Beekeeping on the Family Farm: Startup, Economics, and Market Opportunities in Iowa

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Time:  1:00 PM (CST)  

I Interest in value-added agriculture is rising as Iowa farm families seek practical ways to diversify their income with manageable startup costs and minimal land needs. This webinar will explore the fundamentals of beekeeping and honey production as a viable diversification opportunity. Join Andrew Joseph, Iowa  of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for a comprehensive look at what it takes to successfully establish and manage a hive in Iowa.

The session will cover:

  • Iowa honeybee statistics and industry trends
  • State laws, registration requirements, and regulatory considerations
  • Beekeeping basics: equipment, setup, and management
  • Startup costs and ongoing expenses
  • Honey harvesting and processing timelines
  • Marketing, branding, and identifying customers
  • Revenue potential and strategies for monetizing hive products
  • Additional benefits of beekeeping, including pollination and ecosystem impact
Designed for farmers and rural landowners evaluating diversification options, this session will focus on both operational realities and economic considerations. The presentation will run approximately 45 minutes, followed by live Q&A.

Click here to register

For more information, or for issues with registering, please contact Zach Brummer at (zbrummer@ifbf.org).