They are a special group of people--the people who receive the California State Beekeepers' Association's Eric Mussen Distinguished Service Award, launched in 2015.
Eric Mussen (1944-2022), who served for 38 years as the UC Cooperative Extension apiculturist and member of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty, drew international recognition for his work. Sadly, he died at age 78 on June 3, 2022 of liver cancer, after receiving the diagnosis only several days earlier.
"Eric was a giant in the field of apiculture,” Professor Steve Nadler, then chair of the department, related in the tribute. “The impact of his work stretched far beyond California.”
Mussen, known to all as “Eric,” joined the department in 1976. Although he retired in 2014, he continued his many activities until a few weeks prior to his death. For nearly four decades, he drew praise as “the honey bee guru,” “the pulse of the bee industry" and as "the go-to person" when consumers, scientists, researchers, students, and the news media sought answers about honey bees.
“Eric’s passing is a huge loss,” recalled longtime colleague Lynn Kimsey, now a UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emerita and former director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology. “He worked happily with hobbyists, commercial beekeepers and anyone just generally interested.”
The CSBA presented its inaugural Eric Mussen Distinguished Service Award in 2015 to Gordon Wardell of Sacramento. Nine other recipients followed: Ila Hohmann, Patti Johnson, Troy Bunch, Bob Brandi, Jackie-Park Burris, Ann Quinn, Dave Stofell and Jay "Rowdy" Freeman.
This year's recipient, the 10th one, went to apiculturist advocate Kevin Rader of the nationwide Beekeeping Insurance Services, which writes 88 percent of the USDA rainfall program in the United States. A resident of Miami Beach, Fla., Rader received the award at CSBA's 2025 conference, held Nov. 18-20 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.
"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," his biography reads. Rader was recognized for his work in apiculture advocacy, protecting beekeepers from drought-related losses.
A native of Detroit, Mich., but raised in Florida, Rader graduated from Lake Brantley High School, near Orlando, and earned dual degrees in accounting from Boston University. "He built a successful career in the insurance industry as a co-founder of CKP Insurance, LLC, while simultaneously serving the public through elected office."
Rader represented Floridians in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, where he served District 29. His legislative work focused on environmental sustainability, insurance reform, public safety, and economic equity. He held leadership roles on multiple committees, including vice chair of Governmental Oversight and Accountability.
"Among his most impactful achievements is his transformational work in apiculture advocacy. In 2011, the USDA’s Apiculture Rainfall Index (ARI) insurance program was at risk of termination due to low participation—only 95 policies were active nationwide, totaling $1.26 million in premiums. Recognizing its potential to protect beekeepers from drought-related losses, Kevin took action. He personally traveled across Florida and beyond, meeting with beekeepers, educating them about the program, and helping them enroll. His grassroots outreach and unwavering dedication led to a dramatic expansion of the program. By 2024, the ARI program had grown to 7,238 policies nationwide, with premiums exceeding $121.9 million. Kevin’s efforts not only saved the program but ensured thousands of beekeepers had access to vital financial protection."
He also has been "a strong supporter and collaborator with the University of Florida’s Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL)—commonly known as the UF Bee Institute. The HBREL is a leading center for honeybee research, education, and outreach, serving beekeepers across Florida and the U.S. "His advocacy helped strengthen ties between policymakers and the Institute, supporting its mission to improve honey bee health and productivity through research, extension programming, and beekeeper training."
His leadership earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Legislator of the Year – Florida Beekeepers Association
- Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award – Florida Insurance Council
- Champion of Business Award – Associated Industries of Florida
- Carolyn Huckshorn Legislator of the Year – Planned Parenthood of South Florida
CBSA said that Rader "continues to advocate for agricultural sustainability and community-driven policy. His legacy is one of action, impact, and enduring service."
Cover image: Queen bee and workers. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)