Eric Mussen, a prominent figure in apiculture and former UC Cooperative Extension apiculturist at UC Davis, was remembered through the California State Beekeepers’ Association’s (CSBA) Eric Mussen Distinguished Service Award. The award, established in 2015, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to beekeeping.
Mussen served for 38 years as a faculty member of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. He passed away in June 2022 at age 78 after being diagnosed with liver cancer. Professor Steve Nadler described him as “a giant in the field of apiculture,” noting that “the impact of his work stretched far beyond California.” Lynn Kimsey, a longtime colleague and now a UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emerita, said, “Eric’s passing is a huge loss. He worked happily with hobbyists, commercial beekeepers and anyone just generally interested.”
Known widely as “the honey bee guru,” Mussen was recognized for his expertise by consumers, scientists, researchers, students, and media over nearly four decades.
The CSBA first presented the Eric Mussen Distinguished Service Award to Gordon Wardell in 2015. Since then, recipients have included Ila Hohmann, Patti Johnson, Troy Bunch, Bob Brandi, Jackie-Park Burris, Ann Quinn, Dave Stofell and Jay “Rowdy” Freeman.
This year’s recipient is Kevin Rader of Beekeeping Insurance Services. Rader received the award during CSBA’s 2025 conference held from November 18-20 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula. According to his biography: “Kevin J. Rader is a distinguished public servant, entrepreneur, and agricultural advocate whose career has been defined by a commitment to community, innovation, and resilience.” He was recognized for his advocacy work supporting beekeepers against drought-related losses.
Rader grew up in Florida after being born in Detroit and earned degrees from Boston University before co-founding CKP Insurance LLC. He also served as an elected official representing District 29 in both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate. His legislative focus included environmental sustainability and insurance reform.
One notable achievement cited was Rader’s role in expanding participation in the USDA’s Apiculture Rainfall Index (ARI) insurance program. In 2011 there were only 95 active policies nationwide; by 2024 this had grown to more than 7,200 policies with premiums exceeding $121 million due to his outreach efforts.
He has also supported research initiatives at the University of Florida’s Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL), helping connect policymakers with scientific research aimed at improving honey bee health.
Rader’s work has earned recognition from organizations such as the Florida Beekeepers Association and Associated Industries of Florida. The CBSA stated that he “continues to advocate for agricultural sustainability and community-driven policy. His legacy is one of action, impact, and enduring service.”