Keeping Busy in the Winter

Winter can be a slow time for the beekeeper. This time can be utilized for a few different endeavors, the first being education. Especially for beekeepers that are approaching their first or second year of beekeeping, attending education courses can be extremely beneficial. These courses will provide them with a basic foundation of knowledge to help prepare them for their adventure in beekeeping. It is also a way to meet more experienced beekeepers that can be called upon in a time a need or for mentorship.

University of Minnesota Beekeeping in Northern Climates (February):

https://www.beelab.umn.edu/bee-squad/education/beekeeping-classes

University of Florida Bee College (March & August):

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honeybee/extension/SFbee_college.shtml

University of Wyoming Extension Bee College (March):

http://wyomingbeecollege.org/

 

Full house at University of Minnesota beekeeping class

Another way to engage with fellow beekeepers is attending meetings for local, state, and national organizations. These meetings or conventions typically offer breakout sessions to share information with one another or discuss current issues. Many sessions are also held during summer and fall.

American Beekeeping Federation Conference & Tradeshow (January):

http://abfconference.com/

Eastern Apicultural Society Conference (July):

http://www.easternapiculture.org/conferences/eas-2016.html

Western Apicultural Society Conference (October):

http://www.westernapiculturalsociety.org/category/conference-news/ 

Dr. Marla Spivak speaks at ABF Conference

Winter is also a great time to take care of any woodenware repairs or build new hives for the coming year. If a beekeeper is just getting started in their first year, assembling hives and reading up on beekeeping knowledge can be a fun way to spend a weekend. Regardless of how the beekeeper chooses to spend their winter season, they are certainly in for an adventure!