Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives.

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BeeKeeping Syllabus:
March: 16th 10am-5pm

Overview
In this educational module we will cover the history of beekeeping and will delve into how to get started with honey bees. This will cover equipment, purchasing bees, how to prepare for bees and how to get started with installing your first bees.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Recognize the history of beekeeping as part of agriculture
Learning objective #2: Identify all parts of a standard Langstroth hive
Learning objective #3: Identify all tools and personal protective equipment
Learning objective #4: Understand the differences between a package and a nuc
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April 20th 10am-5pm

Overview

This educational module dives into the biology of honey bees at the level of the individual and the colony (super-organism). We will cover castes, division of labor, life-cycles, and identification. We will also discuss feed types and when to feed bees. Supplemental feeding is an important part of maintaining colony health in the absence of resources in the landscape.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Identify the castes of honey bees
Learning objective #2: Understand the life-cycles of honey bees
Learning objective #3: Recognize proper feed and when feed should be used
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May 18th 10am-5pm

Overview

This month we will be covering topics relevant to regular inspections of colonies to ensure colony health, productivity, and that pests and pathogens are being effectively managed throughout the year.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Identify all components of a functioning colony
Learning objective #2: Understand what a regular hive inspection evaluates
Learning objective #3: Develop a plan for record keeping
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June 15th 10am-5pm

Overview

This module is all about pest and pathogen management. We will cover all of the major pests and pathogens but will focus intensively on the management of the varroa mite. We will also cover accessible technologies to support you in beekeeping.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Understand the major pests and pathogens of honey bees
Learning objective #2: Recognize the importance of varroa management
Learning objective #3: Identify accessible technology to use in your apiary
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July 20th 10am-5pm

Overview

In this month’s module we will cover the business of honey and honey plants. We will provide you with some great resources to start your farm business and with the tools necessary to determine how to price and market your honey.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Recognize the supply and demand of honey in the US
Learning objective #2: Identify a business structure that supports your beekeeping business
Learning objective #3: Understand what makes good habitat for honey bees
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August 17th 10am-5pm

Overview

In this module we will cover late season management of colonies to prepare them for winter. We will also cover swarms, splitting colonies, and what to do in situations of laying workers.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Understand the steps needed to support colonies late in the season
Learning objective #2: Recognize the cues that cause swarms
Learning objective #3: Identify what to do in a laying worker situation
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September 21st 10am-5pm

Overview

In this module we cover honey harvesting, extraction and post harvest handling. We also cover overwintering in northern climates and take you through step-by-step how to prepare your hives to survive winters in some of the harshest climates in the US.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Understand how and when to harvest honey
Learning objective #2: Understand how to extract and process honey
Learning objective #3: Recognize the steps necessary to successfully overwinter bees
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October 19th 10am-5pm

Overview

This module is heavily focused on developing your awareness around State and federal programs that can support your bees and you. We cover many USDA programs as well as other services. We will also go over final steps to prepare your hives for winter.

Learning Objectives

Learning objective #1: Understand how to access USDA programs
Learning objective #2: Recognize the risk management products available to protect your business
Learning objective #3: Understand the final steps to preparing colonies for winter
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November 16th

Complete overview of the last 8 months, question and discussion time.