Basic Beekeeping Syllabus_2017
Course Information.
Course Name: Basic Beekeeping Credit hours: 17
Class Location: Northampton Community Center, 1435 Todds Lane, Building A, Hampton, VA 23666-2944
Lab Location: TBD
Class times: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Class Dates: Thursday March 16, 23, 30 and April 6.
Lab Date: 29 April, 10 am to 3 pm.
Point of Contact:
Andrew Westrich, , C (757) 513-2467
Peter Ostrowski, , (804) 815-6535
Jackie Skinner, , (804) 815-0135
Text, Readings, Materials.
MAAREC (Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium) Basic Beekeeping Guide Download from the internet – Basic Beekeeping Guide.pdf
Beginning Beekeeping – Beekeeping Basics – online PDF version.
“First Lessons in Beekeeping” Dadant. Not Required – Only Recommended
Course Descriptions/Objectives
Basic Beekeeping Course is designed to familiarize you with the BASIC knowledge of beekeeping. This course is a first step in the study of beekeeping practices and principals and the first required course for the “Apprentice” beekeeper level in the Virginia Beekeepers Association Master Beekeeping Program.
Course Calendar/Schedule
Day One – 16 March 2017
1. Introduction – (6:00 to 6:15) Pete
2. Beekeeping Equipment – (6:15 to 7:30) – Evan
- Hive stands
- Basic equipment for a hive (hive bodies, supers, bottom boards etc)
- Frames and foundation
- Miscellaneous equipment
- Protective gear, smokers
10 minute break
3. Beekeeping and the WWW – (7:40 to 8:40) Pete
5. Questions and Discussion (8:40 to 8:50)
Day Two – 23 March 2017
1. Honey bee biology and colony organization– (6:00 to 7:15) – Dale
a. Natural nest and its relation to beekeeping
b. Basic Honey Bee biology
c. Colony social organization (labors, tasks and functioning)
10 Minute Break
2. Mites, Pests and Diseases – (7:25 to 8:25) Evan
a. Disease overview (AFB, EFB, Nosema, Sacbrood)
b. Varroa mites (recognition, sampling, treatment)
c. Pests: Small Hive Beatle and Wax Moth
3. Questions and Discussion (8:25 to 8:45)
Day Three – 30 March 2017
1. Getting Started in Beekeeping– (6:00 to 7:00) Pam
a. Selecting an apiary location
b. How to get started (nucs, swarms and packages)
10 Minute Break
2. Feeding 101 – (7:10 to 8:00) Andy
3. Lab overview/preview – (8:00 to 8:20) Andy
4. Finding a Mentor – (8:20 to 8:30) Andy
5. Questions and Discussion (8:30 to 8:45)
Day Four – 6 April 2017
1 Extraction and hive products – (6:00 to 7:00) Pam
10 Minute Break
2. Overview of Yearly Management – (7:00 to 8:20) Pete
a. Basic Hive Inspection
b. Review of the yearly colony cycle
c. Spring and Summer Management
I. Early spring feeding and colony build-up
II. Swarm prevention
III. Nectar flows and supering
IV. Hive evaluation
d. Fall and Winter management
I. Overview of winter biology
II. Fall management – colony strength
III. Winter preparations and management
3. Questions and Discussion (8:20 to 8:50) – Certificates
Day Five – Bonus day 13 April 2017
1. Woodenware and Beekeeping Supplies - Andy
Day Six – Yard day Date 29 April 2017
1. Proper use of protective clothing
2. Review hardware, woodenware, tools and accessories
3. Starting a smoker
4. Hive Inspection