Have you ever been stung by a honeybee? It is painful! Stinging someone, however, is not the primary reason for this insect’s existence on earth. Honeybees are the ONLY insects in the world that make food for human consumption. [emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”]
About 45,000 bees live in a hive, which is called a colony. Females are the only ones who do any work around the hive, called the “worker bees.” The male bees’ only purpose is to fertilize the queen. The queen is the only bee in the colony that can lay eggs. She works hard laying an average of 800 a day, but can lay up to 3,000 in one day.
Honeybees collect nectar from flowers and use their long tongues to suck it out and store it in a “honey stomach.” They bring the nectar back to the hive and give it to the other bees, who then suck it out, chew on it for about half an hour, and then (finally) pour it into the honeycomb.
The thick chewed-up nectar sits, and dries, before it becomes what we call HONEY.
This column is sponsored by Donald Kirkland and Higgenbotham Auctioneers. Are you ready to step back and enjoy the “honey” you have labored so long for? We have properties coming up for auction: An auto body & repair shop in Palm Harbour, FL, on June 25; and 940 acres of prime agricultural property, in LaBelle, FL, (in 5 parcels) on June 29. How about a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath in Maggie Valley, N.C.? Take a look at www.higgenbotham.com for all of our upcoming auctions, or call (863) 607-7877.
CREDITS
column by DONALD KIRKLAND
BIO: Donald Kirkland (AU 1803 AB 158) is a third-generation Floridian, from Medulla (South Lakeland) and admitted “Florida Cracker.” He has worked at Higgenbotham Auctioneers since 1993. Donald enjoys the agriculture community spirit, 4-H, FHA, FFA. Donald is a certified and licensed auctioneer and real estate associate. [/emember_protected]
