The Knox County Beekeepers Association is offering an Advanced Beekeepers Class. The Class will be held on January 27, 2024, in Room 105 of Faculty Hall on the Campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

The class is designed for beekeepers who want to hone their beekeeping skills. The course will be divided into 5 topics which include honey production, incorporating NUCS, winter hive preparation, sustainability, and comprehensive mite control programs. Because the class is geared towards experienced beekeepers, open discussion will be encouraged on these and other topics of interest. The class will be held on Saturday January 27, 2024, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Doors will be open at 8:00 am for check-in. Coffee and donuts and lunch will be provided.

Beekeeping is a challenge and to become a good beekeeper takes experience and dedication to the craft. Beekeeping is a continual learning process. With more experience you find out what you don’t know, which leads you to seek more information about beekeeping-- and the knowledge cycle continues. Every hive is different and working your hives adds to your experience. To become a better beekeeper requires an understanding of the basic concepts of beekeeping, learning all that you can about evolving theories and practices, and then applying them to your hives.

Mike Montgomery, a longtime beekeeper and one of the class teachers says, “There is nothing I like better than to pass on years of beekeeping knowledge to and have open discussions about the challenges beekeepers face. We like to make it fun and informational to all.” Come with your questions and curiosity. It is a great opportunity to meet other beekeepers, learn and contribute to the conversation.

The fee for class is $95 or $75 for current KCBA members and includes breakfast and lunch and a one-year membership to the Knox County Beekeepers Association. Students are free but must register and be accompanied by an adult who is registered for the class. Students and their families should ask about youth scholarship opportunities available from KCBA.

Preregistration is required. The number of registrations will be limited so please register early. Visit our website at www.knoxbees.com to learn more about the class and to register online. For questions call Jeff Gabric at (740) 760-0300.