Bee Biology and Apiary Site Selection - Tuesday, March 24

This program will focus on basic honeybee biology and its impact on the proper management of honeybees.  A thorough understanding of the biology of honey bees is perhaps the most important “tool” you will need to become a successful beekeeper, as many of our safety and management techniques are based on what we know about the way bees live and interact with their surroundings.  With our knowledge, we can better manage colonies for honey production; we can manipulate colonies for pollination of crops, lower our chances of being stung, and keep our bees relatively free of diseases and parasites. New beekeepers will also learn how to choose an appropriate site and avoid common pitfalls resulting from improper site selection.  (Workshop will be held on Side B of the Stewart Meeting room). Presenter: Fred Miller, County Extension Director

Basic Bee Equipment and Seasonal Management – Tuesday, March 31

Local beekeepers will demonstrate essential beekeeping equipment and gadgets that make bee management easier. The second part of the class will deal with swarm control and seasonal management.  Participants will learn to recognize important local nectar sources and taste local honey produced from these plants. (Workshop will be held on Side A of the Stewart Meeting room).  Presenters: Troy Poovey, Nelson Canipe, and Fred Miller 

Pest Management – April 7

Introduced honeybee pests such as tracheal mites, varroa mites, and hive beetles plus new and/or resurgent diseases such as colony collapse disorder and American foulbrood have made beekeeping a challenging hobby.  Beginning Beekeepers will learn about the common pest and disease problems of honeybee colonies and the current recommendations for dealing with these challenges. (Workshop will be held on Side A of the Stewart Meeting room).  Presenter: Fred Miller/Jack Hanel.

The workshops are co-sponsored by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the Catawba Valley Beekeepers Association.  All of the workshops will be held in the Agricultural Resources Center located at 1175 South Brady Avenue in Newton, NC from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  Pre-registration is not required.  For more information, please contact the Catawba County Cooperative Extension Center at 828-465-8240.