by David Schultz

Welcome to MSBA's 118th year, and thank you for honoring me with my first term as president of this marvelous association and its vibrant beekeeping community.

MSBA is soon to hold our first meeting of 2026 on February 14th at the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus, a great facility and a university community that has also recently welcomed the Lamas Lab!

As we look towards Spring and the beekeeping season ahead, it seems a good time to discuss mentoring and suggest it as a priority as we work with our bees and each other.

Mentoring is a nice sounding word. It makes me feel comfortable and protected. I like my honey bees to feel that way and every beekeeper I know has expressed this sentiment to me in various ways. 

In order for our honey bees to experience mentoring, the beekeeper needs to as well. Mentoring can manifest itself in many ways, a kind word of support, answering a vexing question, outreach to less experienced beekeepers, educating yourself so that you can pass on your knowledge and experience. My beekeeping skills are a combination of all the wonderful and helpful mentors that crossed my path. We will continue to grow as beekeepers as long as we participate with our organizations. I will never forget or stop passing down the lessons and experience so patiently given to me by so many worthy beekeepers.

In this new year share your knowledge, educate yourself and pass it on, walk and talk with new beekeepers sharing your story, and help mentor these precious girls.

Join me in giving the gift of mentorship this year.

David S. Schultz  MSBA President

[Back to February 2026 Beeline Newsletter]