Yozgat hardware store owner expands hobby beekeeping to 250 hives

Osman Özbek, a hardware store owner in the Araplı town of Sorgun, Yozgat, has successfully transitioned from a hobbyist to a professional beekeeper. What began ten years ago with just three beehives to relieve work stress has grown into an operation of 250 hives.

As a member of the Yozgat Beekeepers Association, Özbek has taken steps to professionalize his production. He recently produced 100 queen bees specifically to strengthen his own colonies and increase production capacity, rather than for sale. He aims to expand his operation to between 350 and 400 hives by the upcoming spring season.