Jennifer Short, the Queen of Camano Island Honey

To me, it takes a lot of courage to don a protective mask and suit to enter into a mass of swarming bees. But for Dr. Jennifer Short, it’s all part of a days work, to create a sanctuary space and farm to secure our food production, cultivate sustainable farming production and to create the region’s best honey.

Jennifer’s innate love of animals and agriculture set her professional course. She spent her early years successfully educating at the university level in veterinary medicine and then later, a challenging stint as a dairy farmer in Colorado. Dairy farming was rough and never got easier, so when she and her husband landed on Camano Island, Jennifer decided to transition to her love of the land and start a garden.  But the gardening never seemed as rewarding or productive as it should be, and pollinators were not as plentiful as expected….so she decided to take her love of animals and agriculture into a new direction and create a sanctuary for honey bees to thrive. Her solution was to not only solve her own garden problem but become a generic solution to food resource issues everywhere. She began a bee sanctuary and education center, pollinating a passion she could then convert to honey, balms, and salves while cultivating a thriving bee community. I followed Jennifer (at a distance) around her sanctuary and asked her to share more about her challenges and successes. 

Tell me about yourself? 

I have been blessed to have lived a life that provided me with many diverse, interesting experiences, and learning opportunities – all I had to do was be brave and courageous enough to say yes when they presented themselves. Some would call it being a jack of all trades…..I always thought that meant I could do anything with nothing, and make something of it!! 

How did you get started?

I was founder and owner of an organic dairy for 7 years and the farmer in me never really made peace with leaving that lifestyle and purpose.  I’ve always had an affinity as a veterinarian for highly efficient female production units, whether they were dairy cattle or goats, or wool sheep.  I couldn’t find enough dirt or the strength to do that kind of farming here where my husband wanted to retire, so I found an animal I could farm in a unique and agile way – honey bees.  A lot like dairy farming only without the huge milking parlor or twice a day milking!!

What is the best piece of advice you were given when you started?

Take care of the girls and they’ll take care of you!!

What tool or object could you not live without?

My hive tool – the only way to open a hive once the girls have glued it all shut with propolis!!

Fear or professional challenge that keeps you up at night?

Accidentally hurting a queen during a hive inspection or diagnostic procedure.

What is your no-fail go-to when you need inspiration?

A hive inspection – handling the bees seems to help me regain focus – you can’t be distracted when you’re in the hive….dangerous mistake!!  Creatively, if I need ideas, Pinterest is my go-to!!!  If I need to rejuvenate and reenergize – I go to the bluff and look out over Saratoga Passage and it helps me realize the enormity of creation, and all that’s possible with faith.

Does fraudulent product impact your operation?

As it relates to honey, cutting real honey with cheaper corn syrup allows it to be sold at a lower price point.  Facts are, we are seeing fraudulent products in the market forcing the price point to decline. When I, as a honey producer, have to compete with a product that’s cut with corn syrup, I have to make cuts in my program to remain competitive.  I can’t cut or reduce the health and welfare standards of the honeybees or they won’t produce honey. My only alternative is to make sacrifices in other areas – areas that create limitations in my ability to grow as a business – I can’t afford to hire employees to help me do more, or support community programs with product donations or my time.  It stunts my growth and my potential while giving an unfair advantage to a business that’s not doing the hard work, or providing a quality product.

Jennifer offers tours of her sanctuary farm and education services. She is also available to help new beekeepers get started. Check out her website to get a listing of all her services and resources.  And if you are looking for other things to do while on Camano Island, be sure to check out my post on some of my favorite stops here.

So hive minds, what are you making?  I’d love to hear about it in the comment box below!

~W