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Where Every Jar Begins
Blossoms that shape the unique character of our honey
Our Apiaries
The location of a bee colony is one of the most important factors influencing the character of the honey it produces. The landscape surrounding each hive—its trees, wildflowers, native prairie, and cultivated fields—shapes the nectar gathered by the bees, creating the distinct flavor, aroma, and color of each harvest. Equally important, carefully chosen locations help support healthy, thriving colonies.
We have thoughtfully selected each of our apiary sites throughout central Iowa for their abundant forage, floral diversity, and environmental quality. This commitment allows us to produce the unique varietal honeys that have become a hallmark of Just Iowa Honey. Customers often tell us they have never tasted honey quite like ours, and we believe that exceptional honey begins with healthy bees and extraordinary places.
Many of the varietal honeys featured on our About Our Honey page are harvested from a single apiary. We identify the apiary on each jar so you know exactly where your honey was produced. Many of our local customers enjoy choosing honey harvested near
their own communities. While research on local honey and seasonal allergies remains inconclusive, some people prefer honey produced from the same region where they live. Today, we proudly maintain five apiaries throughout central Iowa. We invite you to explore each location below and discover the landscapes that make every harvest uniquely Iowa.
Our Two Urban Apiaries
Blank Park Zoo Apiary
One of our most unique apiaries is located at Blank Park Zoo, where our honey bees are part of the zoo's commitment to supporting pollinators and healthy ecosystems.
Through its Plant. Grow. Fly. conservation initiative, the zoo has established native pollinator habitat throughout the grounds, providing an abundance of nectar- and pollen-producing flowers for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Our colonies thrive in this diverse landscape, foraging among the many native plants that bloom throughout the season.
The surrounding area also includes mature Black Locust trees, a treasured nectar source when they bloom in late spring. During a good bloom year, our bees eagerly gather Black Locust nectar, contributing to one of our most delicate and sought-after varietal honeys.
We are honored to partner with Blank Park Zoo in supporting pollinator conservation while producing exceptional Iowa honey from this remarkable location.
Des Moines Apiary
Nestled in northwest Des Moines near the Des Moines River, this apiary benefits from an exceptionally diverse landscape rich in native trees, wildflowers, and natural habitat. Within a mile of the apiary are mature Basswood (Linden) trees, a favorite nectar source that contributes to one of our most prized varietal honeys when weather conditions allow for a good bloom.
Our own property reflects our commitment to supporting pollinators. More than 80% of our landscape has been planted with native species, which generally provide significantly more nectar and pollen than many ornamental cultivars. These plantings not only nourish our honey bees but also support butterflies, native bees, and countless other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season.
The colonies are thoughtfully positioned on the north side of our property, where they receive the warmth of the morning sun while enjoying the cooling shade of a mature maple tree during the hottest part of summer afternoons.
Fresh water is available to our bees throughout the season. We also provide a carefully maintained mineral source to help support healthy, productive colonies as they care for the hive and gather nectar across the surrounding landscape.
Our Three Rural Apiaries
Ferguson Farms - Runnells West Apiary
Located on Ferguson Farms just northwest of Runnells, this apiary enjoys an idyllic setting surrounded by Iowa farmland and an abundance of natural forage. Expansive fields of clover provide a dependable nectar source throughout much of the season, while impressive stands of Black Locust trees bloom in late spring less than a half mile from the apiary.
The colonies are nestled beneath mature pecan trees overlooking a peaceful pond. This carefully chosen location gives the bees the warmth of the early morning sun while the pecan canopy provides welcome shade during Iowa's hot summer afternoons. The nearby pond offers a reliable source of water, an essential resource for maintaining healthy colonies and regulating hive temperatures during the busiest months of the season.
When weather conditions align, this apiary produces some of our most distinctive Black Locust and Wildflower honeys—capturing the character of this beautiful Iowa landscape in every harvest.
Van Ryswyk Farm - Indianola Apiary
Our Indianola Apiary is one of our most treasured locations, situated on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Managed to encourage native grasses and wildflowers, this protected landscape provides exceptional forage for honey bees and countless other pollinators throughout the growing season.
The surrounding area is rich in pollinator-friendly habitat, including mature stands of Black Locust trees within a three-mile radius. When these trees burst into bloom each spring, they provide an abundant source of nectar that contributes to some of our most delicate and highly prized varietal honey.
The colonies are positioned along the edge of the conservation land with a nearby pond providing a dependable source of fresh water. The combination of diverse native forage, protected habitat, and abundant natural resources creates an ideal environment for healthy, productive bees.
Established in 2019, the Indianola Apiary has quickly become one of our favorite bee yards. Year after year, it produces honey with exceptional flavor and character—consistently among the finest harvests of the season.
Golden Goose Farm - Runnells North
Our Runnells North Apiary is located at Golden Goose Farm, just north of Runnells, where rolling farmland, abundant alfalfa fields, and impressive stands of Black Locust trees create an exceptional environment for honey bees. A magnificent grove of Black Locust trees lies less than a half mile from the apiary, providing a treasured nectar source during their brief but spectacular late-spring bloom.
The colonies are thoughtfully positioned to receive the warmth of the early morning sun while a nearby grove of mature trees offers welcome shade during Iowa's hottest summer afternoons. This balance helps create comfortable conditions for the bees throughout the season.
Golden Goose Farm is owned by a dedicated environmental steward who shares our commitment to caring for the land. The property is managed without the use of synthetic chemicals, creating a healthy habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Even the farm's chickens are raised on organic feed—a reflection of the owner's philosophy of thoughtful, sustainable stewardship.
Although this is one of our newer apiaries, it has quickly proven to be a remarkable location. As the colonies continue to mature, we look forward to harvesting exceptional honey that reflects the rich diversity and natural beauty of this special corner of Iowa.
