With 40,000 to 60,000 bees to every one of those 90 hives lost, it was a devastating blow.

But Mr Gledhill used the monumental setback to rebuild Mountainbee Honey, turning his part-time raw honey venture into a full-time operation.

"When I lost half of the hives in January, I had to think about whether I'd continue part-time or grow the business," he said.

"The bees won out!"

Inspired by the colossal bushfire recovery efforts in the Upper Murray, Mr Gledhill said he wanted to give back to his community and help shore up food security.

He now has 300 hives throughout the Upper Murray and southern Riverina.

"When I'm suited up and walk over to the hives with the bees flying around and the smell of the honey, it engulfs you and you lose track of time," Mr Gledhill said.

"I love being outside; some days the girls will tell me if I've been out to them too early!"

IN OTHER NEWS:

Mr Gledhill's passion for pollinators and the Upper Murray has been captured in a new short film, Einstein and the Upper Murray, which was made by Supergoat Media.

Albury Wodonga Local Food Network coordinator Megan Hunt said 2020 had been challenging for border communities.

"It has further highlighted the importance the role our local food system plays in our day to day lives," she said.

"When AWLFN was helping with bushfire recovery in the Upper Murray, it picked up on food insecurity and access issues.

"The film piece on Mountainbee Honey is something we can all connect with. It is a timely reminder that supporting our local food producers is as important as ever."

Einstein and the Upper Murray is part of the Albury Wodonga Sustainable Living Festival (November 9 to 15), which will be launched on alburywodonga.gov.au/slf.