Bristol County Beekeepers Association presents a full day of "next-level" education for local beekeepers.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for beekeepers to expand their knowledge and connect with peers.
Join us for insightful presentations by renowned speakers:
Randy Oliver will present:
- Concepts in Varroa Management
Varroa continues to be the number one problem for beekeepers. Randy’s operation has successfully managed varroa, without the use of synthetic miticides, since 2001. He’ll share what’s worked for him (including selective breeding). Randy will present important biological concepts to help beekeepers to plan effective mite management strategies tailored to their own operations.
Randy runs new field trials and experiments every season. He will provide an overview of some of his recent field experiments, results, and practical applications. Based on your questions, he can also discuss his extensive research on how to control varroa without the use of synthetic miticides, including his deep research into application methods for oxalic acid, improved methods for application of thymol and formic acid, and extended-release oxalic acid (NOTE: not approved for use in Massachusetts), or testing of pollen subs and concepts in honey bee nutrition, testing of probiotics, and/or testing of thermal treatment.
This session will be based on your interest, so please come prepared with your questions!
Blake Shook will present:
Take your beekeeping skills to the next level with this practical presentation covering several essential topics. From splitting and requeening to mite treatment and business growth, this session provides valuable insights for advancing your beekeeping operation.
- The Business of Beekeeping
How to make money, how to grow, & options available to do so. Also covers all the mistakes he’s made, and how to avoid them while growing a beekeeping business from a hobby to a sideline, to full time operation. This session provides valuable insights for advancing your beekeeping operation.
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More About Our Presenters:
Randy Oliver is a biologist & commercial beekeeper from Northern California managing 1000-1500 hives with his two sons. He began beekeeping as a hobby in 1966 and later turned it into a business. After the varroa mite severely impacted his operation in the 1990s, he focused on research-driven methods to improve bee health & management.
Randy now primarily engages in beekeeper-funded research projects & shares his findings through articles, lectures & website. He is recognized internationally for his unbiased, evidence-based approach to bee health, Varroa mite management, & other beekeeping topics
scientificbeekeeping.com
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Blake Shook is a well-known commercial beekeeper, entrepreneur, &educator. He began beekeeping at the age of 12 after winning his first hive. What started as a hobby grew into Desert Creek Honey, one of the largest commercial honey operations in the U.S., and has expanded to include six businesses spanning commercial migratory beekeeping, honey packaging, pollination brokering, beekeeping supplies, & bee sales.
Blake serves on the National Honey Board & the executive boards of the American Beekeeping Federation & the American Honey Producers Association, helping to promote both honey & the beekeeping industry.
desertcreekhoney.com
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Lunch will be available for pre-purchase. Details forthcoming
**NOTE: We have invited area clubs to join us for this wonderful opportunity and seating will be limited, so please register early.
Registration will open early September.
Fees:
BrCBA Members: Free
Non-Members: $10
Become a BrCBA member for only $20/year.
(download a pdf flyer to share with friends and colleagues)
We will meet in Bristol Aggie - Student Commons
(download map)
