Ohio State Beekeepers Association

What Ohio State Beekeepers Association does

The Ohio State Beekeepers Association (OSBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Columbus, Ohio that provides education, resources, events, and programs supporting beekeepers and beekeeping organizations across the state. OSBA operates through a structured governance model of elected officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Communication Officer, IT Support), 9 regional directors covering 9 Ohio regions, regional representatives, and more than 70 volunteers; the organization is 100% volunteer-run with no paid employees. Its core constituencies are individual hobbyist and professional beekeepers in Ohio, 21-23 affiliate local beekeeping associations, and youth participants in 4-H and FFA programs.

OSBA's product and program portfolio centers on an annual membership program (Student/Senior $15, Individual $20, Family $25, plus Lifetime tiers at $200/$300), the flagship Fall Conference (two-day event with educational tracks, hands-on labs, vendor expo, and honey judging; tickets $65-$100), the Traveling Speaker Program (11 presentations delivered to local clubs for $50-$100 fees), multiple certifications (Pollinator Steward, Beginning Beekeeper, Certified Honey Judge), and a Youth Scholarship Program supporting 4-H/FFA members ages 12-18. Supporting programs include the Hive Digest monthly publication, an extensive YouTube video library, a county-based Swarm Removal Directory, a Quality Awards Program for affiliate clubs, Zoom Hosting services ($25/event), branded merchandise via Spreadshop, and printed educational materials.

The revenue model is diversified across subscription (memberships, affiliate fees), one-time transactions (conference tickets, lab add-ons, merchandise), donations, and a nominal specialty license plate royalty (~$14/plate renewal). Distribution is community-led and event-driven: self-serve online and mail-in membership, annual Fall Conference as the primary acquisition moment, and the affiliate association network (21-23 active local clubs) functioning as channel partners that extend reach across Ohio counties. Technology infrastructure is conventional (Zoom, Google Calendar/iCalendar subscriptions, Spreadshop e-commerce, ElectionRunner for online voting, YouTube for video content), with no proprietary AI/ML components.

Name

Ohio State Beekeepers Association

Legal name

Ohio State Beekeepers Association, Inc.

Website

https://ohiostatebeekeepers.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Ohio State Beekeepers Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Ohio beekeepers through statewide membership programs, an annual Fall Conference, affiliate local associations, certifications, and volunteer-led education and outreach across nine Ohio regions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Beekeeping Association & Education Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Beekeeping Training, Education & Advisory Services (AFAEAHAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Beekeeping & Apiculture (EDAOAOAL), Apiary Management Services (Contract Beekeeping, Hive Maintenance) (AFAEAHAJ), Bee Removal & Relocation (Honeybees) (HSAMAFAD)

Keywords

• Beekeeping education
• Beekeeper association
• Apiary training programs
• Honey bee research
• Swarm removal services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $15 (Student/Senior) to $25 (Family), plus Lifetime memberships at $200 (Individual) and $300 (Family). A 1-year membership covers January through December.
2. Conference Registration: Fall Conference tickets sold at tiered pricing: $65-90 for OSBA members, $70-100 for non-members, plus additional fees for hands-on labs (Wax Lab $40, Dissection Lab $35, Mead Lab $65). Includes optional hot lunch at $8.
3. Affiliate Program Fees: Local beekeeping associations pay fees to join as affiliates, receiving liability insurance, IRS filing services, Ohio Attorney General reporting, and Ohio Secretary of State assistance.
4. Donations: Tax-deductible donations accepted for general operations, Youth Scholarship Program, Research Grants, and Save the Bees decals. One-time and recurring donation options available.
5. Traveling Speaker Program: Nominal fees for Ohio clubs to reserve Traveling Speakers: $50 for OSBA Affiliates, $100 for non-affiliates. Program covers educational presentations on beekeeping topics.
6. Zoom Hosting Services: $25 per event for Ohio organizations; free for OSBA Affiliates. Board members trained as hosts provide virtual meeting technical support.
7. Merchandise Sales: Branded merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, bags, stickers, and magnets sold through Spreadshop e-commerce platform.
8. Printed Materials: Sale of 'Save the Honey Bee' and 'Save the Bees' decals ($20 donation for 100 decals), plus HBHC books at various quantities.
9. Specialty License Plates: Ohio BMV personalized license plates with OSBA branding generate approximately $14 annually per plate renewal for OSBA.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Ohio State Beekeepers Association (OSBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that supports Ohio beekeepers through an annual membership program, an educational Fall Conference, certification programs, a Traveling Speaker Program, a Youth Scholarship Program, and statewide affiliate services for local beekeeping associations. It also provides member benefits including a quarterly newsletter (Hive Digest), a swarm removal directory, Zoom hosting services, and a branded merchandise store.

Product overview

The Ohio State Beekeepers Association operates as a state-level non-profit organization serving Ohio beekeepers through a multi-tiered membership program and diverse educational offerings. The core offering is the membership program with annual tiers from $15-$300 plus lifetime options, providing access to quarterly Hive Digest newsletters, event discounts, swarm removal listings, and advertising privileges. Key programs include the annual Fall Conference featuring multiple educational tracks and hands-on labs (Wax Lab, Dissection Lab, Mead Lab), concurrent certification programs (Pollinator Steward and Beginning Beekeeper), and the Traveling Speaker Program bringing 11 educational presentations to local clubs. Additional services encompass the Youth Scholarship Program for 4-H/FFA members, Quality Awards Program for affiliated clubs, an extensive video library of past conferences and webinars, Honey Judge Certification, Zoom Hosting for virtual meetings, and a county-based Swarm Removal Directory. The organization also operates a Spreadshop-powered Bee Wear merchandise store and provides group insurance through its Affiliate Program covering 23 local beekeeping associations. OSBA is structured as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization governed by elected regional directors and representatives across nine Ohio regions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OSBA Membership Program Annual membership tiers ($15 Student/Senior, $20 Individual, $25 Family) plus Lifetime options ($200 Individual, $300 Family) covering calendar year January–December. Members receive quarterly newsletter, discounted event admission, swarm removal listing, and advertising privileges on the OSBA website.
• Fall Conference Annual two-day educational conference at Kent State University – Ashtabula (October 23–24, 2026) featuring four educational tracks, hands-on labs (Wax Lab $40, Dissection Lab $35, Mead Lab $65), vendor expo, honey judging contest, and networking. Tiered pricing from $65 early-bird to $100 walk-in.
• Pollinator Steward Certification Two-day certification program offered in partnership with Pollinator Partnership during the Fall Conference. Educates participants on pollinator biology, threats, and habitat creation. Priced at $100 early-bird and $150 standard.
• Beginning Beekeeper Certification One-day certification class covering beekeeping basics, seasonal management, pests and parasites, and record-keeping. Offered at the Fall Conference on Saturday. Priced at $50 early-bird and $65 standard.
• Traveling Speaker Program Service sending 11 educational presenters to Ohio beekeeping clubs on topics like Necropsy of a Deadout, How to Catch a Swarm, Varroa Control, and Queen Rearing. $50 fee for OSBA Affiliates, $100 for non-affiliates.
• Affiliate Program State and IRS-qualified program providing liability insurance for member clubs, group 990 filing, Ohio Attorney General reporting, and Ohio Secretary of State support. Currently covers 21–23 active local beekeeping associations across Ohio.
• Bee Wear Merchandise Store Branded merchandise shop powered by Spreadshop offering t-shirts, hoodies, bags, mugs, aprons, stickers, and baby products featuring OSBA logos.
• Printed Materials Printed promotional items including Save the Honey Bee decals (100 for $20), Save the Bees decals (100 for $20), and HBHC educational books available by donation.
• Zoom Hosting Service Virtual meeting hosting service for Ohio beekeeping organizations using trained OSBA board members as technical hosts. Free for OSBA Affiliates, $25 per event for non-affiliate Ohio organizations.
• Honey Judge Certification Certification program for honey show judges administered by the OSBA Honey Judge Accreditation Committee. Requires attendance at approved accreditation classes, completion of apprenticeships, and demonstration of proficiency across multiple honey show categories.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 8,000 Ohio State Fair visitors annually exposed to beekeeping education through OSBA pavilion
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kent State University - AshtabulacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2026Host venue for the 2026 OSBA Fall Conference (October 23-24). Provides facilities including meeting rooms and cafeteria for educational tracks, hands-on labs, and lunch service.
• Pollinator PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2026Pollinator Steward Certification (PSC) program is offered by Pollinator Partnership and is being delivered in partnership with OSBA at the 2026 Fall Conference. The program educates participants on pollinator biology, threats, and habitat creation.
• Dr. Chia-Hua Lin (Ohio State University)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2026Dr. Lin from Ohio State University serves as instructor for the Dissection Lab at the 2026 Fall Conference, teaching honey bee anatomy including internal organs, wings, and body parts.
• Better Bee (beekeeping supplies)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Better Bee provides a special discount on Apiary Diagnostics Kit after Traveling Speaker presentations on hive health monitoring.
• Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSBA works with ODA on beekeeping issues and represents members at the Department of Agriculture. Provides apiary registration services and Chapter 909 Apiaries regulations.
• American Beekeeping FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational beekeeping federation. OSBA has delegates/representatives who learn from their roles and share educational experiences with OSBA Board and Ohio beekeepers.
• Eastern Apiculture AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional beekeeping organization. OSBA has delegates/representatives who participate and share educational content with Ohio beekeepers.
• Heartland Apiculture SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional beekeeping organization serving the central U.S. OSBA has delegates/representatives who share educational experiences from this organization with Ohio beekeepers.
• Ohio State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOhio State University continues to lead in honey bee research and beekeeping extension. OSBA supports Ohio bee programs in research and extension. The Rothenbuhler Bee Laboratory is associated with OSU.
• Ohio State FaircoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual OSBA beekeeping pavilion at Ohio State Fair attracts 8,000+ visitors. OSBA provides educational displays and demonstrations about honey bees to the public.
• Lithopolis HoneyFestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOSBA participates in Lithopolis HoneyFest as an outreach event, staffing an information table to promote OSBA programs and beekeeping awareness.
• Farm Science ReviewminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOSBA staffs an information table at Farm Science Review, an annual agricultural event, to promote OSBA programs and beekeeping education.
• Pollinator WeekminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOSBA participates in Pollinator Week events as an outreach opportunity to promote beekeeping awareness and OSBA programs.
• USDA Beltsville LabminorOthersReferenced as a resource for beekeepers alongside local county bee inspectors and Ohio State Bee Inspector for apiary guidance.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association: Pennsylvania's statewide beekeeping association offering membership, education, conferences, and youth programs. Operates as a 501(c)(3) with comparable member tiers, annual conferences, and affiliate local clubs — directly parallel to OSBA's structure and mission.
• New York State Beekeepers Association: New York's statewide beekeeping organization serving hobbyist and commercial beekeepers through membership programs, annual fall conferences, regional representatives, and educational resources. Closest structural and operational analog to OSBA.
• North Carolina State Beekeepers Association: North Carolina's statewide beekeeping association with local chapter network, master beekeeper certification, and annual meetings. Directly comparable to OSBA in offering tiered membership, regional chapters, and educational programming to state-level beekeepers.
• Indiana State Beekeepers Association: Indiana's statewide beekeeping association offering membership, an annual fall conference, and educational resources for hobbyist and commercial beekeepers. Direct comparable in scale, mission, and operations.

Broad incumbents

• American Beekeeping Federation: The national US beekeeping trade association representing beekeepers at the federal level. OSBA maintains delegate representation to ABF. Broader geographic scope and policy advocacy focus differentiates ABF from OSBA's state-level education and community focus.

Regional players

• Eastern Apiculture Association: Multi-state regional beekeeping organization serving the eastern US. OSBA maintains delegate representation. EAA hosts an annual conference and short courses, competing for educational event attendance across state borders.
• Heartland Apiculture Society: Regional beekeeping organization serving the central US with annual conferences and educational programming. OSBA maintains delegate representation. Operates across multiple states, including Ohio-adjacent geographies, representing partial geographic overlap.

Others

• Pollinator Partnership: National non-profit dedicated to pollinator health and habitat conservation. OSBA partners with Pollinator Partnership to deliver Pollinator Steward Certification at the Fall Conference. Adjacent ecosystem player rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@OhioStateBeekeepersAssociation/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/OhioStateBeekeepers

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Ohio State Beekeepers Association