Morris Somerset Beekeepers Assn: Basic Beekeeping
Beginning Beekeeping – February 15, March 1 & Field Day TBA
This three day course includes 2 full days in the classroom & 1 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 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 an EAS Certified Master Beekeeper along with former New Jersey State Apiarist Grant Stiles. The class will be held at That Honey Place, 511 New Brunswick Ave, Fords, NJ
Class dates are February 15 and March 1, 2025. There will be at least one ‘hands-on’ field inspection of bee hives held at a location to be determined and which will be subject to weather conditions.
The classes are held on Saturdays from 8:30 - 4:30
Class size is limited to 24 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
Day One: Continental breakfast provided; lunch on your own. A list of some local lunch spots will be provided once registration closes.
Day Two: Continental breakfast provided; Lunch will be provided.
There is a $25 discount for the following (verification required):
- active 4-H members (use registration code 4-H)
- active FFA members (use registration code FFA)
- all U.S. Veterans (use registration code Vet)
- First Responders (use registration code FR)
There will be an opportunity to purchase equipment, supplies and bees at the conclusion of the course.
