About Us
Stephenson Honey Company began in 1946 when Willard Stephenson returned from his service in World War II. Having worked for Miller’s Honey Company during his High School years, and leading up to his military service, he returned to the familiar vocation to support his wife Clare and their young family. Miller’s Honey had begun their transition from honey production to packaging and distribution by selling bees to their employees and production managers. Willard purchased the last group of hives sold in the Delta area and went into business for himself.
It was always a family business, and each of his 5 children helped with the work as they grew up. Eventually his son, Roger, completed a degree in Accounting and in 1977 returned to beekeeping full-time.
Roger, and his wife Carol, built a house next door and began raising a third generation of young beekeepers. Their 10 children were all raised understanding the demands and rewards generally familiar to those who choose self-employment, and careers in agriculture. There were good years, and lean years, setbacks, and opportunities. Through hard work, and blessings from Heaven, Stephenson Honey Company continued to provide a good life.
Two sons returned to work with Roger and make their careers in beekeeping. Michael, after completing his studies in Horticulture, brought his wife Audrey home and moved into Willard and Clare’s old home in 2009. Brian, having studied Agribusiness and Business Management, and working in other commercial agriculture for 10 years, moved back with his wife Candi and their family in 2015. There are now 11 of Willard and Clare’s great-grandchildren being raised as fourth-generation beekeepers.
Stephenson Honey Company is approaching its 80th year of existence and has spanned a period of time that started when horse drawn extraction wagons were taken out to bee locations to harvest honey all the way to current times where beehive health and honey production data are monitored remotely through satellite transmission. Much has changed, and much
remains the same. The life is still good, and we love it; demands, rewards, and all - and we will continue to do it as long as God allows. From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our honey loving community.