HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Holland Area Beekeepers Association has planned a beekeeping school for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at GVSU’s Holland Campus, 515 S. Waverly Road.
Adult registration is 50.. Student registration is 30.
This year’s Bee School keynote speaker is Ray Lackey of Sweet Pines Apiary, a beekeeper of more than 35 years, he was certified in 1995 as an Eastern Apicultural Society Master Beekeeper.
Lackey is the former president of the Long Island Beekeepers Association, director for Eastern Apiculture Society, and president of the EAS Master Beekeepers. He is currently secretary for the Grand Rapids Beekeepers. He has published articles in Bee Culture and American Bee Journal, as well as teaching classes on a variety of beekeeping topics to a broad range of audiences.
This year’s breakout session topics are:
- My first year: No mistakes…only lessons – Kim Wood
- Through the beekeeper’s year – Chuck Bauer
- OTS Queen rearing and splits for beginners – Heather Boerema
- Beekeeping bee equipment essentials – Ron Rhoades
- Varroa mite management – Rick and Shelley Arnold
- Hive inspections and record keeping – Dale and Cathy Dykema
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and bee diseases – Don Lam
- Open forum discussion sessions are scheduled throughout the day with experienced beekeepers Randy Slachter, Heather Boerema and Chuck Bauer.
The Holland Area Beekeepers Association provides encouragement and support for those who are new to keeping honeybees, those who are interested but not necessarily intending to keep bees, as well as experienced beekeepers. Monthly meetings feature a presentation on a topic that is relevant to beekeepers. There will be time before and after these presentations to pose questions and share ideas with your fellow bee enthusiasts.
HABA membership is free. To register for Saturday’s class or learn more, visit www.hollandbees.org.
