Licking County Apiary / Beehive Inspector

According to Ohio Revised Code Section 909.01-909.18, the Ohio Board of County Commissioners may appropriate such funds as it deems sufficient for the inspection of apiaries (bee hives) in its county. It may appoint a deputy apiarist with the consent and concurrence of the Director of Agriculture, and said deputy to serve during the pleasure of said board. On January 5, 2023 the Licking County Board of Commissioners appointed Steve Moody as the apiary inspector for Licking County for year 2023 by approving Resolution 117-158.

Ed Beck has been appointed as the Licking County Apiary Inspector by the Licking County Commissioners in May 2026.

Ed retired from the printing industry in 2019 spending most of his career in supervision and quality control. When he retired and settled in the eastern part of Licking County he purchased his first 2 hives and has been an active beekeeper since, also mentoring others along their journey. 

County Apiary inspectors serve as representatives of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and are appointed by the county commissioners. Their role is to conduct health checks of local honey bee colonies to ensure that bees needed for pollination are free of pests and disease. Beck supports established beekeepers and educates the novices. He also issues required inspection certificates for those beekeepers who are selling or moving bees commercially.

Inspection certificates are required for any person rearing queen bees or packaged bees before they can be sold or gifted. Permits are required of anyone selling, gifting or bartering bees, honeycombs, or used equipment.

County appointed inspectors are a crucial component of the current program by providing hands-on interaction with beekeepers through the inspection process.

If you have any questions regarding starting a bee hive colony or regarding your current colonies do not hesitate to call Ed. He loves to talk bees….