Central Jersey Beekeepers…Beginning Beekeeping – Sept 19, Oct 3 & 10, 2026 in West Windsor, NJ
This three-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 Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550. Specific room location will be sent out prior to class start.
Class dates are Saturday, September 19, October 3 and 10, 2026. ‘Hands On’ field inspection of bee hives will be held each day, depending on the weather. 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.
There will be an opportunity to order equipment, supplies and bees at the conclusion of the course. There will be no refunds after the first class begins. 85% attendance is required for Certificate of Completion. No food nor drink is provided. You are on your own for any meals, drinks or snacks. Local food establishments are less than a ten minute drive away.
