At the West Reading Farmers Market, there\u2019s something very special about meeting the people behind the products. Those people pour care, time and passion into what they bring to the table each week.<\/p>\n
For Jason Smith of Hickory Hives Homestead and Apiary, that journey began not as a business plan, but as a simple desire to live a little closer to the land.<\/p>\n
About 10 years ago, Smith started with just three colonies of bees. His goal was modest. He wanted to become more self-reliant and share honey with friends and family. But what began as a hobby quickly deepened into something more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI became obsessed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
And that passion shows. Year after year, his apiary expanded, growing into a thriving operation that now includes around 70 production colonies across nine different locations. His apiary is fully licensed and inspected, producing not only honey but also queens, nucleus colonies, and a range of hive products.<\/p>\n
That dedication has not gone unnoticed. Smith\u2019s work earned top recognition at this year\u2019s Pennsylvania Farm Show, where he took home four first-place ribbons and placed in four additional categories. This is a testament to both the quality and care behind his craft.<\/p>\n
As his production grew, Smith knew he needed a place to share his honey with a wider community. Since most of his colonies are located around Blue Marsh Lake, joining the West Reading Farmers Market in July 2024 felt like a natural fit. His honey is truly hyper local, often coming from within just 10 miles of the market.<\/p>\n
What makes Jason\u2019s honey stand out isn\u2019t just its proximity, but its variety and integrity. He offers premium local honey in unique seasonal varieties, allowing customers to experience the subtle shifts in flavor that come with different blooms and times of year.<\/p>\n
Among the most popular are his spring honey. It is light, floral, and eagerly anticipated after a long winter. Other shining stars include infusions such as Sweet Heat and Vanilla Bean. His personal favorite remains the spring honey, something he looks forward to harvesting each May with a sense of excitement.<\/p>\n
Beyond honey, Smith\u2019s table includes thoughtfully crafted hive products like salves and lip balms.<\/p>\n
His approach is simple and sincere: \u201cPure goodness from our family to your table.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s more than a motto, it\u2019s a guiding principle.<\/p>\n
But for Smith, the market experience is about more than what\u2019s in the jar. Week after week, he finds joy in the connections he builds with customers who return to hear updates about the bees, and with fellow vendors who have become like family.<\/p>\n
He loves sharing the rhythms of the hive, helping people understand what the bees are doing throughout the seasons and deepening their appreciation for the natural world.<\/p>\n
A typical market day for Smith begins early. After bottling honey and loading the truck, he arrives on the Avenue early to help spruce up the sidewalks for customers. It\u2019s a labor of love that reflects his care for both his product and the people he serves.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Smith has his sights set on expanding to 100 colonies (though he jokes that his wife, Kelly, might have something to say about that). He\u2019s also exploring new offerings, like pollen collection, continuing his commitment to growth and curiosity.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re drizzling Sweet Heat honey over roasted Brussels sprouts or simply savoring a spoonful of spring\u2019s first harvest, Smith\u2019s work offers more than flavor. It offers true connection. To the bees, to the land, and to a family dedicated to sharing something truly good.<\/p>\n