LAKE MILLS, Wis. — A life long Wisconsin beekeeper is celebrating the large importance these small insects have on the environment.
Bees might be considered more of a pest than a friend, but Douglas Jenks believes they are essential to our existence.
“If we didn’t have the pollinators, 70% of the world’s population would not be here. We have to eat,” said Jenks.
Jenks takes care of more than 100 hives located at different properties around the state.
His interest in bees originates back to the 1950’s, and it’s only grown since. Now, he treats them like he would a family member or friend.
“You always want to put your bees where you would want to be,” said Jenks. “This is the sunny side, woods are on the back side from the north winds so they have sun pretty much all winter which is good.”
Typically, 30 to 40 percent of hives live during the winter. However, Jenks says this winter left him with only one hive.
The bee population has struggled in the Wisconsin and around the country in the last few years.
According to the USDA, there were 65% fewer honeybee colonies in the state in August 2020 compared to late 2019.
“We need the bees, we NEED the bees,” said Jenks.
Bees face another issue, colony collapse disorder. It destroyed 105,000 colonies nationwide in 2020.
These problems make Jenks’ work, and all the sweet product he helps produce, all the more important to the swarms of humans he serves.
“Our honey goes all over, we’ve got a good reputation,” said Jenks. “I’ve been doing it for over 20 years for the markets and we enjoy what we’re doing. We enjoy the people at the markets, they are great people.”
Doug Jenks Honey and Beeswax can be found at various farmers’ markets throughout the week.
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