Last spring we both took classes in Lawrence, KS on beginning beekeeping. It was sponsored by the Northeast Kansas Beekeepers Association ( NEKBA ) and held on two consecutive Sundays at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. We will both be taking it again this year as a refresher, right before we get our new bee packages this spring. That should be around the first of April.
Another great event for beginners is the NEKBA Fun Day held annually in June. It’s a full day of instruction, hands on with bees and hives, and a chance to swap stories with established beekeepers and other newbies, like we are. Be sure to ask 5 different beekeepers the same question. That way you’ll get 3 different answers and can decide which one will work out best for you!
Over the summer we went to an apiary south of town and watched some hives being worked.
We observed the powdered sugar test for Verroa mites and learned a lot more than we could ever could have in a classroom.
Bumblin’ Bee took 3 courses at JCCC last fall and will retake one of them this spring. Frau Imkerin will be taking all three this spring. Two of the courses are classroom and one is hands on working the hives at JCCC.
