At the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in September, we recognized the Tomlin Family (Cory and Jennifer) as our 2025 Okaloosa County Outstanding Farm Family. This family represents three generations of professional beekeepers, carrying forward a legacy of skill, perseverance, and commitment to the essential work of honey bee management.  Looking to the future, we hope to see this farm managed by the 4th generation, Cory and Jennifer’s girls, Harper (11), Hadley (5), and Haylyn (5). 

Jennifer’s grandfather, Joe Bundrick, started the farm in 1982 and father, Ken Bundrick and his wife, Marie, have continued this legacy.

For this family, beekeeping is more than a livelihood—it is a heritage. Each generation has faithfully passed down the knowledge, practices, and values that ensure healthy hives and productive bees. What sets this family apart is their ability to blend time-honored traditions with modern innovations, advancing both the sustainability of their operation and the wellbeing of our agricultural community.  Not only do they sell honey, wholesale and retail, they provide essential pollination services to other farmers and sell beekeeping supplies at their store in Crestview.

Most inspiring is the involvement of their children. From assisting with hive inspections to helping during honey harvest, the youngest members of the family are already embracing responsibility and learning the importance of pollinators to our food system. In doing so, they not only contribute to the success of the farm today, but also carry forward a legacy for tomorrow.

This farm is truly a family affair.  Although his health has kept him from physically managing the hives, Grandfather Joe still serves as a technical advisor to the family.  Ken and Marie, although very much involved, have enjoyed stepping back a little and allowing the younger, more energetic generation to begin taking over the farm’s daily chores.

This family exemplifies the highest standards of agricultural excellence—working with integrity, fostering resilience, and serving as leaders within their community. They are a shining example of what it means to preserve tradition while building a stronger future for agriculture.

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