where the bees are and what’s blooming at the time," Geoff said. "Most of the honey we get around here comes from wildflowers, but once the bees leave the hive, you can’t really control where they go."

Their daughter, Grace, has also been involved in the family’s beekeeping activities since she was a young child. "We started keeping bees a year before Grace was born," Nora recalled. "When she was five, she wanted her own bee suit, and she’s been helping us ever since. It’s been a wonderful family hobby." Grace graduated from college and is now working full time, but she still continues to be active in ECBA, and the Topsfield Fair.

For Geoff and Nora, beekeeping is an ever-evolving journey. "If you start to learn about bees, it’s absolutely fascinating how interesting these tiny little insects are," Geoff said. "I still say, even after all these years, I’m still learning."

Nora agreed, adding, "Sharing all that bees have to offer—the science behind it, the products they produce, and the role they play in our food system—is incredibly rewarding. It’s a hobby that has brought our family closer together and given us a deeper appreciation for the world around us."

 

 

October 4 - 14, 2024

The Essex County Beekeepers Association, ECBA, is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1923 by local beekeepers in Essex County, Massachusetts interested in sharing their experiences. In 2023, ECBA celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the club and its association with the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, MA. ECBA is known to have the largest honey show in North America.