Hughson resident Dan Cota is a third-generation beekeeper, who was taught the tricks of the trade by his father and grandfather. While he often keeps a bit of his workers’ honey for himself and family friends, the busy group of 300 hives – between 30,000 and 50,000 bees – remains active during the pollinating season by buzzing between the thousands of almond blossoms throughout the area. Q: What initially drew you to the occupation of beekeeping?