Harvest time for the bees

According to the National Wildlife Federation, "Bees pollinate a staggering 80% of all flowering plants, including approximately 75% of the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in the United States."

"I really enjoy them. I think they're fascinating," long-time beekeeper and lifetime Crook County resident Renee Brunson says, explaining why she has stayed with beekeeping for the last several years. She farms hybrid Italian/Carnolian bees, because "Italians are a lot gentler and they produce more honey and the Carnolians are a little hardier for the winter."

When Brunson began working with bees...