In recent years, the general public has become aware of the crucial role bees play in our environment and our agriculture. Bees also provide other exceptional benefits, most notably honey, wax, and the pollination of crops. Value-added products include mead, honey sticks and various baked goods made with honey. Honey is a natural antiseptic and can also be used for medicinal purposes. Experienced beekeepers can also make income from breeding and selling queen bees and packages of bees. Beekeeping consists of building hive materials, winter preparations, swarm control, disease prevention, and honey extraction. There are many groups and clubs across the state where beginners can gain useful information as well as talk to other beekeepers.