Many potential beekeepers may be wondering “Why take the class now?” Simply put, bees are typically ordered by December and delivered in early Spring. Learning about beekeeping now enables you to decide whether or not you want to get started with your own beehive in April or May. If, after completing bee school, you make the decision to get started, you can meet the deadline for ordering bees, get your equipment ready, network with local beekeepers and be ready to install your bees.
If you want to find out about becoming an active beekeeper or are just interested in learning more about bees and what you can do to help stop bee colony loss, the Basic Beekeeping School is the first step you should take. Tammy Horn, the Kentucky State Apiarist; Dr. Thomas Webster a noted bee expert at Kentucky State University’s School of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems; and local beekeepers will guide students through an introduction to bees and beekeeping in Kentucky, essential equipment, steps to getting started as a beekeeper, basic beehive management techniques, honey bee pests and diseases, and how to select pollinator friendly plants.
For more information contact your County Extension Agent or David.Donathan@kctcs.edu. You can preregistration for $25 until November 16 at robsmith@uky.edu. Onsite reservations the morning of the class are $30. The cost of the class includes lunch, reference materials and handouts.
(Photo) Johnny Young (left) and April Donathan inspect a behive.