Texas Beekeepers Association

The Texas Beekeepers Association (TBA) is a member-based organization that represents all Texas beekeepers and the state’s network of local beekeeping associations. Headquartered in Houston, TBA works with scientists, educators, beekeepers, honey packers, vendors, and others interested in the promotion of Texas beekeeping and REAL TEXAS HONEY. Its mission is to help both small-scale and commercial beekeepers through education, promotion, resources, and collaboration.

That mission shows up in a slate of statewide programs. The Real Texas Honey initiative works to protect the integrity of honey in the marketplace and maintains a honey locator that connects consumers with genuine Texas producers. TBA also runs the Texas Honey Queen program, supports the Texas Honey Bee Education Association, and contributes to research at the Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab. For beekeepers working toward advanced credentials, the association supports the Texas Master Beekeeper Program.

Events and Membership

TBA’s calendar anchors the state’s beekeeping year: an Annual Convention with a history stretching back roughly 145 years, the Texas Summer Clinic, the Texas Honey Show, and exhibits at the State Fair of Texas. Members receive the TBA Journal six times a year, reduced registration fees for events, and access to a statewide network of fellow beekeepers.

For anyone in Texas keeping bees — or thinking about it — TBA is also the gateway to local clubs. Its directory of affiliated local associations helps new beekeepers find nearby meetings, mentors, and swarm-season support, which matters most from roughly March through June, when Texas colonies swarm and homeowners go looking for a beekeeper.