Central Jersey Beekeepers - Beekeeping for the Bee-ginner - January-March 2025

This six-evening 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 15 years. 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 State of New Jersey for beekeeper education.

The location of the class is Mercer County Extension Office, 1440 Parkside Avenue, Ewing, NJ 08638.

Tentative class dates are Friday January 24, 31, February 7, 21, 28, March 14, 2025. There will be at least one ‘hands-on’ field inspection of bee hives, which will be determined by the weather.

Start time 6:30 pm. End approximately 9:00 pm.
Class size is limited to 40 students.
NJBA scholarship is available, click for details.
Attendees must be at least 14 years of age.

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 $25 discount for active 4-H and FFA members; as well as all U.S. Veterans, verification required.
Enter the corresponding code: 4-H, FFA or Vet when registering.

There will be an opportunity to purchase equipment, supplies and bees at the conclusion of the course.