It is estimated by some experts that the honey bee population has decreased by 50 per cent the past 50 years but local amateur beekeeper Greg Hogan is doing his bit to prevent this.
Hogan’s, who ironically is allergic to a bee sting, passion for bees started by chance three years ago when a friend gave him a protective bee suit. It was not long before he became curious about a swarm he had in his yard and on his first attempt, without any experience or training, he harvested 17kg of honey. Through books, the Internet and advice from experienced beekeepers he educated himself and went as far as building his own equipment. Today Hogan has 36 hives and has even been asked to speak at a conference as a new beekeeper.
His passion is evident as he shoots off facts, anecdotes and the technical aspects like a machine gun. He, for instance, explains that bees are misunderstood and will not sting a person if they are not harassed. Hogan also said honey that is produced in the Horison area is especially tasty due to the wide variety of plants. Hogan himself also farms the bee’s honey and sell it but it is a complicated and time consuming process for an amateur. To bottle 60 jars of honey can take as long as six hours and that is only the last of many phases.
Hogan also sings the praises of honey’s many uses and by-products. Honey can be used to treat eczema, as an ointment for sores and cuts and among other things hey fever. Another interesting story he related is of an alcoholic honey drink, Mead, which has been made for almost 15 000 years.
But he is a man of many talents and endeavours. He is chairperson of the local block watch, an avid knife maker, has a small steel works as well as a sign printing business and is very clearly a family man.
Although his passion is contagious one realises its importance in the light of Albert Einstein who said if the bee population disappears, humanity will follow within five years. Bees pollinate a third of everything we eat and play a vital role in sustaining the planet’s ecosystems. Some 84 per cent of the crops grown for human consumption need bees and other insects to pollinate them to increase their yields and quality.
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