The Beekeeping Father
Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 8:30AM 
Jay Fatland removing beeswax from spinner
Jessica's email to me started as a “When will your honey goat milk soap be back in stock?” and several emails later, I learn that her father is a true, all-American beekeeper in the small town of Kimball, South Dakota (pop. 750).
Jay Fatland started out in beekeeping when he was 10 and helped his father in the business called Fatland Honey Company. The “honey house” is a converted laundromat, filled with equipment to extract the honey from the combs and a spinner to “spin out” the beeswax. He's been doing this for 50 years. Jessica says, “he does everything the way my grandpa did: take your time and get every little drop!”
Jessica and her siblings pitch in and help their father when they can. Her brother makes beeswax candles and ornaments for Christmas, and made Jessica's unity candle for her wedding.
If you ever find yourself in the small town of Kimball, South Dakota, make sure to drive by this honey house on Main Street (I'll just assume you won't need directions), and also look for the famous “Original Kimball Popcorn Ball.” From the comments I read on their Facebook page, these popcorn balls are worth the trip to SD, and they're made with Fatland Honey.
Hats off to all the dads who work hard and pass on their skills to their children. Happy Father's Day!
Fatland Family
Reader Comments (1)
Wow he started out at the age of 10! That is pretty impressive. It is great that his dad was able to pass that on to the next generation. thanks for sharing!