Jobs: Beekeeper not just in it for the honey
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EUGENE, Ore. - Jason Rowen’s business is bees.
The business of the bees is to make honey, obviously, but also to pollinate crops across Oregon and down to California’s almond farms.
On this day, Rowen is checking the bee hive health and the progress of the queens.
His hives are located this day in a patch of meadowfoam, a flower used in the cosmetic industry.
Rowen’s arrangement with the farmer who owns the field is the farmer’s crop is pollinated and Rowen gets to keep the bee products, which include bee pollen, honey and wax.
Meadowfoam honey is some of the best tasting around.
“It tastes like marshmallows and vanilla,” he says with a smile.
Rowen says he enjoys his job and likes being a part of nature.
“My favorite part about being a beekeeper is being a part of the natural cycle at the most beginning of it," he says. "You know, the bees are responsible for everything. Pretty much every creature alive they are responsible for. And so it’s pretty fascinating.
"If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘Where do I fit in in the natural world?’ Well, when you become a beekeeper, it’s pretty obvious. That’s probably my favorite thing about being a beekeeper," he says. "That, and the honey."
