Featured Farmer: May Farms

Buddy Mays holding a screen filled with honey bees

What originally began as an ideal way to help pollinate his garden, has turned into a successful bee farming business for Ralph "Buddy" May, Jr. May now owns between 40 to 50 honeybee hives and sells fresh honey and bees wax candles weekly at the Carolina First Saturday Market.

"Being a part of the market is like being a part of a comradery," May said. "I've developed not only business partners, but close friendships as a result of the market." May Farms is currently in its fourth season at the market.

May receives almost daily calls during the market's off season from patrons looking for fresh honey. Ninety percent of May's customers believe that local bee pollen and honey help fight off allergies. May’s honey is completely free of additives, making it a healthy choice for shoppers.

Shoppers can purchase fresh honey and bees wax products at May Farms weekly at the market from May through October. May Farms also offers fresh garlic and blueberries.

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