Beekeeping Bootcamp

Join us for a buzz-worthy adventure at our in-person Beekeeping Field Day, led by the esteemed instructor Marco Pietropaoli. Discover the fascinating world of varroa mites, brood interruption techniques, and the application of oxalic acid under Marco’s expert guidance.

Hands-On Learning

Students will understand the importance of integrated management strategies with low environmental impact to manage varroa infestation in beekeeping. Here is what you will learn:

About Marco

Marco Pietropaoli is a highly accomplished researcher and instructor with a strong background in biology and natural sciences. He holds degrees in Biology from the University of Rome and Natural Sciences from the University of Siena. His passion for honey bees led him to complete a Master’s degree in “Bee Pathology and Apidologie” at the University of Pisa.

With multiple scholarships in Natural Sciences and a current position as the R3 Leading Researcher at Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana (IZSLT), Marco’s dedication and expertise are evident. His work involves protecting animal health, ensuring farm hygiene, and safeguarding food safety and quality.

Beekeeping Bootcamp

Join us for a buzz-worthy adventure at our in-person Beekeeping Field Day, led by the esteemed instructor Marco Pietropaoli. Discover the fascinating world of varroa mites, brood interruption techniques, and the application of oxalic acid under Marco’s expert guidance.

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Join us for this exhilarating day of hands-on learning

At our Beekeeping Field Day, Marco will guide you through various brood interruption methods, including queen caging with oxalic acid treatment, total brood removal, and the trapping comb technique. Discover the efficacy of each method, its impact on colony development, and the associated workload. Marco’s extensive research across multiple European countries provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of these techniques.

You’ll learn about the impressive results achievable with the right application of brood interruption methods. Imagine removing up to 90% of mites from your colony through queen caging with oxalic acid solution during the artificially created broodless period.

Join us for this exhilarating day of hands-on learning, where you’ll gain practical skills and knowledge to achieve efficient Varroa control. Marco Pietropaoli’s expertise and passion make this Beekeeping Field Day a must-attend event for beekeepers of all levels.

Secure your spot now and embark on a journey towards mastering Varroa management alongside Marco Pietropaoli, a true expert in the field. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the leading minds in honey bee research.

Schedule of the Day

9am-11:00am

Beekeeping Field Day

Split into groups to observe colonies representing Day 1, Day 14, and Day 22 of broodless management protocols studied by Marco in Italy. Feel free to wear your preferred protective gear.
11am-12pm

Lunchtime Social at Village Brewery

Head to Village Brewery (short walk from Highfield Farm) for a social gathering. Enjoy one complimentary drink and bring your own lunch or order one.
12pm-3pm

Lecture and Q&A at Village Brewery Meeting Space

Delve into honey bee life cycles, varroa life cycles, and queen behavior in a concise review. Learn from Marco about his studies on oxalic acid and broodless cycles in year-round 4-season management. Discover methods for applying these techniques without negatively affecting colony growth, virgin queen production, or hive health.