Our Story

How It Started

Ericksen Apiaries started in 2022 when Gerrit Ericksen set up his first beehives in Moscow, Idaho. What began as a fascination with honeybees and their incredible social structure quickly turned into a hands-on pursuit. That first season was all about learning -- understanding colony behavior, managing frames, and experiencing the thrill of a first honey harvest.

Growing on the Palouse

Moscow and the surrounding Palouse region turned out to be an excellent place for beekeeping. The rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and agricultural diversity provide bees with a rich and varied diet. Over the years, Gerrit has expanded hive locations across Moscow and neighboring towns, giving colonies access to different forage sources throughout the season.

By 2025, the operation produced about 15 gallons of honey -- a milestone that reflects both the growing number of hives and the learning that comes with each season of beekeeping in Idaho's climate.

What Drives Us

At its core, Ericksen Apiaries is about a deep respect for honeybees and the role they play in our ecosystem. Every decision -- from hive placement to harvest timing -- is made with the health of the colony in mind. We believe that healthy, well-managed hives produce the best honey, and that beekeeping should work with nature, not against it.

What's Next

We're looking forward to bringing our honey to the Moscow Farmers Market and making it available to the local community. Whether that's jars of raw wildflower honey, chunk comb, or seasonal varieties, we want to share what the Palouse bees produce with the people who live here.

We're also passionate about sharing what we've learned. If you're curious about beekeeping or thinking about starting your own hives, check out our beginner's guide or FAQ.