Othello beekeepers show goods at fair

OTHELLO - For almost two decades, Barbara and her husband Kenneth Caylor have been supplying the Othello community with homemade honey products.

Caylor said her husband has been a beekeeper for 60 years. She took part in the business after they married, and she has about 40 years of handling bees under her belt.

She said she never expected she would spend her life working with bees.

"I married a beekeeper so I had to learn to like the bees real fast," Caylor said. "But they're fascinating creatures to work with."

The couple opened up shop in Othello when they moved back to the area in the 90's. Caylor said she sells honey and other products during the Adams County Fair every year.

The Caylors sells honey, comb honey, candy and candles year round, all made from what their bees produce. Caylor said that comb honey is a fast seller.

Comb honey is popular because it's in a more natural state than the honey you buy at stores, said Caylor. Since it's usually cut right out of the hive, all of the nutrients are still intact.

Caylor said the couple usually keeps about 200 bees in their hives. The bees produce about 10 barrels of honey each year, she added.

The couple begins extracting honey in the middle of July, and continue until the fall, she said.

"There's nothing like the saying 'busy as a bee' because they're always busy," she said.

Being a beekeeper is a rewarding job, said Caylor. She said many people think her job is dangerous, and that she is constantly being stung by bees.

"They don't just attack," she said. "They only sting when we accidently squeeze them or pinch them when we're working."

Caylor's is located at 44 E. Main St. in Othello. They will also be selling their honey at the Adams County Fair all weekend.