Re: going rate for beeswax?

On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 07:35:30 -0800, ProfessorSparky
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>I'm curious as to what I should expect to pay for
>beeswax. I've seen it sold in a few healthfood stores
>here in the USA, but what if I wanted to buy it bulk?
>And do all beekeepers endeavor to sell their wax,
>or do they find there isn't a market? Thanks for
>any info...
>

I've found there is plenty of market out there if you look.  The
general public isn't a big market like it is for honey, but there are
plenty of candle makers and places you can sell wax to for making
foundation.

Wax is only a small part of the business.  You typically only get 1-2%
as much wax as you do honey.  So a smaller beekeeper harvesting
5000lbs of honey may only get 50-100lbs of wax.   So it generally can
be sold pretty quickly.

The BeeCulture magazine reports honey and wax prices across the US
every month.  Last month I think wax was about $2.50 per pound on
average, this month I think it's down to $2.00.  (wholesale).  Actual
price can vary greatly depending on quality, production methods, etc.

-Tim