Business Background:
Weeks Works, incorporated in 2000 by BJ Weeks, produces and sells honey in over 70 locations in the north Metro area. BJ went from managing 100 hives in 1995 to 500 or so now. In addition to honey Weeks sells wax and also contracts pollination services to growers across the state.
Bees have become increasingly difficult to raise in the last decade or so, BJ said that production on his hives has gone from 70 barrels in 2001 (a barrel is approximately 660lbs.) to 36 barrels in 2014. BJ has been very active in the Cherokee County Bee Club since 1994 and helps to share his knowledge and experience with fellow beekeepers and would-be beekeepers at the Club’s yearly Bee School.
About BJ
How long have you been in Cherokee county?
Since 1985
Favorite Music:
Country and hit music from the 70’s and 80’s
Book your currently reading:
A Walk in the Woods. I also asked BJ what the best book for the beginner beekeeper is and he recommended Beekeeping 101 by Dana Stallman.
Things you enjoy after work:
Fishing, when there is time.
Favorite Tool:
Cordless Drill
How did you get started?
I grew up on a farm in Iowa and my dad replaced the sugar in the house with honey and in 1964 he and my uncle started keeping bees. Of course he and my uncle, who was a plumber, didn’t really have time to keep up with them so I started working with them when I was 10 years old. Back then you really didn’t need to know much about bees you just had to have the time.
Most challenging part of your job?
Twenty hour work days. People have asked me if you can make a living keeping bees and I tell them after 120 hours per week you really don’t have time for anything else.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Trying to be the best at what I do.
What is the one thing you wish the general public or the beginning beekeeper knew more about?
That internet information is not always as reliable as they think.
If you are interested in learning more about Bees, Native Pollinators, and how you can help create a pollinator friendly yard or landscape the following links contain great information:
*The interview series posts are strictly a way to connect with and promote local growers, producers and individuals involved in agriculture and natural resource endeavors. It does not imply endorsement of their products or services, nor criticism of similar firms not listed.