Beginner Beekeeping

Description

The goals of this class are to build a basic knowledge of what is required (time, effort, money) in order to manage honeybees in northern Minnesota, and to provide experience assembling Mann Lake hive kits. There will be a short informational lecture, and then students will assemble their own hives and frames. There will be one weekend site visit (Saturday) to witness and participate in a hive inspection (weather permitting).

Outcome

Participants will walk away with a complete hive and learn basic beekeeping skills such as hive placement, the types of different honey bees, as well as tool uses and personal protection options.

Schedule

• Wednesday, May 25, 6p – 9p
• Thursday, May 26, 6p – 9p
• Friday, May 27, 6p – 9p
• Saturday, May 28, 1p – 4p (hive visit)

Participants will have time to assemble their own hives and frames. There will be a hive visit to witness and participate in a hive inspection (weather permitting).

Physical Notes

• Full hives can weigh up to 90 pounds
• Participants may be exposed to live bees

Cost

$267 (includes registration and materials)

Instructor’s Responsibility – Materials

• Mann Lake Complete Hive
  • 1 9⅝” (24.45 cm) Unassembled 10 Frame Hive Body
  • 1 Assembled Telescoping Cover w/Inner Cover
  • 1 Assembled Bottom Board w/Reducer
  • 10 9⅛” (23.18 cm) Unassembled Frames Groove Top/Groove Bottom
  • 10 8½” Waxed Rite-Cell® Foundation
  • 7D & 1¼” Nails for assembly
• Extra hats/veils, hive tools, smoker
• Drill and bits
• Hammer
• Complete hive w/frames
• Table clothes
• Paint
• Glue/paper plates
• Hive kits
• Computer
• Honey
• Craft Sticks
• Flavor wheel
• Store bought honey
• Local honey
• Fake honey

Participant’s Responsibility

• Personal protection for site visit
  • Hat and veil (Baseball hat and bug net will work)
  • Leather work gloves with elastic wrist
  • Long pants and long-sleeve shirt you don’t mind getting dirty
  • Close-toed shoes/boots
• Hammer
• Must be able to provide own transportation to apiary. Carpooling encouraged.

Class Size

10 Maximum