Madison Strain tends to her beehives.
Madison Strain’s journey in beekeeping embodies a deep commitment to preserving a critical element of our ecosystem: honey bees.
As the Horizon High School FFA Chapter president and Orange County FFA Federation treasurer from central Florida, Strain recognized the urgent need to address the decline of honey bee populations and took action by starting her own beekeeping business, Horizon Honey, in March 2022.
Strain’s interest in beekeeping was sparked by the alarming reports of honey bees nearing extinction. Through research, she discovered the essential role these insects play in the environment.
“I had previously known honey bees were important,” she says. “But I never realized that without them, the availability of fresh food sources would be so scarce that humans would quickly lack proper nutrition.”
This newfound awareness not only changed her perspective on the food she consumes but also deepened her appreciation for the natural world around her.
Starting her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) didn’t happen without challenges. Living in a Homeowners Association (HOA) community that restricted beekeeping and being unable to keep bees on her school campus meant Strain had to find a suitable location for her hives. With the support of a mentor, she eventually secured a place closer to home, allowing her to ignite her project.
Strain’s impact extends beyond her business. Through community outreach, she has educated others about the importance of honey bees and the National FFA Organization. Her project has garnered local support, with community members purchasing her honey and seeking her advice on handling bee swarms. Strain claims online communication has also contributed to her business’s outreach.
“Without the help of social media and word of mouth, my project would not have been able to reach the amount of people it has,” Strain says. “I also wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the goals I had set for myself within this project.”
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Strain has gained valuable skills in bookkeeping, money management and business operations. These experiences have emphasized the importance of accurate financial tracking and contributed to her growth as a business owner.
Strain believes the phrase ‘Save the Bees’ involves more than just refraining from harming them; it means protecting the plants and groves they rely on for nectar, planting bee-friendly vegetation and ensuring their survival through proactive efforts.
“‘Saving the Bees’ to me also means planting all of the plants you can that will help the bees get the sugars they need to bring back to the hive to survive,” she adds.
Furthermore, Strain’s community has embraced this mission by seeking guidance on how to support local bee populations.
Madison Strain holds her Florida FFA proficiency finalist award.
Strain offers practical advice to aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of investing in one’s business and staying committed to the work. Her experience of growing from two to 10 hives demonstrates the rewards of perseverance.
In 2024, Strain was an agricultural processing proficiency award finalist at the Florida FFA State Convention. This not only boosted her passion for her SAE but also helped her advocate on a state level.
“A helpful tip I would give to someone pursuing a goal of being a proficiency finalist would be to write very short and straight-to-the-point in your paragraphs,” Strain says. “You have a very short character limit and a lot to write about, so share the important items that relate to the proficiency you are applying for.”
As she looks ahead, Strain plans to continue her beekeeping project beyond high school, aiming to earn her American FFA Degree. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, education and community support in making a meaningful difference in the world.
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