The Bees Have Landed at Tarleton 🐝💜

The Bees Have Landed at Tarleton 🐝💜

It finally happened.

After almost a year of talking, planning, and working with faculty, there are now beehives at Tarleton State University.

This idea started back in Fall 2024, when I first began conversations about what it would look like to establish a bee yard on campus. As both a student and the owner of Millheim Honey Company, I could see the value in bringing bees here—not just for honey production, but for education, sustainability, and pollination.

From Idea to Reality

At first, it was just a vision: what if Tarleton had its own hives where students could learn hands-on about honeybees and pollinators? I started meeting with faculty members in agriculture, tossing around ideas, and trying to figure out what it would take to make that vision a reality.

Over the months, the support grew. By May 2025, the project received official approval to move to the next steps. That moment was a turning point—everything we had been discussing was now greenlit. From there, it became a matter of preparation and timing.

Fast forward to now, and the hives are finally in place. Standing there, watching those first bees fly out across campus, I felt a mix of excitement, relief, and pride.

Why Bees at Tarleton Matter

This project isn’t just about me putting bees on campus—it’s about what those bees will bring to the Tarleton community.

  • Hands-on education: Students in agriculture, animal science, biology, and even environmental studies can learn directly from a living hive, not just a textbook.

  • Sustainability: Bees will help pollinate flowers and crops on campus, creating healthier ecosystems.

  • Community connection: These hives are a way to bring people together—whether it’s through workshops, outreach events, or just sparking curiosity when someone sees a bee buzzing on a flower.

What’s Next

This is only the beginning. I’ll be keeping everyone updated on how the bees are doing—sharing photos, videos, and stories through Facebook, Instagram, and right here on the Millheim Honey Company blog.

Long-term, I’d love to see this expand into something even bigger:

  • A resource for students to get real-world beekeeping experience.

  • A chance for Tarleton to stand out as a university that invests in pollinator health.

  • A bridge between my business and my education, where both can grow side by side.

A Personal Note

Starting Millheim Honey Company back in junior high was my way of paying for college. Now, standing here as a college student and seeing bees at Tarleton for the first time, it feels like everything has come full circle.

This has been one of the most exciting milestones for me and for MHC, and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s supported this journey.

Tarleton is buzzing now—and this is just the start.

— Cade

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