Beekeeping Short Course & Queen Rearing at WSU

Reader Contribution by Melanie M. Kirby and Zia Queen Bees

A 20-year beekeeper returns to school!

So, this year marks the 13th anniversary of running my own bee farm- Zia Queenbees Farm & Field Institute. As a first generation, land-less farmer, I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of keeping bees for livelihood from mentors across the globe.

It has been a thrilling ride to say the least- especially in these exciting yet frightening times in the apiculture/beekeeping and ag industries. Though the challenges never seem to wane, they are surmountable. And it starts with education, experience and mentorship.

This summer, I will begin working at the Washington State University Bee Lab. I am so very excited to be working and learning from renowned researchers and bee breeders. These are some of my heroes and I am so very eager to help build the honeycomb bridge between the field and academia to better support beekeekeepers, farmers and our environment. I will begin working on my master’s degree this fall!

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