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John Schmidt discussed the honey bee life cycle and their crucial role in the human food supply, noting that over 90% of food relies on pollinators. He shared his insights during the Monett Historical Society's meeting on June 16, showcasing a man-made honeycomb used in his deep hive as a beekeeper.

At 81, Schmidt, a former president of the Southern Missouri Beekeepers of Monett with 77 members, introduced attendees to the complex communication methods of bees, which include dancing, wing vibrations, and scent sharing. He emphasized the importance of understanding hive operations for effective beekeeping, mentioning that bees can travel three to eight miles for nectar, with various flowers blooming throughout the seasons.