Bee School 2010

Location: Forsyth County Agricultural Building
Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Dates: Feb. 20, 27; March 13, 20, 27
Instructor: Dr. Buddy Marterre

Third Annual Hive Giveaway

We will be giving away hives (including bees) to four first-time beekeepers who meet the following criteria:

  • Join the FCBA
  • Attend all classes
  • Pass the written and practical exams

Course Syllabus and Schedule

What do I need for class?

You may find it beneficial to take notes; therefore, bring whatever you prefer to do this with (paper and pen or laptop). While PowerPoint presentations will be available, you may glean information not contained in the presentations.

Week 1 – Feb. 20

Introduction, Hives, Equipment, and Bees

Demo Stations:

  1. Hive body assembly and painting
  2. Foundation types and frame assembly
  3. Protective equipment, hive tools, smokers, and hive stands

Week 2 – Feb. 27

Honey Bee Biology; Introduction to Examining Colonies

Demo Stations:

  1. Brood nest inspection
  2. How to light and use a smoker
  3. How and when to inspect a hive

Week 3 – March 6

No class (meeting of the NCSBA)

Week 4 – March 13

Examining Colonies and Spring Management

Demo Stations:

  1. Feeder types and feeding
  2. Queen excluders, entrance reducers, and queen catchers
  3. How to equalize, expand the brood nest, and prevent swarming

Week 5 – March 20

Bee Stings; Summer, Fall, and Winter Management

Demo Stations:

  1. Requeening techniques
  2. Honey removal and processing; wax processing
  3. Observation hive

Week 6 – March 27

Diseases, Predators, and Pesticides; Calendar and Records; Written and Practical Exam

Bring a pencil, your bee suit or veil, gloves, smoker, and a hive tool

Week 7 – April 3

No class (Easter Weekend)

Week 8 – April 10

Makeup/Rain Date for Written and Practical Exam

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