Our Story
The Bee Place History
The roots of The Bee Place reach back long before 2014. Founder Gary Rankin was introduced to beekeeping as a child in the early 1970s, helping his grandfather and Uncle Dan tend gardens and manage honey bee hives in south central Texas.
Those early lessons—working with the seasons, observing bee behavior, and respecting the limits of nature—left a lasting impression, even as life and career paths moved in other directions.
The 2014 Turning Point
In 2014, a garden planted on the property thrived in every way except one. Crops that required insect pollination failed to produce properly, despite good soil, adequate water, and years without chemical use.
The problem was simple and alarming: there were no bees.
That absence prompted research into pollinator decline and ultimately led to the decision to bring honey bees back to the land—first to support the garden, and soon after, something much larger.
From Two Hives to an Apiary
The first two hives quickly multiplied. Bee removals, swarm calls, and relocation requests began coming in from friends, family, and neighbors.
Within a single season, the apiary grew from two hives to twenty. What started as a practical solution to a pollination problem was becoming a serious commitment of time, labor, and learning.
Bee Removals and Hard Lessons
Between 2014 and 2015, over two hundred bee removals were completed across Texas. More than half of those colonies qualified as Africanized.
This experience shaped the operation permanently. It reinforced the importance of gentle, well-managed genetics and safe handling practices, especially in populated areas where people, livestock, and wildlife are at risk.
Beekeeping in Texas Context
Decades earlier, interest in beekeeping across the region had declined sharply. Africanized bees, invasive pests such as Varroa mites and small hive beetles, and the loss of local supply infrastructure left a long gap in mentorship and education.
By the early 2010s, many new beekeepers were starting without experienced guidance or reliable local resources.
A Shift Toward Full-Time Work
Texas’ 2012 pollinator incentive legislation renewed interest in beekeeping by allowing agricultural valuation for landowners keeping bees. Demand for bees, supplies, and education increased rapidly.
What had begun as a small, hands-on operation transitioned into a full-time endeavor focused on meeting those needs responsibly.
Scaling the Operation
As hive numbers increased, so did the need for experienced help. Over time, a skilled team of full-time beekeepers was assembled, allowing the operation to grow safely and sustainably.
This expansion made it possible to support larger farms, provide pollination services nationwide, and maintain a consistent standard of care across all yards.
Where We Are Today
Today, The Bee Place operates as a professional honey bee farm with a focus on strong genetics, colony health, and practical beekeeping methods suited to south central Texas.
Our goal has never been to be the largest operation, but to be a reliable one—providing healthy bees, honest guidance, and support for those who depend on pollinators.
Passing It On
Beekeeping is learned over time, through observation, mistakes, and experience. Sharing that knowledge helps keep pollinators on the landscape and traditions alive.
From a couple of hives in a garden to a working apiary supporting hundreds of colonies, the story of The Bee Place continues—one season at a time.
