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Inside the Bee farm
Richard Evans, the visionary behind R&K Honeybees, embarked on his journey in 2009 when he officially established R&K Honeybees as a commercial business. However, the roots of his expertise delve much deeper, reaching back to the wisdom and tradition instilled by his grandfather, James Lawson Evans. It was under the mentorship of his grandfather that Richard first cultivated his passion for beekeeping, absorbing the intricate techniques and time-honored practices that have since become the cornerstone of R&K Honeybees.
Richard Evans
Richard reminisces, reflecting on his lifelong affinity for bees that traces back to his earliest memories as a child. Growing up surrounded by the gentle hum of hives, he fondly recalls his grandparents' beekeeping legacy, which began when they relocated from Crane, Missouri, to Redding, California, in 1936. It was within his grandfather's familial embrace that Richard's journey into beekeeping commenced.
In the formative year of 1984, during his senior year of high school, Richard eagerly immersed himself in the art of beekeeping. With enthusiasm and determination, he embarked on his beekeeping endeavor, initiating his first two hives as a 4H project.
From its humble beginnings as a 4H project, Richard's venture into beekeeping blossomed into a flourishing enterprise. With steadfast dedication, he nurtured his initial twenty hives, laying the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into a thriving commercial operation. Despite the expansion, Richard remained firmly rooted in his local community, never forgetting the heritage and values instilled by his upbringing.
James Lawson Evans
In 2009, fueled by his passion and a desire for growth, Richard made the bold decision to transition his beekeeping endeavor into a commercial venture. However, even as the operation expanded, Richard ensured that the essence of his enterprise remained deeply connected to its local roots.
Over the past years, the farm has experienced remarkable growth, boasting an impressive three hundred hives and the addition of two extracting lines. Moreover, Richard has diversified the product line, introducing honeycomb and candle making to complement the farm's offerings.
Driven by a commitment to excellence and continuous learning, Richard actively pursued further education in beekeeping. He seized the opportunity to enrich his knowledge and skills by attending courses in the esteemed Master Beekeeping Program at the University of California, Davis. This dedication to ongoing education underscores Richard's unwavering commitment to the craft and his relentless pursuit of excellence in beekeeping practices.
