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!
But before then, WSU bee lab is offering a couple of outreach educational events early this June. Join me and other bee afficionados!
Beekeeping Short Course
June 9-10, 2017
Interested in starting some bee colonies or want more confidence in working and caring for these? This 2 day course will cover bee biology, pest/disease identification, colony management, honey bee IPM, and gloveless beekeeping. The format is a combination of instruction and hands on demonstration. Bring a bee veil, whatever protective clothing you are comfortable in, and lots of questions.
Instructors: Steve Sheppard, Susan Cobey & WSU Bee Lab graduate students
Registration fees: $125; Registration form (pdf); to pre-register, Call: Adam Williams, Washington State University, Dept. of Entomology; Tel:(509) 335-3564
Location: Ensminger Pavilion, Washington State University Campus – Pullman, WA
Rearing High Quality Queens
June 11, 2017
The one-day workshop will present what it takes to rear high-quality queens. Basic biology and various methods of queen rearing will be presented. The workshops emphasize hands-on instruction in queen rearing methods, with lecture and demonstrations. Students will be involved in various steps including: setting up cell builders, grafting, and establishing mating nuclei. Both queen right and queen-less systems will be demonstrated. Bring a bee veil and whatever protective clothing you are comfortable in.
Instructors: Steve Sheppard, Susan Cobey & WSU Bee Lab graduate students
Registration fees: $175; Registration form (pdf);to pre-register, Call: Adam Williams, Washington State University, Dept. of Entomology; Tel:(509) 335-3564
Location: Ensminger Pavilion, Washington State University Campus – Pullman, WA
View the 2016 Beekeeping Short Course schedule (pdf), the 2017 schedule will be posted soon.
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