At Caney Fork Farms, we are proud to welcome back honeybees for the third season in a row. These hardworking pollinators are essential to our regenerative farming practices, helping us grow organic vegetables and maintain biodiversity throughout the landscape.
Our hives are managed by local beekeeper Steve, a third-generation expert in pollination whose family has worked with bees for over 50 years. Each year, the bees make the journey from California to Tennessee, joining our ecosystem and contributing to pollination efforts across the farm.
Why Are Honeybees Important to Regenerative Agriculture?
Honeybees are critical for the success of many crops. Their pollination boosts vegetable yields, strengthens plant health, and helps native species thrive. With bees on the farm, we see improved productivity in our fields and more resilient plant ecosystems overall.
When we first introduced hives, we placed them in our Foley field, where we grow vegetables and tend a mulberry grove. The results were immediate: a successful honey harvest and visibly healthier crops. However, because of the heavy foot traffic in that area, the location created safety challenges for our team.
Where Are the Beehives Now?
We now place the beehives in one of our rotational grazing fields. This pasture is shared by our sheep and cattle, who contribute essential organic matter to the soil. The bees are protected within a fenced-off area to prevent disturbances from both animals and people.
This new location keeps our pollinators safe and continues to support our regenerative goals. The presence of bees complements the nutrient cycling from our livestock and enriches the surrounding environment.
Benefits of Keeping Bees on the Farm
- Increased vegetable and fruit yields through pollination
- Greater biodiversity in crops and native plants
- Healthier ecosystems with more balanced insect populations
- High-quality raw honey, harvested right on the farm
- Educational opportunities for our staff and CSA community
A Sustainable Future with Honeybees
The return of the bees each spring is more than a seasonal tradition. It is a cornerstone of our mission to farm regeneratively and support pollinator conservation. With Steve’s experienced care, our queens remain healthy and our hives continue to flourish.
We look forward to another season of raw honey and vibrant growth across Caney Fork Farms. You can purchase our local, raw honey online at caneyforkfarms.com or pick up a jar at any of our CSA pickup locations in Cookeville, Carthage, Nashville, or Lebanon.