(Compiled by the Vermont Beekeepers Association, March 2024)
A NEW BEEKEEPER’S EDUCATION
Becoming a successful beekeeper requires both the study of beekeeping principles and also the practice of hands-on activities in the bee yard. Cutting corners by reading only a few materials, occasionally consulting the internet, and starting a few hives without prior preparation will not lead to lasting success. Learning how to keep bees requires an ongoing, multifaceted education. While the first year of education is critical with a steep learning curve, mastery occurs over time rather than overnight. With care, effort, and close guidance, new beekeepers are very likely to succeed in the first year and emerge as lifelong students, amassing their knowledge, gaining further experience, and attempting more challenging tasks. While the internet is awash in materials on how to keep bees, only some information is accurate or applicable to beekeeping in Vermont. For example, a specific beekeeping practice common in Florida may not be the best for our climate and landscape in Vermont. Furthermore, there is more than one way to complete a task and meet a specific goal. Experienced beekeepers advocate for procedures or equipment based on what has worked for them specifically. However, their neighbor may complete the same task differently with equal success. To ensure that you gather accurate information from reliable sources, the VBA has curated the following list of references with new beekeepers in mind.
(Note: this list is provided for your consideration and does not imply any endorsement by the VBA.)
BEGINNER BEEKEEPING BOOKS
The Backyard Beekeeper: an absolute beginners guide to keeping bees in your yard and garden. 5th edition. by Kim Flottum
Beekeeping For Dummies. 5th edition by Howland Blackist
The Beekeeper’s Handbook. 5th edition by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile
First Lessons in Beekeeping. 2007 by Dadant, Keith Deplane
Natural Beekeeping: modern approaches to organic apiculture. 2013 by Ross Conrad
Honeybee Democracy. 2011 by Thomas Seeley
Beekeeping Basics. by PennState Extension
(Search “Penn State Extension beekeeping”)
New Hampshire 4-H Beekeeping Manual:
https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource002759_Rep4060.pdf
CLASSES AND COURSES
Organic Beekeeping for Beginners—Ross Conrad—May 19&20
Beekeeping Basics: 3 Evenings, May 6, 13, 20—Bill Mares and Deborah Rubin—Champlain Valley Union High School (Check VBA website for details and to register)
Betterbee: numerous classes throughout the season—
Vermont Beekeeping Supply—Sheri Englert—send email for inquiries:
White Mountain Apiary (NH)—Janice Mercieri—whitemountainapiary.com\store
Other beekeeping classes and certificate programs are offered on a regular basis by Cornell University, Penn State Extension, and the University of Vermont
VBA WEBINARS
The VBA hosts a series of webinars throughout the year. New beekeepers are strongly encouraged to attend. Nearly all are recorded and available on the VBA website to view at a later time. (Must be a VBA member to access.)
OTHER TRUSTED SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Honey Bee Research Centre, Univ. of Guelph. www.hbrc.ca
YouTube videos hosted by Mike Palmer of French Hill Apiaries in Vermont. www.frenchhillapiaries.com
YouTube channel produced by Betterbee suppliers located in Greenwich, NY.
www.youtube.com/@betterbee1979
Betterbee Newsletter and Betterbee Field Day in June. (Check website: www.betterbee.com.)
Kirk Webster Open Houses (2 per year)—www.kirkwebster.com
LOCAL BEEKEEPING CLUBS IN VERMONT
(Many of these organizations meet regularly, have outside speakers, and also hold Open Hive Demonstrations. They are excellent sources of information.)
Addison County Beekeeper’s Association
Bennington County Beekeeper’s Club
Brattleboro Area Beekeeper’s Guild
Chittenden County Beekeeper’s Club
North Country Beekeepers (based in NH but serving Orange County and the Northeast Kingdom)
Franklin County Vermont Beekeeper’s Club
Windham County Beekeepers
REGIONAL BEEKEEPING ORGANIZATIONS
Southern Adirondack Beekeeping Association—www.sababees.org
Massachusetts Beekeepers Association—www.massbee.org
New Hampshire Beekeeper’s Association—www.nhbeekeepers.org
OPEN HIVE DEMONSTRATIONS/PRACTICE SESSIONS
VBA South Yard—Hands-on sessions held in Hartland, VT. Check VBA website for schedule and updates.
Many of the local beekeeping clubs hold open hive demonstrations throughout the season. Refer to the list of clubs above and check their websites/FaceBook pages for schedules.