Milford Bragg Award

Last Updated on Sunday, 14 March 2010 07:10 Written by James Higginbotham Sunday, 14 March 2010 06:55

Since 1974 when Milford began with a small "retirement" Oklahoma farm and beekeeping operation, Milford was devoted to honey bees and their keepers.  Within a few years, his initial 20 - 80 hive Oklahoma venture enlarged to 400 with an additional 150 hives managed for a friend.  Besides a distribution route 100 miles north and south and another 100 miles east and west, Milford annually made up 200 - 300 nucs to help pay for requeening until he began raising his own queens, grafting and later using the Jenter system.  Milford joined the local and Oklahoma Beekeepers Association, becoming an officer and helping initiate the state newsletter.  Milford was honored as Oklahoma Beekeeper of the Year in 1993 and in 2003 he was again honored, this time as West Virginia Beekeeper of the Year.

Health concerns prompted a return to his native West Virginia in 1995 where Milford married his childhood schoolmate, Rosemary Reed-Woody.  Milford's teaching experience in vocational agriculture had given Milford the desire to enthusiastically share his beekeeping knowledge and experience.  Arriving in Clarksburg with his four hives, Milford joined the local and state association.  Unable to assume a state or local office because of health, he contributed to the WVBA through his well prepared presentations , his service on the state executive board, and various committees.  Milford was known for his innovative ideas and creative use of honey and hive products.  While active in local groups, he was often asked to present programs, bee schools, and help decide policies and plan programs, in addition to tending his 38 hives.

Milford was proud of and played a major role in the one hour video production, The Honey Harvest, which is still available from beekeeping supply companies.  He knew the value of good public relations and had appeared in local newspapers and TV.  He was a regular at festivals and craft shows, always promoting the image and importance of beekeeping.  Often, at his own expense, he would copy information he found useful and share at beekeeping meetings.  In addition, his participation at field days and mentoring newer individual beekeepers helped strengthen the fabric of beekeeping in West Virginia.

In memory of Milford Bragg, the North Central West Virginia Beekeepers Association has decided to honor his memory by selecting a New Beekeeper who exhibits the willingness to learn more about Beekeeping by attending club meetings and events.  The winner of this will be awarded his or her club membership fee for the following year.

Milford Bragg - 1926-2005

First Winner - 2007 - Rick Fragmin                 
2008 - Randall Watson
2009 - Don Staddon