Bosler’s Bees, owned by Jason and Angie Bosler, is more than just a beekeeping business; it’s a testament to passion, community, and the invaluable role of bees in our ecosystem. Like understanding the nutritional content of your favorite Park Street Pizza Nutrition, learning about where your honey comes from and the beekeeping process adds a layer of appreciation to the simple act of enjoying honey. Jason Bosler’s journey into the world of bees began in 2007, sparked by a simple visit to the Dover Public Library. This initial curiosity blossomed into an in-depth exploration of beekeeping, fueled by countless books and research over nearly a year.
Jason’s thirst for knowledge led him to the Tri-County Beekeepers, embracing the philosophy that “the more info the better.” This networking and learning phase culminated in him taking six beekeeping classes, setting the stage for his first apiary. In April 2009, Bosler welcomed his first two hives home, quickly expanding to three within a month, marking the exciting beginning of Bosler’s Bees.
The year 2010 saw significant growth as Bosler acquired seven more hives, followed by an additional four from a retiring mentor. By the end of that year, Bosler’s Bees boasted an impressive 33 hives. Over the winter, they skillfully split these hives, nearly doubling their operation to 60. These hives were strategically placed in Baltic, Dundee, Wilmot, and Dover, contributing to pollination across Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Stark counties.
Beyond the business of bees, Bosler emphasizes the importance of community and education. He values the connections made through organizations like the Ohio State Beekeepers and Buckeye Queen Producers. Interactions at the Tuscarawas Valley Farm Market and Family Farm Field Day provided opportunities to engage directly with customers, sharing insights into the crucial role of bees in gardens and food production.
A particular area of fascination for Bosler is queen rearing – the art of creating queen bees. He explains the queen’s pivotal role: “A queen controls the hive. By creating new queens, you can alter a hive in terms of their gentleness, ability to survive the winter and withstand disease, not to mention honey production.” This focus on queen health and genetics underscores Bosler’s commitment to strong and productive bee colonies.
A turning point came in 2015 when Bosler’s Bees partnered with Country Bee Supply, establishing two locations for the business. This relationship evolved, leading to Bosler’s Bees acquiring the inventory and becoming Bosler’s Bee Stuff, solidifying their position in the beekeeping supply market.
Bosler’s Bee Stuff is renowned for its high-quality beekeeping supplies, maintaining strong ties with local Amish craftspeople. “The hives, for instance, are constructed right here in Holmes County,” Bosler proudly states. “They are made by real people. The quality is impeccable.” This commitment to local sourcing and craftsmanship sets them apart.
Their product range is comprehensive, covering all aspects of beekeeping. From hives and hive components to essential tools, protective gear, queen rearing equipment, and even novelty items, Bosler’s Bee Stuff caters to every beekeeper’s needs. They also offer harvesting and marketing supplies, including jars and bottles, alongside bee supplements and specialized feeds. For those starting or expanding their apiaries, Bosler’s Bee Stuff sells live bees and NUCS, and provides a wealth of educational resources, from books to informative posters. While most supplies can be shipped, NUCS are available for local pickup in Dundee, Ohio, ensuring the bees’ well-being.
“If you need pollen patties, we’ve got them,” Bosler assures, highlighting their readiness to support beekeepers through every season. “We have things in stock to get someone started in beekeeping or to get hives through the winter.”
Beyond supplies, Bosler’s Bee Stuff offers the delicious reward of raw honey. Angie Bosler describes their honey offerings: “We have wax, honey combs, honey, candy, and honey sticks. This is honey from bees right here, so it tastes different from something you purchase at the store.” The unique local terroir imparts a distinctive flavor profile, often with notes of clover, a testament to the local flora and the bees’ foraging habits.
Bosler’s Bee Stuff is a multifaceted bee-centric business, offering honey sales, educational seminars, pollination services, honey bee removal, and comprehensive beekeeping education. Whatever your bee-related need, Bosler’s Bee Stuff is equipped to assist.
For further information, reach out to them at [email protected] or explore their website at boslersbstuff.com.