Ryan and Launi Higgs,
Blue Ridge Apiaries
Value-Added Diversification with
Session Mead Production
Grant Award: $6,000
Before starting their successful small-scale apiary that now supplies 12% of the total North Carolina honey crop, the Higgs were employees of the largest winery in the east.
Combining the skills acquired at the winery with their honey production expertise, the Higgs are in the beginning stages of starting a unique low-alcohol mead operation to add an additional 
revenue stream to their business.
Diversification is essential for their business, whose sole product production levels can fluctuate from year to year. The mead will add value to their commodity and help insure economic sustainability for the farm.
The grant has paid for the equipment to start the meadery – 2 Brite tanks, a fermentation tank, filters, a cool-bot, glassware, lab 
equipment and small fermenters.
Connect with them at their website, www.blueridgeapiaries.com
Contact the Local Extension Agent