David Hackenberg began keeping bees as an FFA project in 1962 at Mifflinburg Area High School. By the time he graduated high school he had already started his own business maintaining several hundred hives. Over time he had built his business to include 3000 bee colonies but in 2006 lost 80% of the hives due to CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder). He and his son David R. ran Hackenberg Apiaries with 1500-2,000 active bee colonies depending on the time of year and effects of pesticides.
After serving as the president of the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association, the American Beekeeping Federation and as a member of the National Honey Board, Dave presently holds the position of co-chairman of the Honey Bee Health Advisory Board. David R. as well has served on several boards for ABF.
Davey & Beth Hackenberg now own and operate Hackenberg Apiaries along with their four children and employees. Hackenbergs is a third generation Apiary.
Hackenberg Apiaries is involved in the areas of pollination, custom beeswax rendering and sales, honey production and sales, custom bottling, natural bee products, and education in the beekeeping industry. David R’s life work contributes to the overall pollination and honey production of seven states: California (almonds), Florida (oranges), Georgia (spring build up), Pennsylvania (apples, cherries, summer vegetables, pumpkins and honey production). Maine (blueberries), New York (honey production) & South Carolina (spring build up).
More Information: David Hackenberg, American Beekeeper
For information on education and speaking engagements, please email dhbuffybee@gmail.com