Hall Apiaries (Plainfield, NH) is owned and operated by founder Troy Hall. What started out as a hobby in his early twenties quickly grew into a full-time endeavor. Troy was captivated by the simplicity and authenticity of beekeeping. Inspired by the hands-on, close-to-nature approach of these local beekeepers, Troy was eager to make beekeeping his career and passion.
Troy's journey into the beekeeping world was one of curiosity. He recalls being amazed by the possibility of making a living from bees, a job that often goes unnoticed as a full-time agricultural venture. “It was like discovering a secret,” he says. “I had to try it, and by my late twenties, I was supplying local co-ops with honey.” Over the years, Troy has continued to work diligently to grow his business and share the benefits of high-quality, locally-produced honey with his community.
At Hall Apiaries, Troy is committed to both sustainable beekeeping and preserving the integrity of the honeybee population. One of his key goals is to breed bees that are naturally resistant to the Varroa Mite, a parasite that can devastate colonies. This effort involves selective breeding and a conscious decision to limit the use of chemical treatments. “It’s a balancing act,” Troy points out, “because while we’re breeding for resistance, we sometimes face production challenges due to parasitization. But it’s a long-term investment in the health of the bees.”
Like many farmers in the region, the impacts of climate change are a factor in everyday decisions. He shared how unpredictable weather patterns have affected his beekeeping operations. Severe summer flooding in the Connecticut River Valley and localized ice dams in winter have created challenges for apiary locations. Troy has had to adapt by moving hives away from flood-prone areas to keep them safe from rising waters.
He has also noticed changes in the bloom cycles of plants that typically provide nectar (glucose) and pollen (protein) for his bees. Usually, bees would have a steady source of food throughout the summer, but now he experiences what’s called a "dearth"—a period when nectar and pollen sources are scarce. In times like these, Troy has to intervene by supplementing his bees’ diet to ensure they don’t become nutritionally stressed and fall ill. Despite these challenges, Troy’s commitment to adapting his practices has allowed Hall Apiaries to thrive.
Troy’s operation focuses on producing honey with integrity—he values transparency and authenticity in every jar. As he explains, “Honey is one of the most adulterated products out there. If you buy honey from someone local, you know you’re getting the real thing. You can trust that what’s in the jar reflects what was produced in the apiary.”
Troy's approach also underscores the importance of supporting local agriculture. By purchasing local honey, customers are not only getting a pure, high-quality product but also supporting their community and ecosystem. “If you care about genuine food products and want to support the local economy, then local honey is the way to go,” says Troy.
It is evident that Troy has a deep devotion to his work. “Beekeeping is more than just a job. It’s a lifestyle,” he reflects. “It’s a blend of production, artistry, and passion, and it’s what keeps me motivated every season. I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing this work.” With his family by his side, he hopes to pass on his love for beekeeping to the next generation, should they choose to get into the business. For Troy, it’s not just about the honey; it’s about the meaningful connection he’s fostering between the bees, the land, and his community.