Beekeeper Workshop

Dunn County Beekeeper’s 14th

Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping Workshop

The Dunn County Beekeepers are presenting an “Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping”. The workshop is designed to provide the basic information necessary to start beekeeping in Wisconsin. Participants will be guided through their first year of beekeeping. The workshop is intended for those who have no experience with bees and beekeeping.

WHEN: Saturday, February 19, 2022 sign in and registration starts at 7:45 a.m. Workshop is from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

(Please Bring Your Own Bag Lunch)

WHERE: Menomonie Alliance Church, 502 21st St. N, Menomonie WI 54751

DIRECTIONS: 3 blocks north of the hospital in Menomonie on 21st St.

COST: $50.00 per person which includes materials and course book. $10.00 for each additional family member, OR $35.00 for 4-H, FFA or Scout youth members.

Pre-registration is required.

Registration Deadline: Saturday, February 5, 2022

The registration form is available for download at the bottom of this page or here.

Registration is limited to 50 families.

The program is as follows:

7:45 Registration

Registration, with coffee and treats. Plus meet local Dunn Country Area Beekeepers

Come early and be ready for an exciting day.

8:00 Welcome & Introductions

Welcome to the Dunn County Beekeepers 13^th annual Introduction to Honeybees & Beekeeping.

An introduction to the day; the presentation format; location of facilities and a thank you for coming to the Dunn County Beekeepers class.

8:45 Introduction to Beekeeping

This opening session explores the differences in beekeepers from those who are commercial producers of honey or honeybees to home hobbyists and who keep honeybees for pollination and honey production. The presentation includes different hive types for honeybees, as well as different breeds of honeybees.

9:30 Domestic Honey Bee Colony

Honeybees enter and exit their hives and work among our lawns, flowers, and gardens, but what happens behind that well-guarded entrance to their home? This session examines what life is like inside the hive and what do honeybees really do inside their home?

10:15 Morning Break

10:30 Domestic Honeybee Hive

Behind the entrance to the hive, the honeybees thrive, but what is needed to make that happen? This session demonstrates what equipment is used to keep a honeybee’s colony in an industry standard Langstroth hive. From frames to wax, bottom boards to inner and outer covers, you will get your chance to examine and assemble the hive components needed for a successful honeybee colony.

11:30 First Year Beekeeping Calendar

What is it like to be a beekeeper, do I have something to do every day? Do I ever get a break? When do I get the honey? Do I get lots of honey? This session is moderated by a recently new beekeeper, learn about the annual beekeeping calendar of what life is like the first year. Experiences from how everything worked better than can be imagined, to those moments where things didn’t quite go as planned, but were new types of learning experience.

12:00 Lunch with Dunn County Beekeepers

Dunn County Beekeepers and visitors from neighboring county clubs will be available to answer questions during the lunch time. Visit with regional and state club members, local vendors and representatives of commercial equipment.

12:30 Starting your Apiary

Ready – Set – go, now that you’re ready to start, now what, how do you start? Is this expensive? Do I have choices here? This session will talk about three ways in which you can become a beekeeper: from buying a complete hive that is ready to bring home and release in your own apiary; the process of starting colonies from packages of honeybees; or small special hives called “nuc’s”. This session will help you decide which way you will be the most comfortable, and get the most enjoyment out of your new hobby.

1:00 Honeybee Management

This session discusses the management of a honeybee colony, from nutrition to integrated pest management. Learning to identify and react to the needs of the colony by the beekeeper is essential to a healthy and productive hive. Pest management is an important and changing role for the beekeeper.

1:45 Round Robin Sessions

1. Ordering Equipment
   This small group session help the new beekeeper decide what equipment they will need to start their Apiary. An experienced beekeeper will explain different options, and help you find the right equipment to have a successful start.

2. Assembling Hive Components
   This small group session will give hands on experience working with wooden ware that is used in the honeybee hive. You will have the opportunity to assemble frames and hive bodies that you will need.

3. Dressing for Success
   This small group session demonstrates simple tasks that seem to be impossible when you are new or in hurry. From how to tie your vale to keep your bees out, to lightning a smoker without getting fingers burned.

4. Non-Traditional Beekeeping
   Honeybees have been kept by beekeepers over the centuries in many different ways. This session will show options for new beekeepers not primarily interested in honey production but pollination.

5. More than honey in a Hive
   This small group breakout session has a little for everyone, from what can be produced in the honeybee hive, management, nutrition, locations, and general information. Dunn County “expert” Beekeepers will help you find the information you need.

4:15 Afternoon Break & Wrap up

Next steps -- Dunn County Beekeeper Bee pickup

4:30 Adjourn