Winning At Honey: White Cards and the 2027 NAHBE Honey Show

0:00 3, 2, 1. Hello everyone, and welcome to Winning at Honey with Stephanie. I'm Stephanie Slater, and this Beekeeping Today podcast short explores honey shows, judging tips, and Exhibiting award-winning hive products. The Midwest Honey Bee Expo Honey Show Rules are online. Make sure you're reading the 2027 version. We've paused some categories, expanded others, and added novice categories, plus pollen, antiquities, and flavored creamed honey. More on that next month. Meanwhile, email me your questions. Last month I enjoyed the Missouri State Beekeepers Association Fall Conference, where honey show entries doubled over last year.

0:45 Beautiful entries, welcoming beekeepers, and judge candidates moving closer to certification made for a rewarding weekend. Now I'm finishing my own Wisconsin State Fair Honey Show entries and preparing for the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association Fall Convention. including helping our youth scholars with their presentations. Then it's off to Springfield, Illinois for the November 13 and 14 Show Me the Honey competition. There are 34 categories and some nice cash prizes. I'll be on the show staff and leading workshops on lip balms and canning with honey. With all these honey shows on the calendar and my own entries being prepped, I've been thinking about the details that help make an exhibit succeed.

1:32 One of those deserves a little attention because it's easy to overlook. The white card. At shows using American Honey Judge Association rules, several categories require one. Think of it as your chance to explain your entry when you're not there. As fellow Honey Judge Heather says, tell the judge what you want them to see. If your quilt took 100 hours, explain the techniques that made it challenging. For photography, go beyond the title and tell the story Judges can evaluate your work, but mind reading isn't part of our certification. What belongs on the card depends on your category. Let's start with the basics.

2:13 You've put the work into your entry. The white card helps you tell the judge what went into it and what deserves a closer look. What you need to include on the card depends on the category. Sometimes it's a simple description. Other times, it's a complete recipe. a production method, directions for use, an inventory, or a little history. Before we get into those differences, let's clear up a few basics. First, white card doesn't mean you have to squeeze everything onto a tiny index card. AHJA rules state that you can use anything from 3 by 5 inches up to a standard 8.

2:55 5 by 11 inch sheet of paper. You can also use multiple cards or pages, just staple or paperclip them together So if your recipe has 12 ingredients and 6 steps, give it some room. There is no bonus for making the judge find their magnifying glass. A complete recipe means every ingredient, its quantity, and the preparation steps. This helps judges understand your process, identify potential allergens or food safety issues, and see how you used honey or other hive products. A little of this, a little of that, and bake until done needs a little more detail on the white card.

3:36 Most categories that require a white card also require an ID label on it. The show secretary will provide those labels. and keep the judging anonymous. Leave off your name, business name, and other identifying details unless your category specifically allows them. Gift baskets and decorative displays are exceptions that permit your own product labels, but they probably don't need to be on the white card. Now what goes on the white card? Let's start with honey. For infused honey, describe the flavorings you added. For varietal honey, identify the variety or predominant floral source For creamed honey, both natural and flavor, explain the whole production process, including all the steps and equipment you used With art and craft entries, the card usually describes the work.

4:31 That includes things like beeswax sculptures, paintings, needlework, woodcraft, photographs, and painted hives A few categories ask for more. Poetry needs the title, style, and story or inspiration behind the poem. Electronic media needs a detailed description and you must also supply the viewing equipment and clear operating instructions. For a beekeeping gadget, explain what it does and how it operates. Flowers have an easy-to-miss distinction. For beeswax flowers, list all the flower varieties you've represented. For fresh floral displays, identify every plant material by both its botanical and common name.

5:17 For antiquities, describe the object and its documented history. Original records are encouraged. If an ID label could damage the object, place the label on the card alone Moving on to notions, potions, and lotions, these cards need a product, description, and a complete recipe The individual categories for soaps, lotions, lip balms, medicinal items, tinctures, household cleaners, and furniture polish also require directions for use. The recipe explains how you made it. The directions explain how the judge should use it. That distinction matters.

5:57 A lotion bar and a furniture polish might look surprisingly similar, so don't leave the judge guessing which one belongs on their hands and which one belongs on the table. Seriously though, the judge will assess whether the product performs as described on the white card. For gift baskets and decorative displays, think inventory. Clearly identify and describe every item, and include the complete recipes for the products that need them. Make it easy to match each description and recipe to the right item. For honey beverages, mead, beer, ale, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, describe the type or style and include the complete recipe Cocktails specifically need detailed mixing instructions.

6:45 If you submit a second bottle for chilled tasting, you must note that on the card. Both bottles need to be identical and suitable for judging, and the show secretary randomly selects which one gets chilled. Finally, culinary entries. Entries such as cakes, breads, cookies, candies, condiments, and preserves. Also need a description and complete recipe. For honey condiments, barbecue sauce, jams, jellies, and preserves, there's another detail to watch. If proper canning requires headspace that differs from the jar's fill ring, use the correct headspace and explain it on the card.

7:28 That gives the judge the information needed to understand the fill level and assess food safety. Before you pack, check your categories rules and make sure your card matches your entry. Keep it neat and readable. Typed cards are welcome and help preserve anonymity if a judge might recognize your handwriting across multiple categories. Now let's put that preparation to work. It's time for this month's Honey Show Spotlight. We're heading to Louisville, Kentucky for the North American Honey and Beeswax Championship. January 6th through 9th, 2027. With 71 categories, there are plenty of ways to participate in the largest honey show in the United States.

8:13 The 2026 Championship brought in 1,242 entries from 298 exhibitors, including 200 Black Jar entries alone. What will 2027 bring? I sat down this week with Kamon Reynolds, creator of the Expo, to hear about changes to the Honey Show and some exciting plans for next year. Here's our conversation. Alright, listeners. Well, I am so excited to have uh Kamon Reynolds here with me today. We're going to do a brief interview and we're going to talk about the North American Honey and Beeswax Championship that's held during the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.

8:54 Kamon, welcome. Thank you so much for being here. Stephanie, thanks for having me on. Always a pleasure to talk to you. Oh, thanks. Well, I just want to spend a few minutes of your time just chatting about the honey show specifically. Um so I hear that there is a location change, a different room or a different space at the uh expo. Is that something you want to talk about today? Oh of course. The Honey Show always n needed to be in a more prominent setting, but when we moved to this location There was some things we didn't understand and there was only so many options. And so uh over time it kind of got s Placed in a corner of the show and it was beautiful, but some people just weren't crossing paths there enough and I wasn't happy with it.

9:38 And so this year I decided to move it into the lobby. It's logistically going to be a heck of a lot more work, but the Honey Show is always the crown jewel. uh be beekeeping uh events because it's just so many gorgeous things to behold. So now whether people want to see it or not, it's gonna be in the main lobby. So they're gonna have to look at it. Well how exciting that'll be for everyone walking in. They can see the judges in their white coats and their white hats and gloves and handling the exhibits and just being able to see that quality hive products. So that's really cool. I look forward to seeing how that shakes out. So Um, I'm excited. So we've got some scheduling changes too, Kamon. Um some some new check-in times. We do, and you know, we we also wanted there to be more time for people to be able to See it once it was completed.

10:25 And typically it was just about half a day, maybe three quarters of a day. And that's just not enough, especially a lot of people. Maybe there was a good talk going on and a few other odds and ends. We weren't able to make it to the end and people are already starting to grab their stuff and go home on Saturday. And so We moved it up, put it in the lobby. So now the dates, and I'm going to double check this really quick, will be on Wednesday before the show starts. It's our show's, of course, all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday now. So Wednesday between 1 p. m. and 5 p. m. anybody who is pre-registered will be able to bring their stuff early. That way it'll also help the attendees that are doing the honey show get into the show quicker on Thursday so they won't have to check in all that stuff back in the day before we did things like this.

11:14 People could wait in line for an hour sometimes. And so now with increased staffing and also this early arrival time with nothing else going on. This is going to be a great opportunity for anyone who's bringing their gear. And that way all day Thursday they can just go listen to a lecture or go hang out with their Buddy, they've been looking forward to seeing again at the show. So yes, we've changed the times and of course the consequence of this is the judges will start earlier. And we'll be able to see the full display for at least an additional half day on Friday and probably the uh more than that. So it'll be great. That is so exciting. You know, and as a competitor, um, that's really appreciated because sometimes it is difficult when you're bringing in a lot of entries and You know, it takes a while to get everything turned in because we're doing all this prep and then we miss out on some great speakers.

12:05 So that would that's a really cool change and I look forward to seeing that. Um I'm sure that the competitors will really appreciate it So in some of your lives recently, you've been dropping hints about these new VIP awards, and I'm so curious. Can you tell me a little bit about them? Uh a little bit, you know, uh as much as I know at this point because I haven't fully decided. So here's how it works, Stephanie. This is just a little tip for everybody who's listening in and for you, you probably have already figured this out. I am a chaos person. And so I just say something that I want to do and darn the logistics. We'll figure that out after the fact. But it also is what helps us get things done.

12:46 We aren't afraid of making mistakes. And sometimes we go, well, that didn't work out. We'll do it differently next time. But Uh you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. And so the VIP awards at this point, my vision is we're gonna have guys like Bob Benny or Kaylee Richardson or Trish. you know, Thompson or or any of the the the main speakers that we have for this year and you know Michael Palmer and they can go through I want to give them two awards each and one is for the honey show particularly so they are going to find whatever item and it doesn't have to be a blue-ribbon winner. May maybe it's something that just really stands out to them for whatever reason.

13:27 And they can pick that. And that'll be the Bob Benny Honey Show Award, whatever. The V his VIP award. And then they'll also get another ribbon for anything in the show outside of the Honey Show. So if maybe it's a cool new innovation in the trade show. Maybe it is a I don't know an attendee that has a really cool B shirt that they created and they like that. I don't really care. I think it's just going to be fun. the any judges that we have already do really high quality work. So they'll be doing that high-end judging. This is mo mostly a fun event and just to see kind of what floats Bob Benny's or Michael Palmer's or Kaylee Richardson's boat or any of those people. So And I'll probably have one myself.

14:08 And so it's just gonna be fun. That's what it's gonna be. Oh my goodness, that does sound like a lot of fun. And as a competitor who likes to win things that are different How exciting would that be, right? You know, I think about all of those exhibits in there, and someone's going to get a ribbon from you or Bob. I mean how excit like the bragging. There's gonna be some serious bragging came in. So um I love I love that idea. Very creative. Well well thank you. I think you know if if some of the Those other beekeepers have something on on the on it. It's like, oh, this is exciting. You know, if I have you know, I if someone has a Kamon Reynolds award, it's like, well, what are we gonna do with this? It's not even good smoke or fuel at this point. So Somebody will do something very creative with it, I am sure.

14:52 Probably. So are there any other changes or improvements or anything else that you wanted to mention about the upcoming honey show? Yeah, so we've added June to and I actually specifically asked for this one myself. I am a big fan of drinking June. Um for those who don't know what that is, it's like kombucha, except it is uh made with honey, so which means it's superior in every way. And it's delicious. I first discovered this by accident. I was working with a friend of mine in Hawaii. And we went to a farmer's market nearby and I was helping him catch queens and he's like, hey, these are beekeepers and they sell honey, but this is their most popular product.

15:33 And they had three different types of Jun. And it was Unbelievably delicious. They had had like a raspberry basil Jun, which was was my favorite. Love raspberry. And then there was a gentleman at the show this year. Um he didn't enter anything. We didn't have the category either. But he had brought a few samples just to let people at the Crown Plaza try. And he had some delicious varieties. And my wife makes several types of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry junes. And so I just think as beekeepers, we need to be a lot more creative. Honey is great. And a lot of people know about honey, but there's so many other benefits to using honey in other ways. And I want to see that promoted more. So I'm hoping to see more creamed honey, more June.

16:16 More things like that as an industry, that's going to help market us to the mass of unknowing people out there that don't understand the value of what all bees do. So I think that would help us out. Oh, well, thanks for sharing that information. Well, I am not a competitor in 2027. I'm going to be part of the Honey Show staff. So I'm going to make sure to sneak over to the Jun category and see if I can try some of those samples. So thanks for the recommendation. Well, I hope there's plenty to sample from, and I appreciate you being one of the judges. It's a ton of work doing our show, and as you well know. And uh that you guys don't get enough thanks. And that's where I'm hoping having it back in the lobby. Years ago, we did have it out.

16:59 And you got the natural lighting going through the honey and it just again it was in a main area of of having to get to the speaker rooms or to the trade show, whichever way you were coming from. And so I just love it when it's like that. I love seeing all of it. The problem of it is I haven't hardly spent any time on the Honey Show, the last couple of years because it's not on my the area that I'm typically working and having to manage, so I just miss it. And usually by the time I get a few moments, it's already starting to wind down. I'm like, oh, I've missed some of it. So No longer, this is actually just all for selfish reasons for me, Stephanie. It's I I hope everyone else benefits, but this is for me Well you know, that's part of the fun of having your own show.

17:42 You can do things for your own benefit, right? I suppose so. I tease the judges definitely gave me a lot of feedback on this and we have Just so many uh good ones. It's a lot of sacrifice and hours. And so my hope is as well that since we are starting early, the judges and the all the staff that goes into that. uh will be able to enjoy the show a little bit more as well because they will be uh finished a little bit quicker and there'll be more show left for them and And I think we've brought in more people this year than we ever have also. And so hopefully between all those factors, you all will be able to get a little bit more out of the show and have some fun and no gray hairs. Woo-hoo.

18:22 Oh, that sounds like a lot of fun. I love that. Well, as we're wrapping up, um, because I want to be respectful of your time, I hear it's chaotic there today. Um Is there a sponsor for the Honey Show that we want to give a shout out to today? We do, and I want to say Thanks to John Hill with Hilco for this. He sponsored the Honey Show for multiple years and is and is again this year. And that's something that I've encouraged him this year to do for the first time is I want there to be a Hilco Award. And so we don't know exactly what that's going to be at this point. I was talking to him about the that this morning, so I'm not gonna say yet what we were talking about, but it's gonna be cool. It's gonna be awesome. And also, we've had this going for a while, but the Grand Champion and Grand Champion Reserve do get tickets to the next year's show as part of their awesome ribbon.

19:10 So they get that So people who are really gunning for the top first and second place will get a free ticket to the next exposition. But this year there's also going to be a Hilco Award. probably for the grand champion and the reserve to a lesser degree for that one. So um John has been super helpful in making it possible to ex make this expansion happen this year. Because it's it is a lot of expense to grow this and do an extra day of it. And John has been really helpful in making that happen. And uh So I want to just say uh thanks to people like John and uh who have helped us be able to make the show more beautiful and awesome. Oh, that's great. Well, thank you so much, John, and the Hilco team.

19:53 We love the sponsorship and the support. Well, Kamon, thank you so much for for sharing all these details about the Honey Show and We can't wait to see you in January. I just wish you well as you continue to plan and work out your chaos. And uh thanks for being with me today. Oh, always a pleasure. Thank you for the invite and we'll see you at the show. A show this size takes a tremendous team. I asked the lead secretaries how competitors can help check-in run smoothly. Their advice comes down to this. A little preparation before you arrive makes a big difference. Their first tip? Use Wednesday's early check-in if you can.

20:35 You'll have more breathing room and won't miss speakers later. Read and follow both the general and category rules. and complete your affidavit ahead of time. Use the checkboxes for your entries and leave the lines for the secretary. Bring a spare copy. I do, in case I make a mistake or spill my Dr. Pepper on it. Choose your categories before arriving. Staff can explain your options or answer your questions, but the decision is yours, and each exhibit must meet its category requirements. Have those white cards finished, and bring all the required plates, boxes, bags, and other supplies.

21:18 There may be a wait, so bring water and consider a wagon or cart. to protect your entries and spare your arms. A box of honey gets heavy. Think strength training with higher stakes. Most of all, bring patience. The staff want to give every exhibitor the time and attention their entries deserve. As Heather says, if you're entering, you're already winning. You're learning, getting feedback, and connecting with fellow beekeepers. There's more to take home than just ribbons You could even bring your earbuds and catch up on Beekeeping Today podcast episodes while you wait.

21:58 Just keep an ear open for any instructions. If you've ever wondered what it takes to become a honey judge, the AHJA is offering introductory training on January 6th. It's a chance to explore the program and learn more about what judges look for. Just remember, registration for this training is separate from your Expo registration. One last thing about the North American Honey and Beeswax Championship. Did you catch the 400th episode of Beekeeping Today? Becky talked about the amazing cocktail she's making with honey and I immediately thought, that sounds like a honey show entry So Becky, consider this your friendly, very public invitation to enter the honey cocktail category.

22:43 I know you've been a little hesitant about entering a honey show, but this sounds like the perfect way to stir up some courage. You're already mixing the drinks. Now we just need to mix in a little friendly competition. I'm happy to answer questions. The cocktail, however, is entirely your department. My encouragement comes with absolutely no bartending skills attached, but I'm willing to sample a practice batch strictly in the interest of supporting a fellow beekeeper, of course. While Becky decides what to put in her cocktail shaker, let's see what else is stirring in this month's honey show roundup. Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association Honey Show in Rock Spring on November 14th.

23:25 and the Colorado State Beekeepers Association 2026 Big Money Honey Show in Littleton on November 14th. Whether it's your first entry or your next shot at a blue ribbon, I hope you'll enter a honey show this season. Every competition is a chance to learn, connect, and come home with ideas for your next entry And I'd love to hear how it goes. Have a honey show you'd like me to feature or a question you'd like answered? Send it my way. Until next month, blue skies and blue ribbons. I'll catch you next time.