2016 Bee College Tentative Short Course Descriptions

Transcription

1 2016 Bee College Tentative Short Course Descriptions A Beekeeper s Year For starting beekeepers, the first year could be the hardest since you are trying to figure out all the quirks of beekeeping. Come and learn how to keep successful hives through all the seasons of the year. Africanized Honey Bees The Africanized honey bee hybrid became established in South Florida around Learn the truth without the hype about these introduced bees. Learn whether there is anything to fear or do we just need to respect them, like any other venomous insect. All Things Master Beekeeper Program Q+A This is your chance to sit with a panel of Master Beekeeper Program experts of all ranges and find out any information you need to know about the Master Beekeeper Program. If you are new to the program or would even like to know what the program is, this is your place. If you are trying to work on your project and have questions on the best way to proceed, we will have those answers for you. As the title suggests, you have the chance to know all things Master Beekeeper Program. Apiary Pest Control In this lecture you can find out how to prepare and protect against the plethora of pests that can distress your apiary. From ants to skunks, from weeds to bears, learn how to defend your apiary against pests like these. Assembling Frames and Supers This class will introduce you to the basic construction of the Langstroth bee hive including tools, materials, and some tips and tricks of the trade. Portions of this class are hands on to provide the novice with experience building equipment. Assembling your own equipment saves money and increases the durability of your equipment. Recommended for all. Bee Related Crafts Honey is not the only crop beekeepers retrieve from hives. There are many things that can be made from the products bees give us. There are lip balms, lotions, soaps, and many more. Come to this handson craft class and learn how to utilize your bees resources to their fullest extent. Beekeeping Equipment with Lighting a Smoker There are hundreds of pieces of beekeeping equipment on the market. Come learn about the basic requirements to get started in beekeeping, how to use it, and join the discussion about which items are useful and why. Smokers are an essential tool in beekeeping, so we will also learn why they re so important, how to light a long lasting smoker, the different fuels you can use, and all the safety precautions associated with using a smoker.

2 Beginner Honey Judge Training This course is required for those interested in joining the Welsh Honey Judge Program. There is an additional registration fee to attend this course. The Welsh Honey Judge program and the required examinations are suitable for those who would like to be certified for their individual knowledge and skills in preparing and exhibiting hive products as well as promoting quality bee products for the public in their purest form. Beginners Overview This is a great course for beginner beekeepers. The course will introduce the beginner to honey bee biology, the history of beekeeping, they whys and hows of beekeeping, and the numerous resources and programs in the state of Florida available to support new beekeepers. While this course may not answer every beekeeping question you may have, it is the right place to begin your journey at Bee College! Bumblebees Bumble bees are getting more attention recently and are increasingly used for crop pollination. This course covers the colony cycle, biology, and other important aspects of bumble bee life. Interesting comparisons to honey bees are highlighted throughout. Catching Swarms Have you ever wondered how you could actually capture a swarm? This is the course for you! Learn how to use various swarm traps and the different types of lures and techniques best used to catch a swarm successfully. Also, discover the nature of swarms and how to utilize your equipment in the safest manner. Clipping and Marking Queens You will be able to gain some hands-on experience in handling, clipping, and marking queen honey bees; an essential skill in beekeeping. Cooking with Honey Come learn a variety of different recipes and ways to cook with the honey from your bees. Gadgets Workshop Get your hands ready for work! Learn how to create different tools for your beekeeping hobby. From brood comb frame salvaging to solar wax melters, get ready to take home some really great project ideas. Hive Demonstrations Suit up, light a smoker and take a tour through a live beehive with the guidance of one of our trained staff. You will have a chance to identify all aspects of the hive and equipment. This is typically a great place for question and answers. We ask that if a session is too crowded, wait until another period. DO

3 NOT open any hives on the property. ONLY staff (see nametag) are permitted to open hives. Honey Bee Biology The lecturer will provide an overview of honey bee life history and behavior of the individual bee and bee colony. Honey Bee Nutrition This presentation will cover the basic aspects of bee nutrition necessary for normal hive function. This includes a discussion of carbohydrate and protein sources. Good and bad sugars and pollens will be discussed along with the makeup of pollen substitutes. Honey Bee Photography This course will provide an overview the basic principles behind photography and its use in beekeeping, with lots of beautiful illustrations of some photographers' work. Honey Bee Phylogeny This course details the evolutionary history of bees over time. Bees have evolved with the natural world for millions of years and have an amazing story to tell. Honey Bee Subspecies The lecturer will discuss several species of bees in the Genus Apis. The distribution of each species will be depicted, along with key traits. These traits, such as nesting, feeding and reproduction behaviors, will be described. Also the characteristics of the common subspecies or races of Apis mellifera will be presented as well as some of the hybrids commonly used in Apiculture. Honey Bees as Super Organisms The honey bee colony can be viewed as a single creature, a super organism. A colony's attributes as an organism are discussed, as well as resulting practical applications for beekeepers Honey Bees in Bird Boxes The introduction of the invasive Africanized honey bees is a serious problem for many cavity nesting birds. There is no consensus on a protocol for managing honey bee usurpation of nesting cavities. This talk will describe the effectiveness of a push-pull strategy to reduce competition for nest cavities with honey bees. Honey Extraction This lecturer will demonstrate how to extract honey from hives, using real honey frames and extracting equipment. There will be some minor class participation and discussion of different extraction techniques, filtration, equipment and proper preparation for bottling.

4 Honey Plants An in depth lecture on the variety of plants used to create so many different and delicious honey flavors. The lecturer will discuss the best and worst honey plants, what seasons they occur, and which the bees prefer. How to Make Splits This workshop will go over exactly how and what time of year to make splits from your full size colonies. This is a crucial technique for swarm control, colony management, and expanding your apiary. The speaker will cover information on what every beekeeper should know about increasing their number of colonies for fun and for profit. This course is recommended for beginners. Installing Packages In this workshop, you will learn how to install a package of honey bees into your brand-new box and hear some interesting tips from a seasoned professional. Jr. Bee College R. Baldwin & S. Kraeft An overview of beekeeping for children starting with What s The BUZZ On Bees?, a honey bee education program for all ages. The participants will learn about bee biology, play bee related games, visit live bee hives, and extract delicious honey. This course is recommended for children ages Teachers and parents are welcome to attend. Live Bee Removal This instructor will teach the beekeeper how to safely remove a live honey bee colony from various structures without the use of pesticides and will also explain how to re-hive the colony and keep it productive according to state guidelines. Making Beekeeping into a Business A quick summary of the local, state, and Federal rules that one must comply with as one attempts to make a business of beekeeping in Florida. Items covered include: types of incorporation, where to get insurance, how to get a permit for the honey bottling, the business licenses required by the city and county, the County Agriculture tax exemption process, the filing of a doing-business-as (DBA) permits and, what needs to be filed with the State and Federal Department of Revenue (taxes). There are a lot of steps that need to be done to turn your hobby in to a small sideline business. This lecture covers all these business related items that are often overlooked. This includes the subject matters of: obstacles, legal structures, necessary permits and licenses, taxes, insurance, and other business related topics. Mead Making Do you want to do something a little different with your bees' honey? Come learn about the ancient process of making mead or honey wine. Stop by for a real-time demonstration and a discussion on home

5 mead-making and the techniques involved. You'll be surprised how easy it is to get started! Molecular Tools to Identify Honey Bee Species and Subspecies Learn how we use molecular methods to determine genetic differences between African, Africanized (scutellata and capensis) and European bees and for many other goals. Pesticide Stewardship In this lecture, we will discuss pesticide drift, how to minimize it, and what it means for bee safety Pests and Diseases for Beginners This course will be an introduction to the many pests and pathogens affecting honey bee colonies. Pests such as wax moths, small hive beetles, and mites along with bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens will be discussed. You will learn how to recognize symptoms of each and about the treatment options available. Also, protocols for preventing your honey bee colonies from succumbing to these pests and pathogens will be discussed. Preparing Entries for a Honey Show Interested in entering a honey show? Don t know where to start? This course will show you the range of products one can enter, how to prepare them, and things judges look for when judging a honey show. From extracted honey, to candles and wax, you ll learn how to properly present your bee s hard work. Refined Techniques in Honey Judging Only open to individuals already in the Welsh program The lecturer will review honey show exhibit classes and associated rules. Welsh program updates will be outlined and discussed. The program will conclude with tips for evaluating honey show entries for experienced judges and stewards. Rules and Regulations of Setting Up Your Apiary This class will introduce you to the basics of setting up your apiary including: starting colonies, hive placement, and hive checks. We will also cover the yearly timetable of beekeeping. This class is essential for beginners, especially those who do not yet have bees. The rules and regulations regarding Apiculture in Florida change over time. Come hear and understand the state s newest provisions on hive zoning, pesticides approvals, and more. Solitary Bee House Building In this hands-on workshop you can build your own solitary bee house to take home. Learn all of the easy materials around your house to be able to make your own at home. Varroa Biology and Control This course will provide a comprehensive look at Varroa and its journey to becoming the world s most destructive pest of the European honey bee. Varroa mites are known to suppress the immune system, while simultaneously transmitting a large array of viruses known to negatively affect honey bee health.

6 The course will explore Varroa distribution, life history, and techniques for monitoring and control in order to equip beekeepers to successfully combat this pest. Wax Rendering Bees Wax is used in countless products from health and beauty to furniture polish. Learn how to collect, render, and work with your Bees Wax to produce a poured candle, or block for entry in a honey show. We will produce a tea light candle, and a rolled candle in class.