Claire collected her first beehive in 2007, transporting it home in the back of her small hatchback. Fast forward & the Kyneton farmer is celebrating as 2019 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner & National Runner-up for her project to breed a genetically diverse range of queen bees. Her passion comes from her concern about Australia's biosecurity, declining bee numbers across the world, with disease, insecticides and pesticides among likely causes. 

In the 12 years since that first hive for her suburban backyard, Claire and her partner Paul had three kids, moved to the Macedon Ranges and traded the hatchback for a tractor. Claire has continued to study and keep bees; a fascination that began as a child. That passion might just be genetic. It was Claire’s four-year-old son who set up an egg enterprise that kick-started the family’s mixed business, The Good Life Farm Company. The business now produces eggs and honey from sustainable practices.

Australia is one of the few countries in the world to remain free of varroa mite. Biosecurity is critical for our local hives and food production. Queen bees have become a valued export product.

AgriFutures Australia is committed to the future growth and advancement of the Award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women. The Rural Women’s Award is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring our rural industries prosper now, and into the future.