1

Bee Farming Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

At HomeGrown we believe in 'Local when it's better' - so we seek out and partner with local food purveyors, dairy farmers, bee hivers, etc. who share our commitment to freshness, quality, and ...

At HomeGrown we believe in 'Local when it's better' - so we seek out and partner with local food purveyors, dairy farmers, bee hivers, etc. who share our commitment to freshness, quality, and ...

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

At HomeGrown we believe in 'Local when it's better' - so we seek out and partner with local food purveyors, dairy farmers, bee hivers, etc. who share our commitment to freshness, quality, and ...

At HomeGrown we believe in 'Local when it's better' - so we seek out and partner with local food purveyors, dairy farmers, bee hivers, etc. who share our commitment to freshness, quality, and ...

Line Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

At HomeGrown we believe in 'Local when it's better' - so we seek out and partner with local food purveyors, dairy farmers, bee hivers, etc. who share our commitment to freshness, quality, and ...

Bee Farming information

What is bee farming?

Bee farming, also known as apiculture, is the practice of maintaining bee colonies, typically in man-made hives, to produce honey, beeswax, and other products. Bee farmers, or beekeepers, care for bees by providing suitable habitats, monitoring their health, and managing hives for optimal productivity. This practice not only supports the production of honey and related products but also plays a vital role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity. Bee farming can range from small-scale backyard operations to large commercial enterprises.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a bee farmer?

Bee farmers typically start their day by inspecting hives for signs of disease, pests, or queen health, and ensuring bees have sufficient food and water. Tasks vary by season: spring and summer focus on hive expansion, honey production, and swarm prevention, while fall and winter involve preparing colonies for colder weather and monitoring hive health. The workload increases during the honey harvest season and decreases in winter, allowing time for equipment maintenance and planning. Bee farmers often work independently but collaborate with agricultural extension agents, local beekeeping associations, and sometimes farmworkers during busy periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bee farmer?

To thrive as a Bee Farmer, you need foundational knowledge of beekeeping, hive management, and basic entomology, often gained through courses or hands-on apprenticeships. Familiarity with beekeeping equipment, hive monitoring systems, and pest management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong problem-solving skills help bee farmers respond effectively to environmental and hive challenges. These skills and qualities are essential to maintain healthy bee colonies, ensure honey production, and support pollination services vital to agriculture.

What is the difference between Bee Farming vs Beekeeper?

AspectBee FarmingBeekeeper
CredentialsBasic knowledge of bee care, certifications optionalSimilar, often requires beekeeping certifications
Work EnvironmentApiaries, outdoor settingsApiaries, honey production facilities
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in industry, focusing on honey and hive managementCommonly used term for professionals managing bee colonies

Bee Farming and Beekeeper are closely related roles involving hive management and honey production. Bee Farming emphasizes the agricultural aspect, often focusing on large-scale hive management, while Beekeeper is a broader term for individuals caring for bees, whether for honey, pollination, or research. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, and the terms are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Can you get paid to raise bees?

Bee farming is a profession where individuals can earn income by producing honey, beeswax, and other hive products for sale. Beekeepers often sell their products directly to consumers, at markets, or to distributors, and may also offer pollination services for crops. Success depends on knowledge of bee management, equipment, and market demand.

How do you get a job as a bee farmer?

To become a bee farmer, gain knowledge of beekeeping through courses or apprenticeships, and acquire basic equipment such as hives and protective gear. Practical experience and understanding of bee health, honey harvesting, and environmental conditions are essential for starting a career in bee farming.

How much money does a bee farmer make?

Bee farmers, or apiarists, typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, scale of operation, and location. Successful commercial beekeepers with large honey production or pollination contracts can earn higher incomes, especially if they diversify products like beeswax or royal jelly. Income also depends on skills in hive management and market demand.

Is there a demand for bee farmers?

Bee farming is a growing industry due to increased interest in pollination services and honey production. The demand for bee farmers is steady, especially as awareness of environmental issues and the importance of bees in agriculture increases, making it a viable career for those with knowledge of beekeeping and hive management.

What are popular job titles related to Bee Farming jobs in Iowa?

For Bee Farming jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bee Farming jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Bee Farming jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Bee Farming job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA • On-site


Thrive Restaurant Group
Restaurants • 5 - 10K employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Learn new skills


$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

HomeGrown is different from any other restaurant job. We’ve taken the idea of everyday kindness and made a part of everything we do:

The Schedule: Off by at least 3:30pm every day you work

The Pay and Benefits: Making the same or better pay than traditional restaurant gigs, plus paid-time off, vision, dental and medical for full-time team members

The Culture: A work environment characterized by kindness, a welcoming spirit, teamwork and personal development.

If all that sounds desirable to you -- come join our team at HomeGrown: A Daytime Eatery.  We’ll be Springdale's hottest and busiest, breakfast/brunch place! We can’t wait to show the good people of Northwest Arkansas what great breakfast/brunch experience is all about!

At HomeGrown we believe in ‘Local when it’s better’ – so we seek out and partner with local food purveyors, dairy farmers, bee hivers, etc. who share our commitment to freshness, quality, and community!  And we do it all while Cultivating Kindness – with the basic idea that being considerate, polite, and NICE matters just as much as serving great eggs and tasty bacon…

And HomeGrown is more than just Springdale, we’ve been around since 2017 and already have several locations.

We are part of Thrive Restaurant Group, a family-owned restaurant company that’s been in business for over 50 years.  We are committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve and the communities in which we live. If you want to work in a fun, family atmosphere and are interested in learning business, leadership, and hospitality, HomeGrown is the place for you.  And… you’ll be home by 3:30 pm!



What Thrive Restaurant Group employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom