Empowering emerging beekeepers: Meet the future leaders

The honey bee industry is buzzing with potential as the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program Future Leaders Bursary introduces a new wave of talented young professionals poised to drive innovation and sustainability.

Valued at up to $2,100, The Future Leaders Bursary is a unique opportunity for young beekeepers, scientists, as aspiring future leaders to attend their respective state beekeeping association conferences, presenting an invaluable chance to advance their careers in beekeeping.

This year’s pilot program, running in NSW, QLD and WA, aims to expand nationwide by 2025, fostering the development of a skilled and passionate next generation dedicated to the thriving honey bee industry.

AgriFutures Australia Senior Manager Levied & Emerging Industries – Honey Bee & Pollination, Amanda Olthof, explained that the pilot program aligns with AgriFutures’ goal of improving industry capability.

“This priority aims to undertake capacity building through professional development of researchers, beekeepers and future industry leaders,” she said. “The bursary provides the opportunity for our emerging leaders in the bee keeping and research space to network, serving as a gateway to establish a solid foundation in the honey bee industry.”

Ms. Olthof added; “there was a strong cohort of recipients for this pilot and we are sure that the contacts and opportunities will assist them in their honey bee careers into the future.”

Meet the 2024 bursary recipients

Joel Shave (NSW)

Joel Shave from NSW began his journey with bees as a hobbyist around 2019, starting with just a few hives. Through connections with commercial beekeepers and a growing interest, Joel expanded his operation, now managing a significant number of hives alongside his wife, Natalie, at Waggle & Round in the Riverina.

His motivation for applying for the bursary stemmed from wanting to contribute to and connect within the industry, particularly amid discussions about challenges like varroa.

“I wanted to connect with others in the industry, learn more and find new ways to contribute. The NSW state beekeeping association conference was a great opportunity for this,” said Joel.

Joel’s commitment to the beekeeping industry is evident in his proactive approach to learning and networking, positioning himself to make a positive long-term contribution within the industry.

“We’re still just growing the business so in the next 5 years we’re looking to establish and expand ourselves further,” he said. “The industry’s in a state of flux at the moment so we’re playing the long game.”

Joel appreciates the positive impact the bursary will have on his growing business, especially one that prioritises sustainable practices and quality honey production, aspects that underscore the vital role of bees in the ecosystem and benefit the industry in the long term.

Luke Young (QLD)

Luke Young’s passion for the honey bee industry began at home, learning beekeeping from his father and grandfather who managed some recreational hives. Encouraged by his chemistry teacher, who was also a beekeeper, Luke applied for the bursary to gain more insight into the commercial side of the industry and expand the family business.

“I’ve always wanted to grow the family business, so I was excited to learn about the commercial side of the industry,” explained Luke. “The State Beekeeping Conference gave me the opportunity to meet several industry leaders and secure work experience with some commercial beekeepers.”

Luke says the bursary has significantly impacted his career trajectory. As a result of attending the State Beekeeping Association Conference, he has joined the Queensland Beekeepers’ Association (QBA) and started donating to the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC).

“The bursary was super useful in helping me get great advice to grow my family’s business. Hopefully the opportunities I’ve been given should help us advance in the industry and explore new ways to improve our beekeeping.”

With new industry connections and work experience opportunities, Luke is now better equipped to contribute to and grow his family’s beekeeping business.

Theoriq Esterhuysen (WA)

Theoriq Esterhuysen, born in South Africa and living in Perth since the age of seven, began beekeeping with his dad and gradually expanded their business to 50 hives. Nearly three years ago, he started working with commercial beekeepers to broaden his knowledge and skill set.

At the 2024 International Apitherapy Forum, held in WA he was impressed by the latest research on bees and bee products, particularly in apitherapy, which promises an exciting future for the bee industry.

“I was blown away with the latest research people were doing on bees and bee products,” said Theoriq. “The future of apitherapy and bee products is very exciting and presents a great future for our bee industry.”

Having met many international guests, successful beekeepers, and key industry figures, Theoriq believes the bursary will help grow his network of leading beekeepers and inspire him to promote beekeeping to the younger generation.

“I would love to promote beekeeping within the younger generation to help them carry the baton. I see myself educating people in understanding how amazing bees and bee products are and how it can be applied in multiple uses,” he said.

Theoriq’s dedication and enthusiasm for beekeeping, bolstered by the bursary and his expanding network, position him to make a significant impact on the future of the bee industry and inspire the next generation of beekeepers.

Ms Olthof congratulated the 2024 recipients, highlighting that capacity building in the industry and development of future leaders is of high importance to the honey bee and pollination program.

“We hope that the bursary has helped to fire their passion for the industry and we look forward to watching them as their careers progress,” she said.

The success of the 2024 pilot program will be assessed and the AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination  Advisory Panel will review its outcomes to decide on future support.

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