About us
Johnston County Beekeepers Association
Who we are
A Chapter of the NC State Beekeepers Association
The Johnston County Beekeepers Association is a local chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association — one of the oldest and largest state beekeeping organizations in the country, founded in 1917 with over 70 county chapters and 4,000 members statewide.
JCBA was started by a group of local beekeepers who believed that learning together makes everyone a better beekeeper. What began as informal gatherings has grown into one of the most active chapters in North Carolina, with members spanning hobbyists, sideliners, and commercial beekeepers across Johnston County and the surrounding area.
Everything we do centers on education. We believe well-informed beekeepers raise healthier bees — and that healthy bees sustain the crops, gardens, and ecosystems our community depends on.
We are entirely volunteer-run and member-supported. Every meeting, every Bee School, every swarm call, and every apiary session is made possible by members who give their time because they care about bees and about this community.
- Education-Focused Programs
- Hands-On Learning
- Volunteer-Run Community
- Open to All Experience Levels
Our approach
Our Mission
To educate and support beekeepers at every level, promoting healthy bees and a thriving community in Johnston County
Whether you’re opening your first hive or preparing for your Master Beekeeper certification, we provide the knowledge, equipment, and mentorship to help you succeed. Every program we run — from Bee School to monthly meetings to our club apiary — is built around the belief that better-educated beekeepers raise healthier bees.
Our Vision
A Johnston County where every beekeeper has access to education, support, and a community that helps them grow
We want every resident who’s curious about beekeeping to know exactly where to start. We want every beekeeper in the county to have someone they can call when they need help. And we want every swarm that lands in someone’s yard to be safely relocated by a trained beekeeper — not sprayed by an exterminator. That’s the community we’re building.
Our Partners
Our numbers that speak
We have numbers that push us to give in our best and make sure that we break our own records. We are happy to be growing and helping more day by day.
Ready to Get Involved?
Our Next Meeting
Join us the third Monday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield. New to beekeeping? Arrive at 6:30 PM for our Bee Basics beginner class. No membership required. No experience needed. Just show up.
Become a member
Membership is just $15/year for individuals or $20/year for families. Get access to shared equipment, mentorship, the swarm program, hands-on apiary sessions, and a community of beekeepers who want to help you succeed. Everything we offer is included — no hidden fees.