This two and a half-day program covers the basics of apiculture by providing comprehensive information and hands-on experience to help students start, maintain and care for a honey bee colony. Whether you have no experience or a few years as an apiarist under your belt, you will gain valuable insights from our seasoned instructors who share the knowledge they have gained through 45+ years of combined experience.
Course topics include:
- Bee Biology
- Hive Management
- Queen Bee Purchasing
- Honey Extraction
- Bees in an Urban Setting
The apiculture course includes hands-on training on a number of important topics related to beekeeping, including assembling hives and opening and examining colonies. From disease and mite prevention and hive management to honey production, this class will cover everything you need to know to further your hobby or get your business off the ground.
Our students come from all walks of life – attorneys, teachers, retirees, farmers, artists – but they leave with one thing in common: a newfound confidence to start their own hives and pursue their passion for beekeeping.
CAUTION: As you will be working around live bee colonies, please remember to wear light-colored and smooth-textured clothing, as dark-colored, textured and woolly clothing can aggravate the bees. Please refrain from using perfume or hair gel and keep jewelry to a minimum.
Continental breakfast and lunch are provided days one and two only. Please bring a light snack/drink on day three.
Textbooks
Penn State Extension’s Beekeeping Basics textbook is included with your course materials at no additional charge.
You may also purchase an optional text – A Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladies – through our office for only $20. Please include your selection/payment with your registration.
NOTE: In order to reserve your bees for the upcoming season, please contact your supplier by January. A "NJ Honey Bee Suppliers" list and a "Glossary of Terms" will be sent to you with your confirmation upon registering for this class.
Instructors:
Instructor, Bob Hughes, is a sideline beekeeper with over 25 years of beekeeping experience. Instructor, Tim Schuler currently serves as State Apiarist with the NJ Department of Agriculture and has 22 years of beekeeping experience.
“Their command of this topic was truly impressive. Their obvious interest and their approachability made these courses a real pleasure!” – Course Attendee
Bee-ginner's Beekeeping Mentioned in NY Times and The Star Ledger - Click to read more!
Looking for something more advanced? Attend our Beyond the Basics: Practice Hive Management Tools for Beekeepers course! This course is recommended for people who have a general knowledge of the language and terminology of apiculture and have kept a bee colony for at least one (1) full year.
Interested in joining the New Jersey Beekeepers Association? Visit http://njbeekeepers.org for details!
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