May 6, 2026
Winning at Honey: Choosing the Right Jars for Honey Shows
In this installment of Winning at Honey with Stephanie Slater, Stephanie returns with seasonal reflections from Wisconsin and a practical deep dive into one of the most overlooked—but critical—elements of honey show success: selecting the right jars.
As spring unfolds with unpredictable weather, Stephanie balances early-season beekeeping tasks like hiving nucs and making splits while also setting clear goals for the upcoming honey show season. Building on last year’s success with dipped tapers and lessons learned from pollen entries, she emphasizes the importance of planning ahead—especially when aiming to enter new categories like comb honey.
This month’s listener question from Dave focuses on jar selection, opening the door to a detailed discussion on show requirements. Stephanie explains why glass jars are essential, the importance of uniformity, and how different categories—extracted, creamed, and chunk honey—require specific jar styles. She highlights the differences between classic and Queenline jars and shares how even sponsorship incentives can influence her choices at major competitions like the American Honey Show.
Beyond style, Stephanie underscores the importance of jar quality and cleanliness. From inspecting for defects to avoiding lint contamination and removing lot numbers when possible, she walks through the meticulous preparation required to meet judging standards. Practical strategies—like sourcing jars through local suppliers or fellow beekeepers—offer accessible solutions for small-scale producers.
The episode also spotlights the upcoming Eastern Apiculture Society Honey Show in Kentucky, detailing its wide range of categories and unique traditions, along with additional educational events and honey judge training opportunities across the U.S.
Stephanie closes by encouraging listeners to set goals, refine their craft, and participate in the broader honey show community.
Websites mentioned:
- Eastern Apiculture Society – https://easternapiculture.org
- American Honey Show Training Council – https://honeyshowusa.com
- Heartland Apicultural Society - https://www.heartlandbees.org/
______________
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_______________
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Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
WEBVTT
00:00:01.200 --> 00:00:03.200
Hello everyone.
00:00:03.200 --> 00:00:13.840
Welcome to my Beekeeping Today podcast short: bite-sized moments where we dive into honey shows, judging tips, and the art of exhibiting.
00:00:13.840 --> 00:00:14.880
My name is Stephanie.
00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:17.880
Slater, and I'm excited to be here again.
00:00:17.880 --> 00:00:19.720
I have some great news.
00:00:19.720 --> 00:00:24.760
We selected a title for this segment, Winning at Honey with Stephanie.
00:00:24.760 --> 00:00:29.240
Thank you to our listener, Joy, for the great suggestion.
00:00:29.380 --> 00:00:38.180
Since last month, I returned back home to Wisconsin, ready to do some serious beekeeping, but our weather has not been ideal.
00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:47.440
We've had some excessive rain and flooding, tornadoes and lower temperatures, but the bees are chugging along and getting out in between the storms.
00:00:47.520 --> 00:00:52.720
We recently had a couple of really nice days and the landscape changed quickly.
00:00:52.720 --> 00:00:57.200
Dandelions are blooming and the fruit trees near me are almost in bloom.
00:00:58.160 --> 00:01:05.519
We've had a lot of nucs and packages arriving in Wisconsin, so there is both excitement and jitters in the air
00:01:05.740 --> 00:01:12.860
I'll be hiving some nucs this week and making some splits, so fingers crossed that the weather will be more cooperative.
00:01:12.860 --> 00:01:20.460
In addition to my spring beekeeping chores, this is the time of year where I set some honey show goals for myself.
00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:27.799
I like to challenge myself to enter a category that I haven't before, or make some improvements in a category
00:01:28.240 --> 00:01:36.720
By setting my goals early, I have time to produce and collect what I need this summer in order to have entries for the fall or next spring.
00:01:36.920 --> 00:01:41.000
Last year I focused on pollen and dipped tapers.
00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:49.320
My dipped tapers did really well at the Wisconsin State Fair, the American Honey Show, and the North American Honey Bee Expo.
00:01:49.260 --> 00:01:53.259
Whew, they were a lot of work, but they were beautiful.
00:01:53.259 --> 00:01:59.900
Although I didn't place with my pollen, I have some great judges feedback that I can use to improve this year.
00:01:59.900 --> 00:02:03.900
I'd also like to try to produce more comb honey this year.
00:02:03.920 --> 00:02:07.439
I've only done very small quantities in the past.
00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:14.400
In March, I spent some time with some dear friends that are master comb honey producers and exhibitors.
00:02:14.260 --> 00:02:16.580
and they gave me some great tips.
00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:21.380
I'll need to get my equipment assembled this month so I'm ready for the strong nectar flow.
00:02:21.380 --> 00:02:24.420
What goals will you set for yourself this year?
00:02:24.540 --> 00:02:34.220
Recently, I was contacted by a listener, Dave, who inquired about jars for honey shows, so I decided that would be this month's topic for discussion.
00:02:34.140 --> 00:02:45.260
Before you start preparing for any honey show, read the rules to make sure you know what type of jar you need for each category, as well as how many you need per entry.
00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:48.959
Always use glass jars for show.
00:02:48.959 --> 00:02:51.760
And make sure to use the same style jar.
00:02:51.760 --> 00:02:59.200
For example, if you are required to submit three one pound jars for an extracted honey category
00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:01.800
Don't mix and match styles.
00:03:01.800 --> 00:03:04.200
They should all be identical.
00:03:04.200 --> 00:03:11.800
When it comes to extracted honey categories, you usually have a choice of either classic or queenline style jars.
00:03:11.760 --> 00:03:15.920
The Queen Line style is one with a larger shoulder and mouth.
00:03:15.920 --> 00:03:20.880
Both are excellent jars, so use what you want or already have.
00:03:21.140 --> 00:03:27.780
Sometimes there may be a sponsor or prize at a honey show that will help me determine which style to use.
00:03:27.780 --> 00:03:32.500
For example, at the American Beekeeping Federation American Honey Show,
00:03:32.660 --> 00:03:40.660
If a first or second place winning entry is in classic jars, Gamber awards the exhibitor with some gift certificates.
00:03:40.920 --> 00:03:48.280
These are awesome awards and I like saving money, so my entries at the American Honey Show are always in classic jars.
00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:51.800
Jars for creamed honey and chunk honey are different.
00:03:51.560 --> 00:03:59.560
and usually require a straight-sided jar with no shoulder and a wide mouth instead of the Queen Line or Classic style jars.
00:03:59.940 --> 00:04:05.780
Before they even look at the honey, judges will be evaluating the container's appearance.
00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:10.260
They will be looking for uniformity and cleanliness of jars and lids.
00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:16.740
When you are selecting the jars that will hold your show honey, look for the best glass that you can find.
00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:21.540
In the United States, jar producers are mandated by state-level regulations
00:04:21.940 --> 00:04:27.060
to use a specific percentage of post-consumer recycled glass.
00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:31.380
That results in some glass jars having more defects than others
00:04:31.620 --> 00:04:39.539
Avoid jars with scratches, dents, cracks, and try to find jars with the least amount of defects as possible.
00:04:39.539 --> 00:04:44.020
Throughout the year I inspect every jar as it comes out of the box
00:04:44.139 --> 00:04:50.300
If any look good enough for a honey show, they're set aside and not used to fill customer orders.
00:04:50.300 --> 00:04:55.340
Small scale beekeepers like Dave may not have a lot of cases of jars to go through.
00:04:55.440 --> 00:05:07.200
He mentioned that his local beekeeping supply retailer was kind enough to help him go through a few cases of jars so he could select some show jars to put in the case that he was purchasing.
00:05:07.340 --> 00:05:10.380
I've had good luck with this approach in the past also.
00:05:10.380 --> 00:05:12.460
You might want to give it a try too.
00:05:12.460 --> 00:05:19.980
Another strategy may be to ask your beekeeping friends if you can go through their jars before they fill their customer orders.
00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:25.760
I bring a case of jars with me and swap out for any show quality jars I find in their cases.
00:05:25.760 --> 00:05:28.400
Well, where can you buy these glass jars?
00:05:28.440 --> 00:05:36.040
Well, our sponsors at Betterbee carry a variety of glass honey jars for showing extracted, creamed, and chunk honey.
00:05:36.040 --> 00:05:40.120
And there are lots of other retailers that carry glass honey jars as well.
00:05:40.139 --> 00:05:44.860
Some honey shows put more emphasis on the glass quality than others.
00:05:44.860 --> 00:05:53.180
The more competitive the show is, the more the judge may scrutinize the glass, so use the best glass that you can find
00:05:53.260 --> 00:05:57.740
What's even more important is how clean the jars and lids are.
00:05:57.740 --> 00:06:00.620
Judges will be evaluating cleanliness.
00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:02.380
There should be no dust.
00:06:02.320 --> 00:06:10.640
Dirt, smudges, fingerprints, sticky spots, honey drips, watermarks, or anything that looks unclean.
00:06:10.640 --> 00:06:11.680
Pro tip alert
00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:23.840
Bring something along to the Honey Show that can be used to wipe off any fingerprints before submitting the entry for judging, but make sure you don't leave any aromas behind like soap or glass cleaner.
00:06:24.320 --> 00:06:27.040
What's the best way to wash your show jars?
00:06:27.040 --> 00:06:31.680
In a sink of hot soapy water and let them air dry upside down.
00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:33.440
Pro tip alert!
00:06:33.440 --> 00:06:40.880
Don't use paper towels to dry the inside of your jars, as small particles or lint could be left behind.
00:06:40.880 --> 00:06:44.720
I often get asked about lot numbers on jars.
00:06:44.920 --> 00:06:52.680
Until a couple of years ago, lot numbers were stamped in a clear ink toward the bottom of the jar on one side.
00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:56.840
It was difficult to see, especially when the jar was wet.
00:06:56.920 --> 00:07:01.960
Those lot numbers could be cleaned off with rubbing alcohol or magic erasers.
00:07:01.960 --> 00:07:07.080
In fact, that was the first thing a judge taught me at my first honey show.
00:07:07.039 --> 00:07:14.479
I didn't know those numbers were there, but there was a comment on my score sheet, so I've never made that mistake again.
00:07:14.479 --> 00:07:21.759
Now more often we are seeing those lot numbers etched into the glass and there's no way to remove them.
00:07:21.340 --> 00:07:23.100
Judges are aware of that.
00:07:23.100 --> 00:07:28.780
However, if you have some jars that the numbers can be removed from, you should do so.
00:07:28.780 --> 00:07:33.740
Well, we've talked a lot about jars, so let's wrap up by talking about lids.
00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:36.460
Lids can be metal or plastic.
00:07:36.460 --> 00:07:40.220
They just need to be in good condition and match.
00:07:40.220 --> 00:07:45.580
Even the color doesn't matter as long as they're all the same and clean.
00:07:45.639 --> 00:07:51.000
Avoid using lids with scratches, dents, rust, or fingerprints.
00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:58.040
When using the plastic lids, remove the safety seal from inside of the lid before entering the honey show.
00:07:58.039 --> 00:08:01.159
Lids should be clean both inside and out.
00:08:01.159 --> 00:08:04.840
There should be no honey on the underside of the lid.
00:08:04.840 --> 00:08:12.680
Now that we've talked about some honey show tips and some pro tips, let's move on to this month's featured honey show.
00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:15.480
The Eastern Apiculture Society Honey Show.
00:08:15.480 --> 00:08:23.400
This year's EAS event takes place in Shepherdsville, Kentucky from July 27th through the 31st.
00:08:23.340 --> 00:08:33.500
And if you're thinking about participating, it's worth noting that there are some rule updates this year, so be sure to review the latest version on their website before entering.
00:08:33.539 --> 00:08:37.459
Now, what really makes this show exciting is the variety of categories.
00:08:37.459 --> 00:08:41.140
It truly highlights everything the Hive has to offer
00:08:41.520 --> 00:08:49.200
On the honey side, the show includes extracted honey, creamed honey, and comb honey, including chunk honey and full frames.
00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:56.160
And there's also that black jar category, where the honey is judged purely on flavor, just like we talked about last month.
00:08:56.700 --> 00:09:05.260
The Beeswax Show features both blocks and a variety of candles, giving you a chance to showcase your craftsmanship and attention to detail.
00:09:05.540 --> 00:09:12.899
There's a mead and honey beer show highlighting fermented creations that start with honey as the star ingredient.
00:09:12.899 --> 00:09:16.339
The event also leans into creativity with the Arts Crafts
00:09:16.839 --> 00:09:21.240
gift arrangements and gadgets show, which does continue to expand.
00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:31.560
This year includes some new categories like quilting, artwork, and additional craft entries, making it even more accessible to a wide range of talents.
00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:44.080
If you enjoy baking, the Honey Cookery Show includes categories like cookies, bars, brownies, yeast breads and rolls, cakes and candy, all featuring honey in delicious ways
00:09:44.420 --> 00:09:58.819
And for those of you who might prefer a camera to a hive tool, the photography show includes macro, scenic, portrait, and essay categories, capturing the beauty and story of beekeeping from different perspectives.
00:09:58.120 --> 00:10:02.040
Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for recognition.
00:10:02.040 --> 00:10:11.080
Awards at the EAS show include Silver Awards, Sweepstakes Honors, Best of Show, and the traditional prize ribbons.
00:10:10.959 --> 00:10:15.839
There is a potential gamber award, but that one is still pending confirmation.
00:10:15.839 --> 00:10:19.440
And one unique tradition to mention, the EAS auction.
00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:24.480
Blue ribbon winners in the Honey Show are asked to donate a jar or piece of comb
00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:29.140
And winners in other categories are encouraged to contribute if they'd like.
00:10:29.140 --> 00:10:34.340
It's a great way to share top quality products and support the event.
00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:44.800
So, whether you're a honey producer, a crafter, a baker, or even photographer, the EAS Honey Show offers a place to showcase your work and celebrate the full creativity of beekeeping.
00:10:44.759 --> 00:10:49.720
In addition to this great honey show, the EAS conference does have a great schedule of education.
00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:53.399
For more information, visit Easternapiculture.
00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:54.199
org.
00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:56.960
I am really looking forward to this one.
00:10:56.960 --> 00:11:03.040
EAS has a great reputation and their honey show has been on my bucket list for several years.
00:11:03.040 --> 00:11:06.399
I've seen photos and it's a high quality event.
00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:13.839
Since this year's event is closer to me in the Midwest, I have challenged myself to go and enter a minimum of three categories.
00:11:13.940 --> 00:11:16.180
Will I see you there too?
00:11:16.180 --> 00:11:25.620
Well, you're probably starting to learn that I really like attending beekeeping conferences or workshops, so I thought I'd share some information on some other upcoming events as well.
00:11:25.660 --> 00:11:34.300
The Heartland Apiculture Society is bringing back its in-person conference on May 30th and 31st on the campus of Michigan State University.
00:11:34.100 --> 00:11:42.500
You can hear from top researchers, explore breakout sessions on topics like swarm catching and nutrition, and build hands-on skills in their apiary.
00:11:42.600 --> 00:11:49.560
Plus, there's a deep dive with lab workshops on honey bee anatomy and disease diagnostics.
00:11:49.560 --> 00:11:51.480
Now there is one thing to note.
00:11:51.480 --> 00:11:55.880
There will not be a honey show at this year's HAS conference.
00:11:55.440 --> 00:12:00.240
But even without it, this is an event still packed with valuable learning opportunities.
00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:03.520
And hopefully we'll see a honey show return in the future.
00:12:03.520 --> 00:12:06.320
Have you ever thought about becoming a honey judge?
00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:15.540
On June 26, the American Honey Show Training Council is offering its introductory honey judge training in Nashville, Tennessee.
00:12:15.880 --> 00:12:22.760
plus level two and level three certification exams for those already in the program that are ready to advance
00:12:23.459 --> 00:12:30.580
Honey judging is a detailed, hands-on skill that's perfect for anyone who loves learning, teaching, and of course honey.
00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:31.860
And the best part?
00:12:31.860 --> 00:12:37.700
The program is designed for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned beekeepers.
00:12:37.360 --> 00:12:48.800
In the Level 1 introductory class, you'll spend the day learning everything from food safety and honey handling to judging techniques, ethics, and how a honey show actually runs.
00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:53.380
Once you've completed it, you'll become a certified Honey Judge candidate.
00:12:53.380 --> 00:13:00.260
From there, most people take about 12 to 18 months to complete the steps needed for level two certification
00:13:00.640 --> 00:13:03.120
Have you already completed level one?
00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:08.000
You can sit for level two or even level three exams during this event.
00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:09.840
Now just a quick note.
00:13:09.839 --> 00:13:16.880
This training and certification are separate from the Honey Judge Academy that takes place on July 27th and 28th.
00:13:16.880 --> 00:13:19.920
So you'll need to register for each individually.
00:13:20.220 --> 00:13:32.860
The Honey Judge Academy is a two-day hands-on training designed for Honey Judge candidates and experienced judges who want to refine their evaluation skills across honey, beeswax, and hive products.
00:13:32.560 --> 00:13:40.880
This is a focused, skills-based program built around real judging scenarios, expert instruction, and immediate application.
00:13:41.040 --> 00:13:42.399
I attended last year's.
00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:44.160
It was the first time they offered it.
00:13:44.160 --> 00:13:45.360
It was fantastic.
00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.720
I had a great time.
00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:48.399
I learned a ton.
00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:53.360
One thing to note, this year's Honey Judge Academy does not include a honey show.
00:13:53.440 --> 00:13:54.000
What?
00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:59.760
Honey judge candidates and judges can come and learn and network and have a great time.
00:13:59.760 --> 00:14:04.400
So to learn more about either of those events, visit honeyshowusa.
00:14:04.400 --> 00:14:04.960
com.
00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:11.800
Hey listeners, if your state or region has a honey show that you'd like me to talk about, feel free to send me the information.
00:14:11.800 --> 00:14:13.240
If you have any honey show related
00:14:13.640 --> 00:14:21.480
questions send those my way also so until next month blue skies and blue ribbons i'll catch you next time
00:00:01.200 --> 00:00:03.200
Hello everyone.
00:00:03.200 --> 00:00:13.840
Welcome to my Beekeeping Today podcast short: bite-sized moments where we dive into honey shows, judging tips, and the art of exhibiting.
00:00:13.840 --> 00:00:14.880
My name is Stephanie.
00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:17.880
Slater, and I'm excited to be here again.
00:00:17.880 --> 00:00:19.720
I have some great news.
00:00:19.720 --> 00:00:24.760
We selected a title for this segment, Winning at Honey with Stephanie.
00:00:24.760 --> 00:00:29.240
Thank you to our listener, Joy, for the great suggestion.
00:00:29.380 --> 00:00:38.180
Since last month, I returned back home to Wisconsin, ready to do some serious beekeeping, but our weather has not been ideal.
00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:47.440
We've had some excessive rain and flooding, tornadoes and lower temperatures, but the bees are chugging along and getting out in between the storms.
00:00:47.520 --> 00:00:52.720
We recently had a couple of really nice days and the landscape changed quickly.
00:00:52.720 --> 00:00:57.200
Dandelions are blooming and the fruit trees near me are almost in bloom.
00:00:58.160 --> 00:01:05.519
We've had a lot of nucs and packages arriving in Wisconsin, so there is both excitement and jitters in the air
00:01:05.740 --> 00:01:12.860
I'll be hiving some nucs this week and making some splits, so fingers crossed that the weather will be more cooperative.
00:01:12.860 --> 00:01:20.460
In addition to my spring beekeeping chores, this is the time of year where I set some honey show goals for myself.
00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:27.799
I like to challenge myself to enter a category that I haven't before, or make some improvements in a category
00:01:28.240 --> 00:01:36.720
By setting my goals early, I have time to produce and collect what I need this summer in order to have entries for the fall or next spring.
00:01:36.920 --> 00:01:41.000
Last year I focused on pollen and dipped tapers.
00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:49.320
My dipped tapers did really well at the Wisconsin State Fair, the American Honey Show, and the North American Honey Bee Expo.
00:01:49.260 --> 00:01:53.259
Whew, they were a lot of work, but they were beautiful.
00:01:53.259 --> 00:01:59.900
Although I didn't place with my pollen, I have some great judges feedback that I can use to improve this year.
00:01:59.900 --> 00:02:03.900
I'd also like to try to produce more comb honey this year.
00:02:03.920 --> 00:02:07.439
I've only done very small quantities in the past.
00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:14.400
In March, I spent some time with some dear friends that are master comb honey producers and exhibitors.
00:02:14.260 --> 00:02:16.580
and they gave me some great tips.
00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:21.380
I'll need to get my equipment assembled this month so I'm ready for the strong nectar flow.
00:02:21.380 --> 00:02:24.420
What goals will you set for yourself this year?
00:02:24.540 --> 00:02:34.220
Recently, I was contacted by a listener, Dave, who inquired about jars for honey shows, so I decided that would be this month's topic for discussion.
00:02:34.140 --> 00:02:45.260
Before you start preparing for any honey show, read the rules to make sure you know what type of jar you need for each category, as well as how many you need per entry.
00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:48.959
Always use glass jars for show.
00:02:48.959 --> 00:02:51.760
And make sure to use the same style jar.
00:02:51.760 --> 00:02:59.200
For example, if you are required to submit three one pound jars for an extracted honey category
00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:01.800
Don't mix and match styles.
00:03:01.800 --> 00:03:04.200
They should all be identical.
00:03:04.200 --> 00:03:11.800
When it comes to extracted honey categories, you usually have a choice of either classic or queenline style jars.
00:03:11.760 --> 00:03:15.920
The Queen Line style is one with a larger shoulder and mouth.
00:03:15.920 --> 00:03:20.880
Both are excellent jars, so use what you want or already have.
00:03:21.140 --> 00:03:27.780
Sometimes there may be a sponsor or prize at a honey show that will help me determine which style to use.
00:03:27.780 --> 00:03:32.500
For example, at the American Beekeeping Federation American Honey Show,
00:03:32.660 --> 00:03:40.660
If a first or second place winning entry is in classic jars, Gamber awards the exhibitor with some gift certificates.
00:03:40.920 --> 00:03:48.280
These are awesome awards and I like saving money, so my entries at the American Honey Show are always in classic jars.
00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:51.800
Jars for creamed honey and chunk honey are different.
00:03:51.560 --> 00:03:59.560
and usually require a straight-sided jar with no shoulder and a wide mouth instead of the Queen Line or Classic style jars.
00:03:59.940 --> 00:04:05.780
Before they even look at the honey, judges will be evaluating the container's appearance.
00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:10.260
They will be looking for uniformity and cleanliness of jars and lids.
00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:16.740
When you are selecting the jars that will hold your show honey, look for the best glass that you can find.
00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:21.540
In the United States, jar producers are mandated by state-level regulations
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to use a specific percentage of post-consumer recycled glass.
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That results in some glass jars having more defects than others
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Avoid jars with scratches, dents, cracks, and try to find jars with the least amount of defects as possible.
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Throughout the year I inspect every jar as it comes out of the box
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If any look good enough for a honey show, they're set aside and not used to fill customer orders.
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Small scale beekeepers like Dave may not have a lot of cases of jars to go through.
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He mentioned that his local beekeeping supply retailer was kind enough to help him go through a few cases of jars so he could select some show jars to put in the case that he was purchasing.
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I've had good luck with this approach in the past also.
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You might want to give it a try too.
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Another strategy may be to ask your beekeeping friends if you can go through their jars before they fill their customer orders.
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I bring a case of jars with me and swap out for any show quality jars I find in their cases.
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Well, where can you buy these glass jars?
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Well, our sponsors at Betterbee carry a variety of glass honey jars for showing extracted, creamed, and chunk honey.
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And there are lots of other retailers that carry glass honey jars as well.
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Some honey shows put more emphasis on the glass quality than others.
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The more competitive the show is, the more the judge may scrutinize the glass, so use the best glass that you can find
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What's even more important is how clean the jars and lids are.
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Judges will be evaluating cleanliness.
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There should be no dust.
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Dirt, smudges, fingerprints, sticky spots, honey drips, watermarks, or anything that looks unclean.
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Pro tip alert
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Bring something along to the Honey Show that can be used to wipe off any fingerprints before submitting the entry for judging, but make sure you don't leave any aromas behind like soap or glass cleaner.
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What's the best way to wash your show jars?
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In a sink of hot soapy water and let them air dry upside down.
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Pro tip alert!
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Don't use paper towels to dry the inside of your jars, as small particles or lint could be left behind.
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I often get asked about lot numbers on jars.
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Until a couple of years ago, lot numbers were stamped in a clear ink toward the bottom of the jar on one side.
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It was difficult to see, especially when the jar was wet.
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Those lot numbers could be cleaned off with rubbing alcohol or magic erasers.
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In fact, that was the first thing a judge taught me at my first honey show.
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I didn't know those numbers were there, but there was a comment on my score sheet, so I've never made that mistake again.
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Now more often we are seeing those lot numbers etched into the glass and there's no way to remove them.
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Judges are aware of that.
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However, if you have some jars that the numbers can be removed from, you should do so.
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Well, we've talked a lot about jars, so let's wrap up by talking about lids.
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Lids can be metal or plastic.
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They just need to be in good condition and match.
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Even the color doesn't matter as long as they're all the same and clean.
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Avoid using lids with scratches, dents, rust, or fingerprints.
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When using the plastic lids, remove the safety seal from inside of the lid before entering the honey show.
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Lids should be clean both inside and out.
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There should be no honey on the underside of the lid.
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Now that we've talked about some honey show tips and some pro tips, let's move on to this month's featured honey show.
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The Eastern Apiculture Society Honey Show.
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This year's EAS event takes place in Shepherdsville, Kentucky from July 27th through the 31st.
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And if you're thinking about participating, it's worth noting that there are some rule updates this year, so be sure to review the latest version on their website before entering.
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Now, what really makes this show exciting is the variety of categories.
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It truly highlights everything the Hive has to offer
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On the honey side, the show includes extracted honey, creamed honey, and comb honey, including chunk honey and full frames.
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And there's also that black jar category, where the honey is judged purely on flavor, just like we talked about last month.
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The Beeswax Show features both blocks and a variety of candles, giving you a chance to showcase your craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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There's a mead and honey beer show highlighting fermented creations that start with honey as the star ingredient.
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The event also leans into creativity with the Arts Crafts
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gift arrangements and gadgets show, which does continue to expand.
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This year includes some new categories like quilting, artwork, and additional craft entries, making it even more accessible to a wide range of talents.
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If you enjoy baking, the Honey Cookery Show includes categories like cookies, bars, brownies, yeast breads and rolls, cakes and candy, all featuring honey in delicious ways
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And for those of you who might prefer a camera to a hive tool, the photography show includes macro, scenic, portrait, and essay categories, capturing the beauty and story of beekeeping from different perspectives.
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Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for recognition.
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Awards at the EAS show include Silver Awards, Sweepstakes Honors, Best of Show, and the traditional prize ribbons.
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There is a potential gamber award, but that one is still pending confirmation.
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And one unique tradition to mention, the EAS auction.
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Blue ribbon winners in the Honey Show are asked to donate a jar or piece of comb
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And winners in other categories are encouraged to contribute if they'd like.
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It's a great way to share top quality products and support the event.
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So, whether you're a honey producer, a crafter, a baker, or even photographer, the EAS Honey Show offers a place to showcase your work and celebrate the full creativity of beekeeping.
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In addition to this great honey show, the EAS conference does have a great schedule of education.
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For more information, visit Easternapiculture.
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org.
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I am really looking forward to this one.
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EAS has a great reputation and their honey show has been on my bucket list for several years.
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I've seen photos and it's a high quality event.
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Since this year's event is closer to me in the Midwest, I have challenged myself to go and enter a minimum of three categories.
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Will I see you there too?
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Well, you're probably starting to learn that I really like attending beekeeping conferences or workshops, so I thought I'd share some information on some other upcoming events as well.
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The Heartland Apiculture Society is bringing back its in-person conference on May 30th and 31st on the campus of Michigan State University.
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You can hear from top researchers, explore breakout sessions on topics like swarm catching and nutrition, and build hands-on skills in their apiary.
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Plus, there's a deep dive with lab workshops on honey bee anatomy and disease diagnostics.
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Now there is one thing to note.
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There will not be a honey show at this year's HAS conference.
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But even without it, this is an event still packed with valuable learning opportunities.
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And hopefully we'll see a honey show return in the future.
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Have you ever thought about becoming a honey judge?
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On June 26, the American Honey Show Training Council is offering its introductory honey judge training in Nashville, Tennessee.
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plus level two and level three certification exams for those already in the program that are ready to advance
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Honey judging is a detailed, hands-on skill that's perfect for anyone who loves learning, teaching, and of course honey.
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And the best part?
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The program is designed for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned beekeepers.
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In the Level 1 introductory class, you'll spend the day learning everything from food safety and honey handling to judging techniques, ethics, and how a honey show actually runs.
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Once you've completed it, you'll become a certified Honey Judge candidate.
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From there, most people take about 12 to 18 months to complete the steps needed for level two certification
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Have you already completed level one?
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You can sit for level two or even level three exams during this event.
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Now just a quick note.
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This training and certification are separate from the Honey Judge Academy that takes place on July 27th and 28th.
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So you'll need to register for each individually.
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The Honey Judge Academy is a two-day hands-on training designed for Honey Judge candidates and experienced judges who want to refine their evaluation skills across honey, beeswax, and hive products.
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This is a focused, skills-based program built around real judging scenarios, expert instruction, and immediate application.
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I attended last year's.
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It was the first time they offered it.
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It was fantastic.
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I had a great time.
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I learned a ton.
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One thing to note, this year's Honey Judge Academy does not include a honey show.
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What?
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Honey judge candidates and judges can come and learn and network and have a great time.
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So to learn more about either of those events, visit honeyshowusa.
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com.
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Hey listeners, if your state or region has a honey show that you'd like me to talk about, feel free to send me the information.
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If you have any honey show related
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questions send those my way also so until next month blue skies and blue ribbons i'll catch you next time