Introductory Hands-on Workshops
Did you know that propolis has antibacterial qualities, that nosema can cause low honey production or that a honey bee queen can lay 1500 eggs in a single day? Learn this and more at the workshops provided by the Tech-Transfer Program.
Hands-on Spring Workshops:
1. Introductory Beekeeping (Beginner)
2. Healthy Bees (aka Pest and Disease (IPM) Management for Beekeeping) (Beginner)
3. Basic Queen Rearing (Intermediate - 3+ years experience)
READ THIS FIRST.
Each workshop is a separate one-day workshop.
Workshops will take place during the month of May & June, on weekends.
Lunch and snacks included.
PRE-REGISTRATION is a MUST for the workshops. Registation on the day of the workshop will not be permitted unless previously discussed.
*Are you an OBA member? Use code OBAmember at checkout to receive your discount! OBA membership discounts are applicable to the in-person workshops only. Membership will be verified before the day of the workshop. Interested in becoming an OBA member? Read about that here!
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Trying to decide which workshop is good for you? Here are some guidelines:
- Interested in learning about bees but not becoming a beekeeper? Introduction to Beekeeping is the course for you!
- Brand new and trying to figure out if beekeeping is for you? Check out the Introduction to Beekeeping!
- New but jumping right into things and getting bees this year? Take both Introduction to Beekeeping and Pest Management for Beekeeping to make sure you have all the info you need to get started!
- Have you been around bees or have bees yourself and need a hand keeping them healthy? Take Pest Management for Beekeeping!
- Experienced beekeeper looking for a refresher on pests, diseases, and treatments? Pest Management for Beekeeping is for you!
- Experience beekeeper looking to develop a new skill? Try Queen Rearing this year!
“INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING”
This beekeeping workshop consists of classroom sessions and hands-on lessons in the beeyard. Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Topics include basic honey bee biology, beekeeping equipment, working in the bee colony, seasonal beekeeper responsibilities, harvesting and extracting honey and preparing bee colonies for winter. Each participant will receive a copy of the Ontario Beekeeping Manual.
2025 Schedule is released in late February
“HEALTHY BEES WORKSHOP” (Pest Management - IPM)
This beginner beekeeping workshop consists of classroom sessions and hands-on lessons in the beeyard. If you have bees or are intending to get bees in the near future, this workshop is for you! Topics include pest and disease biology and identification, monitoring for pests and diseases, record keeping, treatments and integrated pest management strategies. Each participant will receive a copy of the Integrated Pest Management for Beekeeping in Ontario Manual.
2025 Schedule is released in late February
“QUEEN REARING” (not for beginners, must have 3yrs experience)
This intermediate workshop about rearing queens consists of classroom sessions and demonstrations with hands-on lessons in the beeyard. Participants are required to have prior beekeeping knowledge and experience in maintaining colonies. Topics include queen biology, methods of rearing queens, preparing a cell builder colony, grafting techniques and care of cells and queens. Each participant will receive a copy of the Ontario Queen Rearing Manual.
2025 Schedule is released in late February
N.B. Participants will need protective gear (hat, veil) and closed toed footwear. Long sleeved, light colored and light material clothing is suggested. Purchasing full bee suits is an option but they tend to be very warm. A simple bug jacket or mosquito veil will suffice. Refillable water bottles are recommended. A notebook and pencil can be handy. Cameras are welcomed.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING WORKSHOPS including wanting a workshop in a location not listed above, PLEASE CALL THE TTP OFFICE - 519-836-3609 or EMAIL ttp@ontariobee.com
Cancellation Policy: Should it become necessary for you to cancel your registration, a cancellation request must be received in writing via email to ttp@ontariobee.com or by phone @ 519-836-3609. Cancellation requests will be accepted up to the deadline time of 12:00pm noon, ten (10) business days in advance of the event. After that date there will be no refunds. Cancellations will incur an administrative cost of $15.
Please note that we reserve the right to cancel any workshop in the event that there is insufficient turnout. If the workshop is cancelled, we will provide notice at least two weeks prior to the scheduled start date. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs and schedule you for a future session of the workshop, or issue a refund if preferred. However, we cannot be held responsible for any other costs or damages incurred as a result of a cancelled workshop. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
