Do you or someone you know interested in beekeeping? Here is a great beginner class. Even if your not a beginner, there is always something to learn! JoAnne Sabin is leading The Art of Beekeeping Class.
“This beekeeping class will help you get started in the fascinating world of beekeeping and introduce you to the basic tools and knowledge needed to keep honey bees responsibly and productively. Whether you are an experienced beekeeper or a new beekeeper, this class will walk you through the basic knowledge needed to start and maintain honey bee colonies in Minnesota and similar climates.”
Class will be held Feb 18, 25, and Mar 4th, 2021 (attend all 3 sessions) from 6-9 pm. $50 for this virtual class. Send email to jojobeelady@gmail.com to register.
Topics JoAnne will cover:
- Introduction to Bees
- Basic honeybee biology
- Equipment needed (hive components, beekeeper equipment, feeding equipment and bees)
- Apiary site criteria and setup, including installing a package or Nuc
- Colony management in Minnesota, including
- Colony inspection instructions and tips
- Spring, summer, and fall colony management, including when/how to feed and hive expansion
- What to look for during inspections
- Normal colony behavior
- Problems (pests, parasites, diseases, behavior – including varroa mites, small hive beetle, swarming, supercedure, queen failure, and laying workers)
- How to prevent problems
- When and how to intervene as needed
- Products of the hive
- How to extract and care for honey
- Preparing colonies for winter
- Year 2 and spring management of surviving colonies
- Beekeeper resources (Clubs, books, magazines, articles, blogs, websites, etc.)