D & M Honey Farm makes inaugural appearance at SI Made Expo

MARION - A Saline County business made its first appearance at the Southern Illinois Made Expo Saturday. D & M Honey Farm of Carrier Mills, which is the product of Michael Grant and Debbie McVey, helped satisfy the sweet tooth of patrons with a wide display of homegrown honey.

Grant said he has been in the beekeeping business for more than 40 years as a hobby (he is now a retired electrical contractor) and has sold honey for more than 30 years.

"It's grown into a full-time hobby now. I guess you could say a passion of mine," Grant joked. His prize possession is comb honey, which he sells for $15 each and the liquid gold sells for $10 per one-pound bottle.

"I'm about the only one in Southern Illinois who makes a lot of comb honey," Grant said. "I teach a lot of courses on how to do it, because it's a lost art. I travel all over the region. And I sell a lot of wholesale honey in Kentucky."

Grant added that he's glad he made the decision to participate in the SI Made Expo.

"It's our first year here. I saw it advertised and thought it would be a good idea. I've had some good feedback so far - a real good reaction to our honey products. Having lived here in Southern Illinois all my life, a lot of people know me, and that helps."

McVey, who is Grant's girlfriend, said the two will host a beginner's beekeeping class at 6 p.m. on Mondays at the Harrisburg Public Library.