The Buzz Behind Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey: Dean Haskin’s Sweet Success Story

ROOTED
Written By SEEC Associates

Dean Haskin’s journey from contractor to beekeeper is a story of passion, transformation, and a deep-rooted connection to Schoharie County. As the proud owner of Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey, Dean has turned a winter hobby into a flourishing business that celebrates the best of nature’s sweetest offerings. What started in 2009 as a modest hobby—tapping maple trees with his beloved dogs, Logan and Honey—has evolved into a vibrant enterprise renowned for its premium honey and maple products. 

Dean’s evolution into beekeeping began with a few hives driven by curiosity and a penchant for a new challenge. His background in contracting proved essential as he hand-builds all his hives, meticulously designing them to enhance bee health and perfect Mickle Hollow’s renowned ‘northern genetics.’ “Bees are crucial not just for honey but for pollination, and I wanted to integrate that into my business.” By 2014, Mickle Hollow Maple transitioned to Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey, marking a significant shift toward a more comprehensive approach. 

Spreadable maple creams and dry treats are signature items at Mickle Hollow. However, the lavender, lemon or cinnamon infused creamed honey has quickly become a Mickle Hollow staple.

“We use our springtime sweeter honey for our more floral flavored products,” Dean shares, “Our fall harvested honey, the dark-strong honey, tastes best with pumpkin spice and flavors like that.” 

Queen rearing for the last eight years, as well as producing “nuc” production colonies for sale has been the main ingredient of Haskin’s homegrown business model recently. In layman’s terms, “nuc” is short for nucleus colonies or smaller-sized starter colonies full of worker bees. These hives serve a vital role in the ecosystem, being mandatory for crop pollination and production or life on Earth. 

This year, Dean is celebrating his 12th season with his apiary, and his dedication has paid off in remarkable ways. “My honey production last weekend surpassed my entire yield from last year,” he notes, crediting his success to his nuc colonies. With 300 hives in operation, each hive contributes directly to local agriculture, enhancing crop pollination and fostering biodiversity. Dean’s bees play a crucial role in local farms, including prominent ones like the Carrot Barn, Shaul Farms and Fox Creek Farm. “We have 16 colonies to help with pollination at each farm,” Dean shares. “The bees and the crops have a symbiotic relationship.” 

The transformation from hobbyist to honey producer reflects Dean’s passion for beekeeping and commitment to the farming community. His self-education in apiculture has revealed the vital role bees play in enhancing crop yields. “I’ve had farmers tell me they can triple their pumpkin yield with the use of bees,” Dean says. His bees also help produce seasonal varieties of honey, celebrated for their premium quality. Dean’s hives are divided between 50-100 at his Warnerville honey yard and seven local farms, or “outyards,” throughout Schoharie County and two outside the county. 

Dean’s dedication extends beyond his apiary. He is actively involved in community education, teaching specialty classes at SUNY (State University of New York) Cobleskill, hosting events at his apiary, and collaborating with local organizations like FFA, 4H, and Scouts. Not long ago, his participation in the American Showcase Dinner at the American Hotel in Sharon Springs featured Mickle Hollow’s premium honey in three separate Head Chef crafted dishes, Hot Honey being a crowd favorite. “Honey has become the cornerstone of my business,” Dean reflects. “I love experimenting with different varieties and finding unique flavors.” His products, which include raw and filtered honey, beeswax, comb honey, and grade “A” maple syrup and treats, are a testament to his craft and creativity. 

His commitment to sustainability is evident in his approach to local agriculture and his advice to others. “If you’re going to use pesticides, do it at night when the bees are asleep,” Dean advises, helping save bees from flying through a daytime death mist. He values the rich natural resources of Schoharie County and collaborates closely with local farmers to support and enhance the agricultural community. “We are lucky to live in this County; it is renowned for its vast variety of forage,” he says. 

Humble Haskin’s hands-on approach to beekeeping means he manages every aspect of the process himself. “I’m the only employee,” he notes. A heartfelt hustle centered around family, he jokes his children serve as his life coaches and business mentors, providing invaluable support and guidance. Each recipe undergoes rigorous testing and tasting at family barbecues, where Dean himself—the sole employee—seeks expert feedback from his family and friends, especially his beloved children and grandchildren. We will be the first to tell you – Hot Honey goes good on anything! 

The daily encounters with bee stings are a testament to Dean’s dedication. “I get stung daily,” he admits with a smile, reflecting his deep commitment to his craft.

For those eager to experience Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey firsthand, Dean Haskin invites you to his Warnerville apiary. “Feel the buzz of the bees, admire the handcrafted hives, and enjoy our homemade honey and maple treats,” he says. The apiary is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, and Dean’s products are also available at local farm stands and retailers — retailers located from Galway to Prattsville.

Dean’s story is a testament to following one’s passions and making a tangible impact on the community. Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey is more than a business; it is a celebration of nature’s sweetness and a dedication to local agriculture. After meeting Dean, SEEC can’t help but shout “Support Your Local Beekeeper.” Dean’s journey from hobbyist to honey producer underscores the joy of pursuing what you love and growing roots into your community.  

From school or family trips to weekend excursions or educational adventures, we encourage you to visit Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey before the bees leave for winter! You also have the opportunity to meet the Middleburgh native and some of his observation hives in his hometown during the Middleburgh Harvest Festival this fall. 

ROOTED 

Interviewed and Authored by SEEC Associates, August 2024 

Photos by Roslyn Rose Photography

RESOURCE BIN

Human

  • Dean Haskin - Founder & Owner of Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey

Physical

Financial

  • Self-Funded 

Intellectual/Industry

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