Who is referred to as the father of modern beekeeping?

The individual known as the father of modern beekeeping is Langstroth. He revolutionized beekeeping in the mid-19th century by developing the movable frame hive, which is the basis for contemporary beekeeping practices. This innovation allows beekeepers to inspect and manage the hives without destroying the colonies, as they can easily remove frames to access the bees, honey, and brood. The design also promotes healthier bee colonies by providing them with more space and reducing swarming tendencies.

Aristotle, while significant in the study of bees and their behaviors, did not contribute to beekeeping as a practice. Similarly, Charles Butler provided insights into bee behavior and management in the 17th century, but did not introduce revolutionary practices that changed the landscape of beekeeping. Rudolf Steiner is known for his contributions to biodynamic farming and agriculture, including ideas related to beekeeping, but did not have the same foundational impact on the practices as Langstroth.