Libby Macklin, who graduated from Blue Hills High Schools, received an SAE Grant for her Beekeeping project, called Libby’s Beekeeping. Growing up in the heartland of Nebraska and a sixth-generation farmer, Libby has always been connected to agriculture. Knowing she wanted to make a difference in her community, she decided to start her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in beekeeping, despite knowing very little about it.
Libby’s journey began with a scholarship from the Nebraska Beekeepers Association, which provided her with equipment, bees, and a mentor. She dove headfirst into the world of beekeeping, learning everything she could about these fascinating creatures. During her senior year, Libby realized she needed more resources to grow her beekeeping business, LiBEE’s Honey. Encouraged by her FFA advisor and friends, she applied for the Nebraska FFA Foundation SAE Grant. With the grant, she purchased an extractor, a crucial tool for harvesting honey. This investment allowed her to increase her honey production significantly.
Libby’s SAE involved much more than just tending to hives. She was responsible for every aspect of her beekeeping operation. This included performing routine hive inspections, managing the health of her bees, controlling pests, ensuring adequate feeding, and preparing the hives for winter. She also focused on the production and sale of honey, which required her to develop her own brand, LiBEE’s honey. She designed labels, marketed her product, and built relationships with local customers. This hands-on experience taught her skills like business management, a key to helping her business grow.
Libby learned that this honey harvesting process was very demanding. She learned valuable skills along the way, especially time management. Regularly checking on the hives and making sure that the bees had enough food, dealing with challenges like pests and diseases, helped her gain hands-on experience in hive management.
Looking ahead, Libby hopes to stay involved in beekeeping and expand her business. She plans to participate in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and work with the UNL Bee Lab. If Libby could offer any advice to current FFA members, it would be to embrace new experiences and challenges. She believes the dedication and effort put into an SAE are incredibly rewarding.
Libby’s story is a testament to the impact of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, which helps young agriculturalists achieve their dreams. Through hard work, support, and a passion for learning, Libby has made a significant difference in her community and beyond.
