A large-scale beekeeper finds a sweet path to prosperity through beekeeping

A few days ago, the reporter came to Yu Peng's home at the Third Management and Protection Station of the Yongqing Management and Protection Area of the Shibazhan Forestry Bureau, and from a distance saw rows of beehives piled up high. Walking into the yard, a few little bees came warmly flying at us, frightening us so much that we did not know what to do. "Don't be afraid, these bees don't sting people!" said Yu Peng with a smile as he inspected the beehives.

In 2005, Yu Peng and his wife contracted the Third Management and Protection Station of the management and protection area. Life in their spare time at the station was monotonous and dull, but the conditions for developing a self-operated economy were uniquely favorable. After in-depth investigation, Yu Peng felt that the surrounding flowers and wild grasses were very suitable for developing the beekeeping industry, and his idea received strong support from the management and protection area. The management and protection area helped with a loan, and the forestry bureau trade union helped him build a bee cellar with temperature-control equipment. At the same time, Yu Peng also enjoyed an interest-free small loan of 20,000 yuan under the all-people entrepreneurship program, obtained 9,800 yuan in support funds for all-people entrepreneurship, and the Shibazhan Forestry Bureau trade union provided Yu Peng and his wife with 20 boxes of forest bees free of charge, while Yu Peng himself purchased 20 boxes of forest bees. Just like that, Yu Peng and his wife officially set out on their "sweet" road to prosperity.

When they first started raising bees, because of the drought that year and because it was their first practical attempt, although honey output was not high, they still earned more than 5,000 yuan. Their first experience raising forest bees brought them gains and further strengthened Yu Peng and his wife's confidence in developing forest bee breeding. In 2010, the couple decided to expand the scale of breeding and added another 20 boxes of forest bees on top of the original ones, bringing the scale to 60 boxes. Honey output also rose steadily, and that year's income was 60,000 yuan. Watching their "sweet business" flourish, Yu Peng and his wife were immersed in joy. But fortune is fickle, and in the spring of 2011, due to negligence in management, the beehives in the bee cellar were severely damaged by rats, causing the deaths of 60 boxes of bees to varying degrees and a direct loss of more than 30,000 yuan. Just when Yu Peng and his wife were at their wits' end, the party, government, and trade union leaders of the Yongqing Management and Protection Area came in person to the management and protection station to comfort them and helped them secure a support loan of 20,000 yuan. This setback did not discourage Yu Peng. In 2011, he bought another 40 boxes of forest bees, and the following year added another 20 boxes. Through scientific breeding, honey output increased steadily, and annual income reached more than 100,000 yuan.

Yu Peng and his wife gradually turned beekeeping into a family business of their own and became somewhat well known in the management and protection area. Over the years, Yu Peng and his wife successively won honorary titles such as "Demonstration Household of the Staff Entrepreneurship and Prosperity Project," "Expert in Bee Breeding Technology," and "Good Model of Entrepreneurship and Prosperity" from the Shibazhan Forestry Bureau.

Through their efforts over these years, Yu Peng and his wife tasted the sweetness of forest bee breeding and increased their income. While prospering, they did not forget the support of their work unit and the help of their leaders and colleagues. He carefully answered the professional questions raised by many peers and colleagues who were willing to keep bees, and taught beekeeping techniques without reservation. His selfless spirit won unanimous praise from the leaders of the management and protection area and the staff and workers.

Now the couple raises 100 boxes of bees, produces more than 3,000 jin of honey a year, and has an annual income of 120,000 yuan. The "hundred-flower pollen" and "natural honey" they produce are natural and pure, and are deeply favored by local people. Basically, they can sell out without even leaving home.