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How to Spot a Queen

Outcomes Learners will develop strategies to spot a queen bee   Key Takeaways    Queen Bee Appearance: The queen bee is the largest bee in the colony. She has an elongated, pointed abdomen, a shiny and hairless back, and lighter-colored legs. Tip #1 – Hatching Brood: Look for frames with hatching brood. Silvery-colored bees with […]

Oxalic Acid Sublimation

Outcomes Learners will gain the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively apply oxalic acid sublimation for varroa mite control in beekeeping.   Key Takeaways    Effective Varroa Mite Control: Discover how the innovative use of an oxalic acid sublimator wand provides a powerful method for addressing varroa mite infestations in beehives. Learn how this […]

How to Install a Bee Package

Outcomes Learners will be equipped with essential tips to confidently and effectively guide the process of installing a bee package.   Key Takeaways  Tip 1: Gather all hive equipment, including bottom board, frames, inner cover, lid, and entrance reducer. Tip 2: Elevate the beehive on a hive stand at least six centimeters off the ground […]

Gardening for Bees

Outcomes Learners will identify the  top 10 bee-friendly plants for the prairies and gain insights on how to attract and support pollinators in their gardens. https://youtu.be/tBixsmXnl0Q Click the link below to receive your free Garden Planning Guide. This work sheet will guide you through assessing the characteristics of your growing space, to help you take […]

Performing a Survival Check

Outcomes Learners will understand how to conduct a survival inspection for beehives and implement effective spring feeding techniques to support the well-being and survival of bee colonies during the critical springtime period.   Key Takeaways  Survival inspections are vital health check-ups for beehives, allowing beekeepers to assess colony well-being and identify potential issues. Spring feeding […]

Setting Goals for Queen Production

Outcomes Learners will be able to set effective goals for queen rearing and sustainable apiary management by considering crucial factors like environment, seasonal flows, colony strength, proximity to other hives, and apiary size.   Key Takeaways    Goal setting for queen rearing requires considering various factors, including the environment, seasonal flows, proximity to other hives, […]

Holistic Apiary Management With Bill Stagg

holistic management for queen and nuc production

Outcomes Learners will have knowledge about natural beekeeping, including the significance of observing bees, allowing swarming, providing natural nutrition, and timing colony splits for successful apiary management.   Key Takeaways  Beekeepers can learn valuable insights from observing and studying the behavior of bees in their natural environment. Allowing bees to swarm is crucial for the […]

Darwinian Beekeeping with Dr. Tom Seeley

Outcomes Learners will understand the concept of Darwinian beekeeping and key guidelines for promoting a more natural and sustainable approach to beekeeping.   Key PointsDarwinian beekeeping is an evolutionary approach that aims to let the bees use their own beekeeping skills fully. It aligns beekeeping methods with the natural history of honeybees, allowing them to […]

Questions to Ask When Purchasing Bees

questions to ask when purchasing bees

Outcomes Learners will be able to make informed decisions when purchasing bees for their apiary by conducting thorough research on suppliers, understanding the importance of health considerations and integrated pest management, and preparing adequately for successful beekeeping.   Key Takeaways  Thoroughly research bee suppliers, check websites, and contact directly for information. Prioritize health considerations, choose […]

Getting Started with ABC Bees

Welcome to ABC Bees! Keep reading this blog post to learn about all the beekeeping programs and courses that we offer.