The Master Craftsman is the fourth and final level in the Master Beekeeper Program. In order to become a Master Craftsman Beekeeper, you must:
- Have been a Master Beekeeper for two years
- Maintain membership in NCSBA since obtaining Master Beekeeper status
- Complete an additional 7 subspecialties demonstrating excellence in beekeeping
- Earn an additional 15 Public Service Credits since becoming a Master Beekeeper
- Conduct an apiculture related research project acceptable to the NCSBA MBP coordinator and either the NC State Extension Apiculturist at NCSU or an agreed upon advisor affiliated with an NC university and experienced in research. Requirements for a research project submitted for approval must include, but are not limited to, practical relevance and functional utility to beekeepers, the beekeeping community and or beekeeping practices. Research must engage the candidate in a viable research experience including all appropriate and necessary research parameters associated with a standard research model. Research projects involve both an investment of time and resources. Successful completion of the research project must be recognized by both the NCSBA MBP coordinator and the NC State Extension Apiculturist at NCSU or the afore mentioned agreed upon NC university advisor.
- Upon completion of your research project, pass an oral exam about the research project and your overall beekeeping knowledge to be scheduled at either the NCSBA Spring or Summer Conference.
- Comply with NCSBA Mandates that only active/current members will be recognized at any MBP level.
- Effective January 1, 2021, an article of at least 1000 words addressing all aspects of your research project, must be written and published in the Bee Buzz to complete your MC Research Project.
Materials for the Master Craftsman
In order to prepare for the Master Craftman level, the following materials are available:
- List of Valid Public Service Credits
- List of Beekeeping Subspecialties
- Research Project Guidelines
- Oral Exam Guide
- MBP Service Credit Reporting Form
- MBP Physical and Electronic Addresses
- Selecting a viable Master Craftsman Research Project
If you have questions, please contact mbp@ncbeekeepers.org.
Master Craftsmen
Burton Beasley III, Gaston County Beekeepers – 2022David Bridgers, New Hanover County Beekeepers – 2019
Doug Galloway, Caldwell County Beekeepers – 2019
Ellis Hardison, Moore County Beekeepers – 2014
Al Herrington, Henderson County Beekeepers – 2003
Lane Kreitlow, Five County Beekeepers – 2019
David MacFawn, Member At Large – 1997
Paul Madren Jr, Surry County Beekeepers – 1996
Donald Moore, Alamance County Beekeepers – 1998
Jim Rash, Member At Large – 2025
Suzy Spencer, Five County Beekeepers – 2020
Eric Talley, Crystal Coast Beekeepers – 2021