Central Jersey Beekeepers…Beginning Beekeeping – Sun October 4 & 11, 2026 in Freehold, NJ
This two-day course will cover all aspects of entry level beekeeping for the Hobbyist in NJ. No prior knowledge of honeybees or beekeeping is required. This class is offered by the Central Jersey Beekeepers Association and instruction is led by EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Jeff Burd. Jeff has been keeping bees for over 17 years. Jeff is the former president of the New Jersey Beekeepers Association, Eastern Apicultural Society and Mercer County Board of Agriculture. Class materials are based on the curriculum developed by Jeff Burd and EAS Certified Master Beekeeper and former New Jersey State Apiarist Grant Stiles. This course fulfills the legal requirements of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for beekeeper education.
The location of the class is Centra State Healthcare, 901 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. Specific location will be sent prior to class start.
Class dates are Sunday, October 4 and 11, 2026. ‘Hands On’ field inspection of bee hives will be held at a separate location. Dates, times and location—TBD. Weather dependent. Bee veils and gloves will be provided.
Start time 8:30 am. End approximately 5:00 pm. Class size is limited to 65 students. NJBA scholarship is available, click for details. Attendees must be at least 14 years of age. No refunds after the first class begins. 85% attendance required for completion certificate.
Topics Covered:
Bee Biology; Equipment; Getting your bees; Pests; Diseases; State Regulations; Best location; nectar and pollen sources; Colony and Seasonal management; Best Management Practices; Bee nutrition; Harvesting; Products of the hive; Product safety; marketing, honey tasting and more.
The textbook “Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees” by Sanford and Bonney, and handouts will be provided. The cost is $150. There is a $50 discount for active 4-H and FFA members; as well as all U.S. Veterans, verification required; and second family member. Enter the corresponding code: 4-H, FFA, Vet or 2Fam when registering.
Morris Somerset Beekeepers Association: Basic Beekeeping
Beginning Beekeeping – February 6 and 20 & Field Day TBA
This three-day course includes two full days in the classroom, lunch provided, & one field day.
It will cover all aspects of entry level beekeeping for the Hobbyist in NJ. This course fulfills the legal requirements of the State of New Jersey for beekeeper education.
No prior knowledge of honeybees or beekeeping is required. This class is offered by the Morris Somerset County Beekeepers Association and instruction is led by Cornell Certified Master Beekeepers Bailey Wright and Kathy Liu.
The class will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Directions Here
Class dates are February 6 and 20, 2027. There will be at least one hands-on field inspection of bee hives held at a location to be determined. The field day will be subject to weather conditions.
The classes are held on Saturday February 6th from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and Saturday February 20 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Class size is limited to 40 students NJBA scholarship is available, click for details.
The textbook “Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees” by Sanford and Bonney, and course handouts, will be provided.
Course Cost: $150
There is a $25 discount for the following (verification required):
There will be an opportunity to purchase equipment, supplies, and bees at the conclusion of the course.
The textbook “Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees” by Sanford and Bonney, and along with course handouts, will be provided.
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The New Jersey Beekeepers Association is a 501(c)5 not-for-profit organization. 704 Kline Place, Bridgewater, NJ 08807-3135
