As the Honey Month competitions for 2025 approach, excitement is buzzing within the beekeeping and honey-loving communities. This year, we are thrilled to have Gordon and Dan as our judges, each bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for honey and wax. Their expertise spans the realms of beekeeping, culinary arts, and sensory analysis, ensuring that every entry receives the thoughtful consideration it deserves.
The Honey Month competitions are not just about crowning winners; they celebrate the dedication and craftsmanship involved in honey production. Our criteria for selecting judges ensure that only the most qualified individuals evaluate the entries based on flavour, aroma, and purity (to name a few). In addition, we will share insights from the judges themselves, offering a glimpse into what participants can anticipate this year.
Meet our esteemed judges for the Honey Month competitions for 2025.
Gordon Carter
I began my beekeeping journey in 2007, starting with 4, full depth, 10 frame hives. I made mistakes along the way but was determined to learn from them. I joined WAAS a couple of years later in 2010, as I felt I needed to learn more and connect with other beekeepers. Every year I invested into my apairy and took pride in my bees and the delicious natural forest honeys my bees made. Being a Pastry Chef previously, I took great pride in making sure my honey was the best it could bee. Then in 2016, the WAAS tea lady offered all members the opportunity of entering a jar of honey into the Brunswick Show, which she collected and took down. To my delight, my honey won champion exhibit as well as first place for the Honey category, thus opening another enjoyable hobby involving my bees. My next competition was the 2017 Honey Festival, I recieved two 3rd placings in a much bigger competition. I learned a great deal about honey and what mistakes I made by reading my score sheets. I was determined to do better next time. Also in 2017 I won the WAAS Gold Medal for Best Honey, and at the Honey Festival - 4 first, 3 second and 4 third places. My first Honey Festival Champion Honey and Wax would follow in 2018. I also started entering other agricultural shows, such as the Canning and Wanneroo, with great success,
My total prizes since 2016 are
1 Gold medal
3 Perpetual overall Champion trophies
8 Champion trophies
48 First places
41 Second places
14 Third places
The competions have opened a whole new level of enjoyment with my hobby of beekeeping and pride in my abilities to produce the highest quality and standards in bee products. I love that after nearly 18 years, I am still learning new things, ideas, methods or products that can be made with bees. My busy bees keep me and my mind busy.
Dan Dowsett
Past President WAAS.
Developed "Responsible Beekeeping for Beekeepers".
Administered and Taught Course for five years. Lecture to WAAS Bee-Buddy groups in WA on the 'no swarm method'.
Over 85 lectures to Seniors Groups and Clubs in WA.
LIFE MEMBER WAAS.
Providing hands-on assistance to new Beekeepers on many occasions during 30 years of successful beekeeping.
Honey Judge 12 years to Shires of Wanneroo, Canning, Armadale-Kelmscott, Swan View and WA Honey month.
Why our judges stand out: The criteria that make them perfect for the Honey Month competitions
Our judges bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Honey Month competitions for 2025. Each judge has been carefully selected based on their extensive backgrounds in apiculture, culinary arts, and sensory evaluation. They possess deep insights into the nuances of honey production, from floral sources to harvesting techniques, ensuring that their assessments are informed by both science and taste. Their expertise guarantees that participants receive constructive feedback and that the judging process remains fair and rigorous.
Additionally, our judges have a proven track record of excellence that sets them apart in the world of honey and wax competitions. They have participated in awards and have served on the panels of recognized competitions, providing them with the critical skills needed to evaluate entries with precision. Their dedication to promoting quality and innovation in honey production enhances the integrity of the Honey Month competitions, making them not just a contest but a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity in beekeeping.
Insights from the judges: What to expect in the Honey Month competitions for 2025
As we gear up for the Honey Month competitions in 2025, our judges are eager to share their insights on what participants can anticipate. This year's competitions promise to showcase a diverse range of honey varieties, highlighting unique flavours and colours. The judges emphasize the importance of quality and authenticity, encouraging beekeepers to present their finest creations. They will carefully assess factors such as sample presentation, clarity, aroma, taste, and appearance, ensuring that each entry receives the attention it deserves.
Moreover, the judges invite both seasoned competitors and new entrants to embrace the spirit of excellence and creativity that defines the Honey Month competitions. They will be looking for exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to quality in honey production. As the event draws nearer, our judges have compiled valuable tips and guidance to help participants refine their entries. With their expert perspectives, the Honey Month competitions for 2025 will undoubtedly elevate the standard of excellence in the honey industry.