Agricultural
7 October, 2024
Young beekeeper wins bursar
After attending a Queensland Beekeepers Association (QBA) conference with his brother, Oakey State High School student Luke Young has been awarded the pilot AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program Future Leaders Bursary.
The young keeper’s passion for the honey bee industry began at home, learning beekeeping from his father and grandfather who managed some recreational hives.
Encouraged by his chemistry teacher, who was also a beekeeper, Luke applied for the bursary to gain more insight into the commercial side of the industry and expand the family business.
“I’ve always wanted to grow the family business, so I was excited to learn about the commercial side of the industry,” he said.
“The State Beekeeping Conference gave me the opportunity to meet several industry leaders and secure work experience with some commercial beekeepers.”
Luke said the bursary has significantly impacted his career trajectory.
As a result of attending the State Beekeeping Association Conference, he has joined the Queensland Beekeepers’ Association (QBA) and started donating to the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC).
“The bursary was super useful in helping me get great advice to grow my family’s business,” he said.
“Hopefully the opportunities I’ve been given should help us advance in the industry and explore new ways to improve our beekeeping.”
