Beekeeper of the Year

Each year, a member of the Missouri State Beekeepers Association is chosen to be the “MSBA Beekeeper of the Year”.  This is a member that makes outstanding contributions to beekeeping and to the Missouri State Beekeepers Association.  Congratulations to all those who have been honored with this award!

Grant Gillard – Our 2013 Beekeeper of the Year!

The Missouri State Beekeepers Association is proud to announce the award for this year’s Beekeeper of the Year to Grant Gillard. Grant is a frequent beekeeping conference speaker, and has published numerous articles in both Bee Culture and American Bee Journal, in addition to a number of books on beekeeping. From 2010 through 2012, Grant served as President of the Missouri State Beekeepers Association.

Grant describes himself as a “Serious Sideliner”, operating multiple apiaries totaling around 200 hives. He resides in Jackson, Missouri, along with his wife Nancy and three grown children, Austin, Claire and Barbara.

Pictured above is the presentation of the award by current MSBA President, John Timmons, during the Dadant & Sons 150th Anniversary Celebration in Hamilton, Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Michael Godfrey)