Cheyenne Bastian Brown named 2025 American Honey Queen in Lycoming County ceremony

Lycoming County is celebrating a significant achievement in the beekeeping community as Cheyenne Bastian Brown has been named the 2025 American Honey Queen. During the Lycoming County Commissioners Meeting on July 17, 2025, the commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing her accomplishments and the vital role of honeybees in agriculture.

Honeybees are essential to the ecosystem, pollinating nearly one-third of the human diet and contributing over $20 billion annually to U.S. agriculture. Cheyenne, a native of Lycoming County and a recent graduate of Pennsylvania State University, will travel across the country to promote the importance of honeybees and educate communities about their contributions to food production and environmental health.

In her address to the commissioners, Cheyenne emphasized the critical role honeybees play in pollinating fruits, vegetables, and essential crops. She highlighted the challenges faced by honeybees, including threats from pests like the Varroa mite, and encouraged community members to support local beekeepers and participate in initiatives like planting pollinator gardens.

The commissioners expressed their pride in Cheyenne's achievements and her dedication to advocating for the beekeeping industry. They commended her efforts to raise awareness about honeybees and their significance to agriculture and the economy.

In addition to the proclamation, the meeting also touched on local educational initiatives, including plans for a bee equipment setup at a county farm, aimed at fostering awareness and education about beekeeping among students.

As Cheyenne embarks on her journey as the American Honey Queen, her work is expected to inspire greater appreciation for honeybees and their crucial role in sustaining food systems, ensuring that future generations understand and support these vital pollinators.