The Brown County Beekeepers are extremely proud that one of our very own has been selected to represent Wisconsin as the 2026 Honey Queen. Emily Skala of Pulaski, Wisconsin was selected in January 2026. To learn more about Emily and how to contact her you can click here.
And Emily is not the first Wisconsin Honey Queen to emerge from the Brown County Beekeepers Association. Kaelyn Sumner served at the Wisconsin Honey Queen in 2023.
Here is what to expect in and around the hive in February.
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Here is what to expect in and around the hive in January.
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The Tom Cashman Research Grant honors the extraordinary legacy of Tom Cashman, a dedicated member of the Brown County Beekeeping Association for 52 years. His family’s involvement in the club spans an incredible 80 years, representing nearly a century of commitment to the art and science of beekeeping.
Over his five decades of membership, Tom witnessed remarkable changes and innovations in beekeeping. In his spirit of curiosity, learning, and community sharing, this annual grant seeks to accelerate discovery and encourage exploration of new developments in beekeeping, to dispel myths, or to prove theories that may not be fully explored.
Open to all club members whose dues are current for the year in which the research grant is requested, have been a member for at least 12 months, and have attended at least 2 meetings. Grant awardees must remain members in good standing for the duration of the project.
Individual or team applications are welcome.
Use the funds to explore or test new ideas in beekeepings
Share their findings with the club through a brief presentation, demonstration, or written report within six months of completion of the project
A three person selection panel will review all applications submitted in writing prior to or at the February BCBA monthly meeting. The recipients(s) will be selected based upon:
Interested members must submit a proposal (1-3 pages) including:
Applications are due by the February monthly BCBA meeting. Please send to the Club President at grothchris1@gmail.com. The award(s) will be announced at the April monthly BCBA club meeting.
Former BCBA President and current education chairperson, Dave Elsen, recently submitted an article to American Bee Journal which was accepted and published.
The article, entitled “How to Attract New Members and Retain Experienced Beekeepers: The Story of Brown County Beekeepers“, shares Dave’s experiences during his ten years of beekeeping and as a club member.
“There’s no instruction manual, no “one right way.” But after more than a century of supporting beekeepers in Northeast Wisconsin, we’ve learned a few things about creating a club that people want to join and stay with.”
If you would like to know more – download and read the complete article here.
BCBA Honey, Wax and Crafts Contest Update
The Club Contest will be at the November meeting. All entries must be submitted between 5:00-5:30.
You are strongly encouraged to read the content rules / criteria.
There are many categories to choose from this year to include three new categories: photography, arts and crafts and black jar honey.
If you are entering honey in the light, amber and dark honey categories the club does provide jars. (Note: We exchanged the jars that had some bubbles in the glass for new jars. They will be at the October meeting or just reach out to Dave Elsen). The Club retains the honey entries and uses for future events or donations.
Here is what to expect in and around the hive in October.
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Here is what to expect in and around the hive in July.
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Here is what to expect in and around the hive in June.
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Here is what to expect in and around the hive in May.
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