The Maryland Farm Bureau Federation 5 



Honey Marketing and Publicity 



In general, it can be safely said that the Maryland beekeeper is not 

 seriously troubled in marketing his crop. The market is as a rule slow, 

 but steady, and it is the usual case that the great majority of the pro- 

 ducers sell out their crop before the new crop is produced. There are 

 numerous exceptions to this rule, especially where beekeepers live in 

 Isolated parts of the State. This steady demand for honey Should be 

 expected in an Eastern State near the large retail markets, and especially 

 in a State embracing a city the size of Baltimore, and in such close 

 proximity to Washington, Philadelphia and New York. 



The price of honey has remained good with considerable variation be- 

 tween retail city markets and retail small town markets. Under either 

 condition, however, honey can be sold at a profit. 



It is believed that the prevailing; fair prices and steady market demand 

 will he reflected in greater State production of honey. This increase can 

 easily be consumed locally. 



National Honey Week 



Some really worthwhile State-wide advertising of honey was done in 

 Maryland in conjunction with the national observation of Honey Week. 

 The extension worker directed this work in Maryland, and took active 

 part in placing exhibits and radio broadcasting. 



First, publicity about Honey Week was given through "The Pollen 

 Basket," and beekeepers all over the State were urged to set up local 

 displays of hee products in stores and other suitable display places. A 

 number of beekeepers responded with attractive displays so that the 

 smaller towns and Baltimore city were well covered. 



The State worker contacted two large bakeries ; one in Cumberland 

 and one in Hagerstown, both users of large quantities of honey in their 

 bread mixtures, and obtained their cooperation in securing advantageous 

 display space in stores selling their bread. Local beekeepers were then 

 contacted and in each town cooperators were secured to supply enough 

 comb and extracted honey to set up an attractive display. An observa- 

 tion hive was supplied for each display by the extension worker and the 

 live bees were furnished by local beekeepers. The extension worker set 

 up these exhibits at the beginning of Honey Week. They included comb 

 and extracted honey, an observation hive, beekeeping equipment and bread 

 made with honey. 



The bakeries were also asked to allow the extension worker to use 

 their time on the local broadcasting stations. They consented and three 

 talks about bees and honey were given on Monday of Honey Week, in 

 Hagerstown, and one talk was given the next day In Cumberland. 



