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WACO, Texas – November 14, 2024 – Hive & Harvest founder Danielle Fleming has reached a monumental milestone in her beekeeping career by earning the coveted title of Master Beekeeper through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Beekeeper Program. Announced during the Texas Beekeepers Association Annual Conference, Danielle was one of only two individuals to receive this honor in 2024.
The distinction marks the culmination of a rigorous, five-year journey that included intensive education, hands-on experience, public service, and examinations. Danielle joins the elite ranks of fewer than 40 individuals who have achieved Master Beekeeper status through Texas A&M since the program’s inception.
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A Five-Year Journey of Dedication and Expertise
The Texas A&M Master Beekeeper Program is renowned for its stringent requirements and rigorous curriculum. To earn the Master Beekeeper title, candidates must:
- Hold the Apprentice and Advanced Beekeeper certifications for at least one year each.
- Have been a beekeeper for a minimum of 5 years.
- Be a registered beekeeper in with the Apiary Inspection service.
- Accumulate and document fifteen public service credits, with any presentations to a beekeeping audience only counting for half a credit.
- Choose a major field of study and demonstrate expertise by earning three credits within that field, and become well rounded by earning 5 core credits outside of that field.
- Pass a comprehensive written exam with a score of 70% or higher.
Danielle chose to major in Diagnosis and Treatment of Honey Bee Pests, Parasites, and Pathogens, a critical area of study that aligns with her commitment to bee health and sustainability. Her coursework required deep knowledge of honey bee diseases, life cycles, and effective treatments, as well as expertise in diagnosing and mitigating threats to colony health.
Commitment to Excellence: Danielle’s Path to Mastery
Danielle’s journey to Master Beekeeper began with her Apprentice Beekeeper certification, where she learned foundational skills in hive management and bee biology. Building on that knowledge, she advanced to the Advanced Beekeeper level, gaining experience in honey production, pollination practices, and public education.
Her dedication to public service is equally impressive. To fulfill the program’s requirements, Danielle logged many more hours than necessary by mentoring aspiring beekeepers, teaching educational workshops, and advocating for bee conservation. Notable accomplishments include:
- Mentoring veterans through the Hives for Heroes program, helping them find healing and purpose through beekeeping.
- Serving as the Youth Program Director for her local beekeeping association, inspiring the next generation of apiarists.
- Presenting at conferences, including the Texas Beekeepers Association Annual Conference and the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, on topics such as Sting & Apiary Safety and How to Incorporate Beekeeping into Your Operation.
Danielle’s major coursework required additional expertise in diagnosing common honey bee health issues, such as Varroa destructor, American Foulbrood, European Foulbrood, Nosema, Parasitic Mite Syndrome, Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus, and more. She also demonstrated proficiency in treating colonies with Integrated Pest Management, while staying updated on cutting-edge research through resources like the Honey Bee Health Coalition and the Bee Informed Partnership.
The Final Challenge: A Comprehensive Examination
To achieve Master Beekeeper status, Danielle faced a written exam designed to test both depth and breadth of knowledge. Questions covered advanced topics in honey bee biology, disease management, and colony dynamics, including:
- Recognizing scientific and common names of pests, pathogens, and parasites.
- Understanding reproductive biology, swarming behavior, and eusociality.
- Diagnosing and treating brood and adult bee diseases.
- Demonstrating expertise in the use of hive treatments and their active ingredients.
The exam also required familiarity with literature from the Master Beekeeper reading list, as well as information presented at previous Texas Beekeepers Association conferences.
An Elite Honor in the Beekeeping Community
Earning the Master Beekeeper title is a testament to Danielle’s exceptional knowledge, skill, and dedication to apiculture. With fewer than 40 individuals ever reaching this level in Texas, she joins an elite group of beekeepers who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the craft.
“This achievement is the culmination of years of hard work and passion for beekeeping,” Danielle shared. “I’m incredibly honored to be recognized as a Master Beekeeper and excited to use this knowledge to further support bees and the beekeeping community.”
Looking Ahead: Danielle’s Vision for Hive & Harvest
As the founder of Hive & Harvest, Danielle plans to leverage her Master Beekeeper certification to expand her educational offerings and advocacy work. Her goals include:
- Hosting online classes to help people of all levels become better beekeepers.
- Expanding her popular classes at MCC, such as Healing with Honey and International Honey Tasting, to include insights gained through her Master Beekeeper studies.
- Continuing to mentor beekeepers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned apiarists.
About the Texas A&M Master Beekeeper Program
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Beekeeper Program is a tiered certification program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of beekeepers. Participants progress through Apprentice, Advanced, and Master levels, gaining expertise in areas such as hive management, honey production, and pollination ecology. The program emphasizes public service and education, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled beekeepers but also ambassadors for bee conservation.
About Hive & Harvest
Hive & Harvest is dedicated to supporting bees and beekeepers through education, conservation, and high-quality bee products. Founded by Austin and Danielle Fleming, the organization’s mission is to educate the public, conserve bee populations, and provide ethical, sustainable honey and bee-related products.
