For over 30 years, Jan Lohman has been deeply connected to the world of bees. From her beginnings in Eastern Oregon to becoming a commercial beekeeper managing thousands of colonies, Jan’s journey has been a testament to hard work, passion, and a commitment to both bees and the environment.
A Legacy in Beekeeping
Jan’s introduction to beekeeping began when her partner started raising bees 45 years ago. While her background included owning a bookstore and nurturing her love for plants, it wasn’t long before bees found their way into her life. “Bees were a nice fit for me,” Jan reflects, and by the mid-1990s, she had joined her partner in their commercial beekeeping venture, managing over 2,500 colonies across the region.
Migratory beekeeping was part of their lives back then, moving bees to pollinate crops like watermelons, buckwheat, apples and of course, almonds in California. Over time, Jan transitioned to a smaller operation, now focusing on 16 colonies that she uses to teach others about the importance of bees, and as it turns out, about life too.
The Power of Education
Education has always been central to Jan’s mission. As a key founder and member of the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program, she has helped train countless hobbyists and new beekeepers. “Our goal was education,” Jan explains, “whether people had hives or not, we wanted them to learn about the importance of bees.”
For Jan, the joy of teaching goes beyond the technical aspects of beekeeping. It’s about instilling an appreciation for the bees’ role in our ecosystem. Her classes, which range from beginners to advanced, focus on building a sense of calm and connection with the bees—traits that make for successful, respectful beekeeping. “Bees respond to calmness,” she says. “They’re social insects, and we are more dependent on each other than we ever realize.”
Beekeeping as a Symbol for Life
Jan often reflects on how beekeeping mirrors larger life lessons. Timing, for instance, is everything in beekeeping, as it is in life. “If you’re late feeding, the bees can starve. If you’re late with treatments, they suffer,” she explains. This awareness of timing has shaped how she approaches not just her beekeeping but her view of life’s delicate balance—whether in tending to her plants or considering the needs of the bees and the environment.
Through her work, Jan has also seen how bees symbolize community, collaboration, and mutual dependence. “Bees rely on each other, just like we do,” she says, noting that her experiences with bees have helped her appreciate the interconnectedness of the world around her.
Partnerships
Jan’s advocacy work also brought her into close collaboration with Dr. Ramesh Sagili at the Oregon State University (OSU) Bee Lab. She was part of the committee that hired Dr. Sagili, a moment that she considers a milestone in her journey. To this day Jan applauds OSU decision to place two beekeepers on their panel to select the professor to lead the Bee Lab. “Working with Ramesh has been incredible,” Jan recalls. “He has the heart for bees and is dedicated to helping working beekeepers solve real-world problems.”
Their partnership helped foster the development of the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program and many other initiatives that have strengthened the beekeeping community throughout the Pacific Northwest. Jan’s involvement with OSU and Dr. Sagili is a perfect example of her dedication to the future of beekeeping—supporting both the people and the science needed to help promote a healthy and thriving environment for bees.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Bee-Keepers
When asked what being a Save the Bee Bee-Keeper means to her, Jan emphasizes the importance of advocacy and community service. “Commercial beekeepers are often too busy to focus on these broader efforts, but I’m fortunate now to have the time to do that work,” she says. Her involvement as a board member at Save the Bee, along with other organizations, allows her to focus on helping others learn about bees and how simple actions can make a big difference.
For families looking to get involved, Jan suggests small but meaningful steps like supporting local honey producers, teaching children about the importance of pollinators, and even setting up bee baths or pollinator-friendly gardens. “Education and small actions compound over time,” she says. “If we all do our part, we can make a real difference for the bees.”
Jan Lohman’s journey as a bee advocate, educator, and lifelong beekeeper continues to inspire those around her
Her story shows us that saving the bees isn’t just about big actions—it’s about community, education, and taking the time to appreciate the small, yet powerful role that each of us can play in the future of bee conservation. As Jan reminds us, “It’s about saving one bee at a time.”
