Heavy is the head that wears the crown — especially when it’s dripping with honey. Emily Sydow x’27, is Wisconsin’s Honey Queen for 2025, which means that not only is she the official spokes-human for the state’s busiest insects, but she also has a yearlong run of sweets to taste.
The UW has a long history of bee research and education, as well as support for the honey industry. So Sydow has a lot to talk about. She gave Badger Insider the buzz about bees.
First, why are you the Honey Queen and not the Queen Bee?
Well, there’s more to the job than just the hive. As queen, I promote the honey and honey products, as well.
How did you get involved with the Honey Producers Association?
I was involved with agriculture before I could walk; primarily [with] horses, but then as I got older, I got more involved with our crop side of things. We always had bees on the land — and it always coaxed me in with the honey sticks — so I knew a little bit about it, but then as I got older, learned more about [agriculture] and how important pollination was. Then came here to UW–Madison and the previous queen was actually in a group that I was in, and she kind of pushed me toward it.
What does the role of Honey Queen entail?
It’s a lot of educational work. I go to civics groups and elementary schools and county fairs. I get to talk about pollination and bees and honey products. And then I go to the state fair, where I do cooking demos and talk to the public.
I assume it’s educational for you, too.
I need to make sure I’m up to date on all my stuff. There’s so much science that goes on behind the honeybees. I’ve really learned to love their quirks and the special niche things that they do.
What’s one thing in particular?
One that’s been really great is how to use honey as a sugar substitute. It’s been my main go-to. I have a little magnet on our fridge that tells us all those conversions. When baking, three-fourths of a cup of honey can replace one cup of sugar; then, turn the oven down by 25 degrees.
Is honey a big deal in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does have a very strong commercial beekeeping industry. I think we ranked 11th among states as of 2023.
Do you visit commercial honey operations?
I’ve been to one or two, but my job focuses mainly on community outreach and education.
What do you like to teach people?
The main thing I teach is honeybee biology — what makes it an insect: its thorax, abdomen, legs, eyes. And then I talk about the honeybee’s role, what worker bees do, the queen, the drones. Kids are always excited to hear about that.
How often have you been stung?
I haven’t been stung yet. I’ve gone to bee yards, where the hive boxes are kept, but I haven’t been stung yet, mainly because they put me head-to-toe in suits and gloves and the veil and everything.
How long does your reign last?
I was crowned in January, and it will last until the first weekend in November, when the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association has its conference.
What happens after that?
There is an American title, and all the state honey queens compete for that in January. This year it’s in Mobile, Alabama. I’m kind of on the fence about whether I’d want that title. I’d have to travel to all 50 states — my schedule would be part-time student or no schooling at all.
What do you get to keep when your reign is over?
The crown and sash are mine. But there’s also a bee broach that has been passed down from queen to queen. It’s real stitching from Wisconsin. Who knows where that pin will end up? It’s kind of dull and needs a good sharpening.
