Tree City Bee Company

Livestock farming in Indiana encompasses a diverse range of animals, including insects such as colonies of bees. Christian and Karen Rust of Greensburg are innovators in the beekeeping industry, contributing to crop pollination while also educating novice beekeepers.

The Rusts' venture into beekeeping began in 2013 when they rented a house with a bee colony on the wall. Christian, whose professional background includes various roles, including serving as a local elected official, found the bees captivating. "Many consumers underestimate the significant role bees play in pollinating everything from crops to backyard flowers," Christian emphasizes.

Tree City Bee Company, founded by the Rusts, operates across multiple facets of the bee industry. Christian elucidates, "California serves as the global hub for almond production, where bees are indispensable for pollination." Each January, Christian ships a semi-load of hives across the country to pollinate almond orchards and other crops in California, the nation's leading agricultural state.

Ensuring the survival and prosperity of bee colonies is a formidable task. Christian notes, "Bees are complex organisms requiring a diverse array of amino acids and carbohydrates for sustenance." He highlights challenges such as the varroa mite and pesticide drift, which pose significant threats to hive health.

In addition to providing pollination services, Tree City Bee Company offers guidance to aspiring backyard beekeepers. Christian, a member of the Board of The Beekeepers of Indiana, provides coaching on beekeeping fundamentals, emphasizing the importance of research and disease management.

The Rusts also harness the productivity of bees by selling honey and a distinctive honey-sweetened beverage. They market their honey through various retail outlets and are exploring farm stand options in Greensburg, leveraging the city's reputation as the "Tree City."

Family involvement is integral to the Tree City Bee Company, with Karen's parents, Sonny and Sherele, playing active roles. The company is predominantly veteran and female-owned, with family members actively engaged in supporting fellow veterans in agricultural endeavors.

Christian and Karen actively engage with the community to raise awareness about bees' significance and advocate for sustainable interactions with them. They participate in educational initiatives at schools, homeschooling groups, and events, showcasing observation hives to elucidate the bees' life and work.

Looking ahead, Christian and Karen aspire to cultivate more beekeepers and foster environments conducive to bee flourishing. They envision a future where bees receive the recognition they deserve for their indispensable role in the food system.

At the Indiana State Fairgrounds, visitors can explore various exhibits on bees, including educational activities. Christian encourages fairgoers to indulge in honey sticks, providing a taste of Indiana's bee-derived delicacies.