Ray Hewitt
Chapin, South Carolina
Biography, experience and credentials
Ray Hewitt is a Master Beekeeper certified through the University of Florida. This credential complements a beekeeping journey that began more than 50 years ago at his father’s side on his family’s Honey Top Farm in southern Vermont.Having kept bees in both the cold, short-season climate of the Northeast and the long, pest-heavy seasons of the Southeast, Ray brings a unique, well-rounded understanding of American beekeeping across two very different regions.Today, Ray owns Honey Top Bees in Chapin, South Carolina, where he provides beekeeping classes, nucs, queens, and honey. A committed educator, he mentors beekeepers nationwide, speaks at numerous bee clubs and conferences, has produced a comprehensive online video beekeeping course, and shares practical instruction on his YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@honeytopbees).He has served as President of the SC Midstate Beekeepers Association and as a member of the board of directors of the South Carolina State Beekeepers Association.
Speaking topics
11 Things Every Beekeeper Needs to Know About Varroa, Varroa Mite Wars, History of Beekeeping, Honey Fraud, More Honey Less Swarms: The Demaree Method, A–Z Guide to Splits, 25 Rookie Mistakes, Summer Dearth, Q&A with a Master Beekeeper, Full One-Day Beekeeping Class, Introduction to Bees and Honey, Custom Beekeeping Topics
Club or association affiliation
SC Midstate Beekeepers Association
Travel
Based in Chapin, South Carolina. In-person and Zoom presentations available; contact Ray to discuss travel arrangements. In-person presentations require an HDMI hookup to a screen or TV. Zoom presentations are live from his bee teaching room.
Fees
Typical Zoom honorarium: $175. In-person events: travel expenses plus a per-session fee. Full one-day beekeeping classes: per-attendee pricing with a minimum fee. Flexible arrangements, especially for local groups.
Certification levels (self-reported)
Master Beekeeper
Availability: In person / Virtual
Willing to travel
Credentials, experience and affiliations are self-reported and have not been independently verified. Directory inclusion does not imply association endorsement.