This presentation will provide guidance and how to start a colony of honey bees in the spring and properly care for it to give it the best chance of surviving its first winter. Topics include: installing nucs or packages of bees; feeding bees to draw wax combs; treating for varroa mites; and getting ready for winter.

This new movement trending in beekeeping promotes keeping bees in smaller colonies. Also, parasitic mites are better controlled and chemical treatments are not required. Join Dr. Harris as he explains beekeeping strategies for your colony.

There are several basic methods available to the beginning beekeeper for starting new bee colonies. This presentation will highlight (1) several methods of starting colonies, (2) how to feed and grow your new colonies, (3) checking on the condition of your new queen, (4) preventing swarming, and (5) surviving your first winter. At the end, there will be an emphasis on the major pests and diseases that one should learn to manage in order to keep your hives healthy.

It is all about the bees! Dr. Jeff Harris will share information on bees and beekeeping including an overview of bees, problems with bees and other pollinators, and the economic value of bees to agriculture.