A rich heritage of beekeeping, spanning three generations, has grown into a thriving enterprise for one dedicated individual in Southeast Wisconsin. Nick Thill, owner of Honey Grove Apiaries and the president of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association (WHPA), was introduced to beekeeping when he was only 12 years old when his aunt gave him his first six hives. Little did he know that this would seed a lifelong passion. 

“I have grown my operation from the original six hives my aunt gave me to now having about 350,” says Thill. “We specialize in direct-to-consumer sales, predominantly in Southeast Wisconsin, particularly the Milwaukee area.”

However, like many beekeepers across Wisconsin, Thill faces a plethora of challenges. Dealing with issues like brood mite infestations and the changing agricultural landscape, which leans more towards mono-cropping, has significantly impacted bee nutrition and foraging opportunities. Moreover, the unexpected arrival of black bears in Southeast Wisconsin has become a pressing concern, resulting in the establishment of the Black Bear Advisory Committee.

A rich heritage of beekeeping, spanning three generations, has grown into a thriving enterprise for one dedicated individual in Southeast Wisconsin. Nick Thill, owner of Honey Grove Apiaries and the president of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association (WHPA), was introduced to beekeeping when he was only 12 years old when his aunt gave him his first six hives. Little did he know that this would seed a lifelong passion. 
“I have grown my operation from the original six hives my aunt gave me to now having about 350,” says Thill. “We specialize in direct-to-consumer sales, predominantly in Southeast Wisconsin, particularly the Milwaukee area.”
However, like many beekeepers across Wisconsin, Thill faces a plethora of challenges. Dealing with issues like brood mite infestations and the changing agricultural landscape, which leans more towards mono-cropping, has significantly impacted bee nutrition and foraging opportunities. Moreover, the unexpected arrival of black bears in Southeast Wisconsin has become a pressing concern, resulting in the establishment of the Black Bear Advisory Committee.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

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