Natural Beekeeping -  taking care of our hard working bees naturally, without chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics or inhumane treatment.  At Back Forty Bee Farm, we strive to stay as close to bio-dynamic principles as possible.
Back Forty Bee Farm LLC is a small, family-operated apiary in Manchester, Michigan dedicated to the principles of bio-dynamic beekeeping . . . raising bees naturally, without the use of harsh chemicals, antibiotics or pesticides. It's not the easiest way to raise honey bees, but we feel it's by far the best and most ecologically responsible way to do so because ...

  • Using medications and antibiotics makes bees dependent upon them.  By selecting the strongest, most pest-resistant colonies for reproduction, we eliminate the need to medicate with chemicals.
  • Having to medicate bees with antibiotics and using pesticides to control disease is costly and time-consuming.  
  • Who would want even trace amounts of medications or pesticides in their honey or beeswax?  YUCK!
  • Yes . . . Varroa mites are a BIG problem for all Michigan beekeepers.  We currently use  both drone comb culling and cycle interruption techniques to help control Varroa mite populations.   For the first time this year, we will be experimenting with the light use of organic acids to supplement our Varroa control strategy.  We'll let you know how this works later on in the 2021 season.
Back Forty Bee Farm specializes in the limited production of highest quality Spring and Fall harvest raw honey, as well as the production of nucs grown from our own "Michigan winter" survivor queens.  Check out the frequently asked questions link for specific information on our honey and nuc production.  Click on the Products & Services link for up to date pricing and available quantities.  We also provide consulting services for beginning beekeepers in the greater Washtenaw County area. For more information on things going on at the Bee Farm, click HERE to visit our Bee Blog. Thanks for visiting!
                "People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it."
                                                                                                                                          - George Bernard Shaw