BeeSmart Bookkeeping: Tips for Beginning Beekeepers Using FarmRaise

Starting a beekeeping business is sweet in more ways than one. Whether you're looking to turn your backyard beehive into a small business or just exploring beekeeping for beginners, FarmRaise's farm accounting software can help keep your books just as tidy as your apiary. Bookkeeping may not be the first thing new beekeepers think about, but it's just as important as choosing the right beekeeping supplies or inspecting your queen bee.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start beekeeping with a solid plan for bookkeeping. You’ll learn how FarmRaise helps with inventory management, expense tracking, invoicing, and much more to help you stay organized from your first nuc to your honey harvest.

Why Bookkeeping Matters in Beekeeping

Bookkeeping is the backbone of any small business. For beginner beekeepers, especially in the first year, tracking expenses and income helps make sure your beekeeping startup is sustainable. A lot of people dive into backyard beekeeping thinking it’s simple, but between the supers, nucs, queen bee replacements, and beekeeping equipment, costs add up fast.

Using accounting software like FarmRaise gives you a place to record all of your purchases—from hive tools and beeswax molds to your first package of bees. Over time, you’ll build a clear financial picture of your beekeeping business and be better prepared for tax time or applying for farm grants.

Tracking Beekeeping Expenses with FarmRaise

Every time you buy new beekeeping equipment or refill your beekeeping supplies, FarmRaise Tracks lets you record those transactions. You can categorize expenses like:

• Beehive components (supers, frames, foundation)
• Beekeeping classes or workshops
• Safety gear and hive tools
• Varroa mite treatments or other pest management
• Feed supplements during a dearth (periods of low nectar flow)
• Marketing costs for your bee products

Pro tip: Label these by type and date so you can compare seasonal trends in honey production and expenses. Keeping bees can be costly up front, but good bookkeeping helps you see which costs pay off.

Setting Up Your Apiary Inventory

Whether you’re managing 3 or 30 bee colonies, inventory management is key to successful beekeeping. FarmRaise Tracks makes it easy to list what you have on hand:

• Number of active hives and their condition
• Beekeeping supplies on hand (feed, tools, gear)
• Equipment per hive (like supers or extra frames)
• Stock of bee products like beeswax candles or bottled honey

Having this all in one place helps when you're doing hive inspections or getting ready for your next honey harvest. It also helps you budget for what you need next season.

Invoicing and Selling Bee Products

If your bee farm is growing into a business, FarmRaise helps you send invoices to customers who buy your honey, beeswax, or even a nuc or package of bees. You can create professional invoices and track payments received.

Many local beekeepers start selling directly at farmers markets, through CSAs, or online. With FarmRaise, you’ll know exactly how much you're earning and spending, making it easier to price your bee products profitably.

Budgeting for Your First Year

Your first year as a beekeeper comes with a lot of upfront costs. Here's a sample list of common startup purchases for new beekeepers:

• Langstroth hive kits (including brood boxes and supers)
• Package of bees or a nuc
• Protective suit, gloves, and veil
• Hive tool and smoker
• Feeders and sugar syrup
• Beekeeping books or beekeeping classes

Using FarmRaise, you can enter each item and categorize it, helping you understand the true cost of keeping bees. You’ll also have a record ready for business deductions come tax season.

Joining the Beekeeping Community

Beekeeping for beginners is more fun when you’re part of the larger beekeeping community. Joining a local beekeeping association or participating in online forums can help you learn the ropes from experienced beekeepers. You’ll pick up tips on how to manage varroa mites, when to add supers, and how to prep for pollination season.

Some associations even offer group discounts on beekeeping equipment or access to certified beekeeping classes. Keep track of any fees or dues using FarmRaise so you can claim them as business expenses.

Performing Hive Inspections

Hive inspections are a critical part of keeping bees healthy. You should inspect every beehive every 7–10 days during the active season. As you do, keep notes on:

• Presence and health of the queen bee
• Brood pattern and number of worker bees
• Signs of pests like varroa mites or wax moths
• Storage of honey and pollen

These notes can be stored in FarmRaise Inventory as part of your production and health tracking. If you notice that honey production is dropping, your inspection notes and expense tracking can help identify why.

Planning for Pollination and Dearth

Pollination is one of the most valuable services that honey bees provide. If you offer pollination services to nearby farms, track mileage, equipment, and labor costs in FarmRaise. That way, your pricing reflects your true expenses.

During dearths, when nectar sources are scarce, you might need to supplement feed. This is another expense you can log in FarmRaise to compare costs year to year.

Selling More Than Honey

A lot of people think of honey as the main product, but bee farms can also sell:

• Beeswax and candles
• Propolis and pollen
• Nucs and queen bees
• Pollination services

Each of these has its own pricing, seasonality, and inventory needs. FarmRaise lets you separate income by Schedule F category and products, helping you see what part of your beekeeping business is most profitable.

Safety, Regulations, and Disclaimers

As your apiary grows, keep track of regulatory costs and required documentation. This might include:

• Organic certification
• Business licenses
• Beekeeping association membership
• Insurance for your bee colonies or property

And of course, always add a disclaimer when giving bee-related advice to customers—especially about allergic reactions or bee sting safety.

Tips from Experienced Beekeepers

Even experienced beekeepers learn something new every season.

Here are a few of their top tips:

1. Start with two hives so you can compare and troubleshoot.
2. Take notes after each hive inspection.
3. Track every purchase—you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Don’t ignore signs of pests like varroa mites.
5. Join forums and local groups early.

Use FarmRaise to stay on top of it all, from beeswax orders to your latest honey harvest.

Be Smart from the Start

Beekeeping is a beautiful blend of nature and business. Whether you're drawn to the hum of the hive or the sweetness of honey, FarmRaise helps you manage the financial side so you can focus on your bees.

From your first package of bees to your hundredth jar of honey, smart bookkeeping ensures your beekeeping business can grow sustainably. Don’t wait until you’re buried in receipts—let FarmRaise help you build a buzzing, profitable apiary from day one.

For more on how to start beekeeping and bookkeeping the right way, check out our beekeeping resources or join your local beekeeping association today.

Ready to get started with FarmRaise Tracks to get your finances on track? Use code IT3H12B for 20% off, or click here to get started.