Welsh Honey Judge Licensing
Since 2001, we have offered training and certification for honey show judges in the time-honored tradition of the Welsh system from the United Kingdom. The Welsh training is the most stringent of its kind in the world for aspiring honey judges. UGA and the University of Florida have the only two partnerships of their kind between the USA and United Kingdom.
There are three levels in the Welsh Honey Judge (WHJ) program:
- Welsh Honey Judge Candidate
- Welsh Honey Judge
- Senior Welsh Honey Judge
One can become a WHJ in one year. It takes at least one additional year to achieve the rank of Senior WHJ, although candidates for both levels may proceed through the certification process at their own pace. There is no time limit for the completion of the program requirements. Summary of Program Requirements
Level 1:
Welsh Honey Judge Candidate
To become a WHJ Candidate, one must attend the Young Harris Beekeeping Institute (YHBI), the University of Florida Bee College (UFBC) or Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers (INIB) and participate in specified introductory WHJ training. The training includes a hands on workshop on "Preparing, Showing Exhibiting, and Judging Bee Produce for the Shot Bench".
Program requirements for the WHJ Candidate Level 1
Level 2:
Welsh Honey Judge
There are two Welsh Honey Judge certifications. The first certification, Welsh Honey Judge (WHJ) require that six steps be completed:
- Beginner Training
- Stewarding Honey Shows
- Earning Honey Show Participation points
- Present a Welsh Honey Judge Portfolio
- Assembly and Presentation of Judging Kit
- Final Exam
These typically can be accomplished within one calendar year, though it may take longer depending on the individual. There is no time limit enforced for the completion of these steps.
Program requirements for WHJ Level 2
Level 3:
Senior Welsh Honey Judge
The second certification, Senior Welsh Honey Judge (SrWHJ), requires that six steps must be completed:
- Advanced Training
- Stewarding/Judging Honey Shows
- Honey Show Participation Points
- Present a Senior Welsh Honey Judge Portfolio
- Presentation of Judge’s Kit and Attire
- Final Exam
These typically can be accomplished within 1 calendar year beyond the time required to achieve WHJ grade, though it may take longer depending on the individual. There is no time limit enforced for the completion of these steps. Only certified WHJs (Level 1) will be permitted entry into the SrWHJ (level 2) certification program.
Program requirements for SrWHJ Level 3
Need more information?
Questions about the Welsh Honey Judge program may be addressed to Brutz English at brutzenglish@gmail.com.
