The improvement of bees is an important part of beekeeping. The suitability of bees to the environment and their temper are issues that concern the caring beekeeper, but are not often included in tuition.

This course will cover many of the topics and techniques that will suit the "ordinary" beekeeper, with a large practical element that is easy to understand. It is intended to be fun, not intense technical information.

Who is it aimed at?

Beekeepers who have several colonies, are involved in a bee improvement group or are considering starting one. It will suit those who want to raise good quality queens by using "artificial" methods in batches of 6 or more in controlled conditions. The information gained should prepare attendees for producing many more queens on a regular basis if required.

What will be covered?

There will be both practical and theoretical elements, with time spent at a number of colonies of bees.

Amongst the topics we hope to cover are:-

• Colony handling techniques.
• Making up and managing queen mating colonies and nuclei.
• Discussing and demonstrating Q/C building methods.
• Clipping and marking queens.
• Q/C raising colonies.
• Assessing colonies and deciding which to raise queens from and which to cull.
• Selection criteria.
• Recording.
• Working with other beekeepers.
• Setting up and running a bee improvement group.
• Equipment required - buying, making, improvising or modifying.
• Drone production.
• Q/C distribution.
• Queen introduction.
• Mating control.
• Some of the myths of bee improvement and rearing queens.

The course details:

Please see the BIBBA website for more details and information on the courses that have been arranged.

These courses are expected to be popular, therefore early booking is advised. Bookings are taken on a first come first served basis. When full, a waiting list will be created.

If you or your BKA wish to host a course please Email BIBBA Conference and Workshop Secretary Roger Patterson for details.