Nominee's Key Links:
Bio: Joy Catherine LeBlang McEwen manages Diggin’ Livin’ Farm & Apiaries, a homestead, organic farm, and commercial beekeeping operation. She holds two bachelor of science degrees, as well as a master of science in environmental science from Oregon State University. When she isn’t tending hives or farming, she works as an apitherapist with a practice in Southern Oregon and makes a line of jun beverages called Honey Bee Brews. Joy is a committee member on the USDA Farm Service Agency board for Josephine and Jackson Counties, Oregon, and serves as a board member on the Illinois Valley Watershed Council, as well as a board member for the American Apitherapy Society. Diggin’ Livin’ Farm & Apiaries is the McEwens’ farm in Takilma, Oregon, located on the pristine Illinois River, where the McEwens manufacture their woodenware and teach beekeeping and apitherapy. Joy and Eric live there with their three daughters, Fern, Clarysage, and Tulsi. Their website is digginlivin.com.
Resume or CV: Joy McEwen Professional Beekeeper, Environmental Educator 411 Harrison St Ashland, OR 97520 (541) 415- 5472 joy@digginlivin.com SKILLS Dedicated Environmental Educator and Professional Beekeeper with extensive experience in apiary management, environmental education, and organic farming. Proven track record of enhancing hive productivity, managing successful business operations, and developing innovative educational programs and assets. Skilled in leadership, project coordination, and human resources. EXPERIENCE Diggin’ Livin’ Farm & Apiaries LLC, Cave Junction, OR. - Owner and manager of all operations.
Writing or Publications: https://www.digginlivin.com/book
Website: https://www.digginlivin.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/@digginlivin
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/diggin_livin_farm_and_apiaries/
Agency or agencies for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
Organization name(s) and position(s) for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
Diggin Livin Farm Apiaries LLC
Policies which the nominator knows the nominee supports or in which they have expertise:
I am a dedicated advocate for organic, whole-systems agriculture and have committed my career to promoting sustainable farming practices that honor the hard work of farmers, the health of our soils, and the integrity of natural ecosystems.
Today, I bring over 20 years of experience in commercial and natural beekeeping as well as organic farm management to my work, including my role as an elected committee member for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for Josephine and Jackson County, Oregon. This position allows me to directly advocate for the needs of local farmers and ensure that their voices are represented in federal agricultural programs. My involvement with the FSA has deepened my understanding of the challenges farmers face—from navigating federal programs to addressing the impacts of climate change on crops and pollinator health—and reinforces my dedication to policies that prioritize sustainable, community-centered farming.
Alongside my partner, Eric McEwen, I co-authored Raising Resilient Bees: Heritage Techniques to Mitigate Mites, Preserve Locally Adapted Genetics, and Grow Your Apiary, a book that highlights our commitment to resilient, natural beekeeping practices that avoid chemical treatments.
Some core policies and values I advocate for include:
Empowering Small and Local Farmers: My work with the Farm Service Agency and my experience managing Diggin Livin Farm & Apiaries have shown me the unique challenges that small farmers face. I am a strong proponent of policies that ensure fair access to resources, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and create economic opportunities for family-owned farms, which are the backbone of resilient food systems. We absolutely have to increase the number of local small farmers and web of intact food system to become truly resilient and not reliant on foreign cheap goods. Buy Local and create local systems.
Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture: Through our SARE project, I am exploring how regenerative practices can improve soil quality, enhance carbon sequestration, and boost ecosystem resilience. I support policies that prioritize soil conservation, cover cropping, and biodiversity as pathways to sustainable productivity and environmental health. In general, honey bees are known for the pollination abilities, honey producers, but they are beneficial beyond pollination - they are medicine makers, and they produce high quality soil and increase the carrying capacity of the land.
Organic Standards: As a lifelong advocate for organic agriculture, I believe that transparency and integrity are critical to building trust in our food systems. Consumers should have access to honest labeling, and I support uncompromised organic standards that protect the interests of both consumers and farmers. I am very much Pro-American. Right now, what is hurting the beekeeping industry the most is imported honey and other foreign sweeteners. I like to share with folks that the bees are doing okay, the major problem is a lack of beekeepers. In order to help the bees, we actually have to save the beekeepers.
Reducing Corporate Influence: My experiences at OSU and throughout my career have shown me the risks posed by corporate influence in agriculture. I believe policies should protect against conflicts of interest and prioritize decision-making that benefits farmers, ecosystems, and communities over corporate profits.
Nominator's thoughts on what would make this nominee a valuable member of a future Trump Unity Government
Joy McEwen is a highly skilled and passionate leader in the fields of organic agriculture, sustainable beekeeping, and regenerative farming practices. With over two decades of experience as both a commercial and natural beekeeper, and as the owner of Diggin’ Livin’ Farm & Apiaries, Joy has a deep understanding of the vital connection between bees, soil health, and sustainable farming. Her expertise is grounded not only in practical, hands-on work but also in research and educational outreach, like the SARE grant initiative she is leading to explore the impact of honey bees on soil health.
Joy’s dedication to public service is rooted in her commitment to promoting organic and regenerative agriculture, as demonstrated in her book, Raising Resilient Bees: Heritage Techniques to Mitigate Mites, Preserve Locally Adapted Genetics, and Grow Your Apiary. Through her book, Joy shares her knowledge and innovative beekeeping practices, helping farmers and beekeepers adopt methods that protect pollinators and the environment. She strongly believes in the power of education and community to drive positive change, ensuring that agriculture remains focused on serving people, not corporate interests.
Above all, Joy is a mother and a devoted advocate for her family and community. She is deeply committed to medical freedom, healthy food, and empowering others to make informed choices. Her unwavering support for leaders like Bobby Kennedy Jr. reflects her belief in standing up for the rights of individuals and the public good. Joys practice in apitherapy is rooted in her passion for sharing the healing powers of bee products. She teaches beekeepers that the hive is a source of medicine, emphasizing how beekeeping for health and the use of bee products can increase both the value of their work and their annual income. For Joy, this is not just about farming—its about raising awareness that the medicine we create from the hive is some of the most potent, high-vibrational medicine available, connecting heaven and earth.
As a food producer, Joy takes great pride in her work and views it as a sacred responsibility. Her faith in caring for the earth, stewarding the land, and ensuring a healthy, sustainable future keeps her grounded and focused on her mission. Joy’s unwavering commitment to the land, the bees, and the people she serves continues to drive her work, knowing that her purpose is to make a positive, lasting impact on both her community and the planet.