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Michael Stockwell of Walpole has always been interested in beekeeping. He was drawn to their uniqueness in that they are insects that could produce something humans could eat. Learning about bees and contemplating getting hives many times, he was finally able to bring it to fruition when he got his own place. He bought a couple of hives, which have slowly evolved. Stockwell has been keeping bees for five years. How many hives do you have right now? Currently, I have got six going. I had a lot more, but some of them didn't make it through the winter, which is pretty normal for New England. Where do you get your bees? Most of the bees that are in New England get brought up from Georgia, Florida and other southern states where the winters are not as harsh. There are bee farms that raise hives to produce mass amounts of bees, and they break up those hives and scoop the bees into screened boxes and introduce queens. That's how people get packaged bees. How did you learn about bees and beekeeping? I did a lot of research on my own. There is a really good book called, "Beekeeping for Dummies." I know it sounds kind of funny, but it's actually a great book and has tons of information. What are some challenges that you have faced with beekeeping? My two biggest challenges with beekeeping would be learning how to properly control mites and where the right spots would be to over-winter hives in New England. Where do you usually get your beekeeping materials? You can get all of your woodware (hive boxes) and (other) beekeeping stuff from places like Tractor Supply, TruValue and Runnings, but there is a great place I like to go to in Gilsum (NH) called Hampshire Hives that (creates) woodware. Do you have any advice for beginners or someone that would be interested in beekeeping but might not know where to start? If they are not readers, I would recommend they take a class. Also, be prepared to make many mistakes and kill your hive. It is just going to happen, and you can't let it get you discouraged. I would also have to say that if there is someone that wants to do beekeeping because it is trendy, I would recommend they don't. It is really going to take more time than people think it does. It is not a thing where you get the bees, put them in a box and then you can just walk away. You have to learn how to manage the hive, and that will take a season or two, and it will be really tricky. For people who don't have a lot of time —or can't make the time — I would say just don't bother; you will most likely just waste a lot of money. What would you say your favorite part about beekeeping is? It is very rewarding if you take the time and put the effort into it, and you can harvest a lot of honey — that part is really fun.