PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE USING THE HELPLINE!!
WHAT IS THE BEEKEEPER’S HELPLINE?
Welcome to the VBA Beekeeper’s Helpline! This innovative program is designed to supplement other VBA educational activities with timely information that addresses specific issues in your apiary as they arise. It provides a helpful and informative resource to VBA members seeking answers to their questions. Experienced beekeepers, referred to as “Advisors,” are available to share their knowledge on specific issues that arise in your apiary. Although it is designed primarily to assist beekeepers with limited experience, the program is open and available to all VBA members.
The Helpline is a virtual program that connects less experienced beekeepers with others more experienced, and who likely have encountered the same or similar problems in the past. Some Advisors may be “backyard” hobbyists while others may have larger apiaries that provide an important source of income to them. Either way, they are happy to address new beekeepers’ questions and give them the information they seek. Although specific Advisors in our Directory may not always be available exactly when needed, the list of Advisors is extensive and very likely someone will be available. In most cases, beekeepers can expect a response to their requests within 24 hours. YOU MUST BE A VBA MEMBER TO USE THE HELPLINE!
THE HELPLINE IS A SUPPLEMENT TO YOUR EDUCATION
It is important to point out the limitations of the Helpline. First, the Helpline is a virtual program where communication is by email, text, or phone, depending on an Advisor’s preference. It is not a mentoring program where an ongoing season-long relationship links an Advisor to a beekeeper in a one-on-one relationship. Advisors should not be expected to visit beekeepers’ apiaries or conduct hive inspections. For hands-on practical experience, beekeepers are encouraged to attend the many demonstrations and workshops that are sponsored by the VBA and our local county beekeeping clubs. Second, learning the art and science of keeping bees is an ongoing process. Books, articles, webinars and in-person workshops are all important components of a beekeeper’s education. Beekeepers are expected to rely on these other sources of information to further their knowledge in beekeeping practices in addition to using the Helpline. For further information, an extensive list of New Beekeeper Resources can be accessed here. Please keep in mind, the Helpline is a supplement to a beekeeper’s education, not a substitute.
HOW TO USE THE HELPLINE
Beekeepers should contact Advisors directly by using the Helpline Directory.
**IMPORTANT: PLEASE CONTACT THE ADVISOR WHO LIVES CLOSEST TO YOU.**
This will help keep the number of requests balanced between Advisors. In some cases, the VBA may transfer a request to an alternate Advisor to maintain balanced workloads. You can access the Helpline Directory of Advisors by clicking here. (Login required.) Remember to provide your name and contact information if reaching out by email or text.