Two cousins, many passions, one dream. That’s what led a ranch in Anderson to help restore, preserve and conserve the bee population in Grimes County and surrounding areas while also outfitting those seeking adventure.
Moody Ranch traces its roots to family land established more than 135 years ago in a place locals know as Piedmont, an area just west of Anderson in the Navasota River bottom.
While the land itself is rich in history, the passions of each generation that grew up there is a unique story all its own. From dairy farming, land surveying and beekeeping, agriculture runs deep in Moody family traditions—and played an influential role in the upbringing of Michael and JD Moody.
Cousins JD, left, and Michael Moody have a passion for the outdoors that they love to share with their community.
Erin Hughes
For more than a decade now, cousins Michael and JD have operated Moody Ranch Outfitters, which offers quality Texas hunts and fishing adventures that embody their passion for the outdoors and conservationist approach to nature.
“Spending quality time with family and everyone always having fun together on this unique land along the river is what spurred the discussion and eventually led to the beginning of the outfitting business,” JD says. It is this heart for preserving the outdoors and sharing it with others that led to Moody Ranch’s latest successful venture: beekeeping.
JD began learning the art of beekeeping from his grandfather and, over time, developed a respect for the role these tiny creatures play in our ecosystem. His passion for the honeybee, combined with years of community requests for assistance with bees, led to the creation of MRO Bee Removal and Honey.
The team at MRO has years of experience working with bees, holds a Texas Apiary Inspection Service permit and is insured for bee removals in the following Central Texas and Gulf Coast counties: Grimes, Brazos, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Leon, Houston, Trinity, Montgomery, Walker, Harris, Brazoria, Galveston, Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Waller, Burleson, Fort Bend and Fayette.
From maneuvering through elaborate structures to digging into the tiniest of spaces, the delicate art of bee removal is a tricky yet rewarding task.
“Each time is different, and each job is never the same,” Michael says. Every time a colony is relocated and saved, it is able to continue providing valuable pollination to crops and plants in the area.
Finding a sanctuary for these bees is no easy task and requires exceptional preparation and knowledge. JD and Michael have created such a place for bees to continue to prosper after removal. And now, through Moody Honey, they share the fruits of their labor with the public in the form of 100 percent natural, locally bottled, raw honey.
The cousins continue to find new ways to bring the wonders of the outdoors to their community and are now proud to also offer event venue rentals. Customers can rent the Moody Ranch lodge and old schoolhouse as a beautiful place for weddings, corporate retreats and more. With activities like clay shooting, tournament-style fishing and some of the best Southern cooking around, there is a little something for everyone.
The daily grind of a 9-to-5 job can leave anyone seeking a little adventure in their life. Whether one yearns to learn something new or just wants to plan a weekend escape, a trip to Moody Ranch can soothe the soul of any true explorer.
