The Oneida County Beekeepers Association, located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, all began with a small number of local individuals from the Rhinelander area and surrounding communities/counties who were either beekeepers or had an interest in becoming one. Over time and as the group grew it became necessary to formally organize. Thus, in 2003 the ground work was established by applying for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, which is necessary for the group to collect dues. The mission statement of the association is education to members and beekeeper education to the general public. Members came from all walks of life and brought with them a diverse background in working with various breeds/types of honey bees and some with no prior beekeeping knowledge at all, just a desire to learn.
     Since the inception of the association, there has been 5 presidents. One of the original members is Chris Hansen, owner of Hansen’s Honey Farm in Rhinelander. Chris is a third-generation beekeeper. Chris with his extensive knowledge about bees, providing bee products and having an active, working bee yard available is extremely beneficial. There are other long timers which show strength and commitment to continue the growth and maintaining honey bees. Over the years we have supplied basswood trees to be placed by the Oneida County Court house in Rhinelander to improve the area and be a bee food source. We have also supplied books to schools, Public speaking publicly spoke to local groups about bee information, assisted 4H groups to learn about bees, and promoted bee association and benefits of bees at the local county fairs.

      At one point in time monthly meetings were held in the UW Extension classroom located at the Oneida County Airport in Rhinelander but has moved to its current location, Hansen’s Honey Farm Hwy 8E of Rhinelander. The current location has increased membership for it allows members/customers of all backgrounds to come together to learn, purchase and sell equipment. The membership has fluctuated
over the years, currently we have 50 members.