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Spring 2026 Meeting - Registration Open

Riverfront Convention Center, New Bern, NC • February 5-7 • Learn More and Register

Winter 2025 Bee Buzz

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
				1	2	3 Davidson County Beekeepers - Basic Beekeeping Class 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Jan 3, 2026 Free Introduction Class Jan 3rd 830am-12 **Basic Beekeeping Class** Sat: January 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $50 Includes option for the Certified Beekeeper Examination No preregistration needed - call 336-260-7447 for questions. 301 E Center St. Lexington, NC Rear Entrance More information
4	5	6 Lincoln County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 7:00 pm Jan 6, 2026 January 6, 2026 - February 24, 2026 Tuesday nights from 6pm-9pm Approximately 6 to 7 weeks. Boger City UMC 2320 East Main Street Lincolnton, NC 28092 Cost: $100 per family Class Contact Information: Madison Bridges mbpcoordinator@lincolncountybeekeepers.com https://lincolncountybeekeepers.com/ More information	7	8	9	10 Beekeepers of the Neuse, Wayne County - Beginning Beekeeping Class 9:00 am Jan 10, 2026 January 10, 2026 - January 31, 2026 9:00 AM-1:00 PM 4 Saturdays Cost: $70/$40 each for additional family members, includes book and other materials Raper Hall, University of Mt. Olive 652 R. B. Butler Drive Mt Olive, North Carolina 28365 Register at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BkNP96v8F2ebnE4Y-BuOsOuznCnwuFPSHNzgX1K1vwA/edit?tab=t.0 Course fee includes 1 copy of The Beekeepers Handbook 5th edition (2021) by Diana Sammatoro and Alphonse Avitable, Club and NCSBA memberships plus a T-shirt. There will be hands on breakout sessions. Find us on Facebook at Beekeepers of the Neuse Neusebeekeeper@gmail.com or call 919-289-9796 for more information More information
11	12	13 Mecklenburg County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 7:00 pm Jan 13, 2026 1/13/2026 - 3/10/2026 Tuesday nights from 7- 9pm 8 weeks + 1 field day Location: Providence Baptist Church 4921 Randolph Rd Charlotte, North Carolina 28211 $100 per person Beginner Bee School will equip new beekeepers with the knowledge to grow and then keep their colonies alive through their first full year and enter spring with confidence. Contact: Sherron meckbeeschool@gmail.com 704.968.7562 https://www.meckbees.org/beginner-bee-school More information, Orange County, NC - Introduction to Beekeeping Course 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Jan 13, 2026 January 13-March 10, 2026. Tuesday nights 7-9 pm. 9 Weeks $75 per person or Family Rate of $125 for any group at the same address Orange County NC Agricultural Center 1020 US-70 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Option to attend in-person or remotely via Zoom, and meeting recording will be available for review. Textbook: The Beekeeper’s Handbook 5th Edition (2021) by Dianna Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (can be purchased for approximately $25 at most bee supply stores and online. Curriculum: Introduction to Beekeeping, Honey Bee Biology, Bees as Social Insects, Beekeeping Equipment, Getting Started, Varroa Mites, Diseases and Pests, Products of the Hive, Seasonal Management Info and registration at https://theocba.org/education/intro-to-beekeeping-class/. Celeste Mayer, 919-971-1005, BeeSchool@theocba.org More information	14	15 Durham County Beekeepers - Introduction to Beekeeping 6:30 pm Jan 15, 2026 1/15/2026 - 3/19/2026 Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30pm 9 weeks + field day Cost: $75 Includes Book and one year of DCBA and NCSBA membership Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church Whitesell Hall 1200 West Cornwallis Rd Durham, North Carolina 27705 Contact: https://www.durhambeekeepers.org/bee-school education@durhambeekeepers.org More information	16	17
18	19	20 Burke County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Jan 20, 2026 1/20/2026 - 3/17/2026 9 weeks + field days Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:30pm Burke County Cooperative Extension 130 Ammons Drive Morganton, North Carolina 28655 Cost: $25 per person. Includes membership to BCBA, NCSBA, book, materials, and mentorship. Starting January 20 join us to learn about the amazing world of honey bees. In addition to class time and Burke Beekeepers meetings you will have the chance to join a mentor-led small group to gain experience with the goal for your bees to survive their first winter. Sign up and earn recognition as a Certified NC Beekeeper. Call or learn more by attending Open House on January 13 from 6-8pm at the Cooperative Extension Office in Morganton. Burke County Beekeepers at burkebeekeepers@gmail.com To speak with a member, contact Megan Leach at meganhleach@gmail.com or call/text (803) 417-2705. More information, Wake County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Jan 20, 2026 January 20, 2026 - March 17, 2026 Each Tuesday evening 7p-9p Wake County Commons Building, Raleigh, NC 4011 Carya Dr Raleigh, North Carolina 27529 Cost: $75 per person Info and registration at: https://www.wakecountybeekeepers.org/ Contact: Dick Orander dickorander@gmail.com 919-270-0533 More information	21	22 Sampson County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Jan 22, 2026 1/22/2026 - 2/26/2026 Every Thursday Starting January 22nd at 6PM to 9PM concludes February 26th Location: Sampson County Cooperative Extension Livestock Conference Room (bldg to the right of the main bldg) 55 Agriculture Place Clinton, North Carolina 28328 Cost: $60 Individual / $80 Per Family (2 adults and children under 18) Introduction to Beekeeping: Certified Level in the Master Beekeeper Program Learn about the honeybee! Topics: History, NCSBA, Equipment, Biology, Behavior, Management, Diseases and Pests Participants will receive 1 year SCBA membership, a textbook and flash drive of materials with opportunity to test for certification on the last night of class. Field Days will occur in the spring after the conclusion of the class. Class Contact Information: Sampson County Beekeepers sampsoncountybeekeepers@gmail.com Register Here: https://forms.gle/pUist3qSCVrBnKzS9 More information, Randolph County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Jan 22, 2026 01/22/2026 - 02/26/2026 Thursday nights plus field day TBA 6:30-8:30 PM Randolph County Agriculture Center 1880 US Hwy 64 E Asheboro, North Carolina 27203 Cost: $80 per person, $120 per couple Class setting to learn how to keep your bees alive. Each night is a different topic. It is not the same information repeated six times. Contact: Jamison Roberts 808-232-5082 More information, Cabarrus County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 7:00 pm Jan 22, 2026 1/22/2026 - 3/19/2026 9 Weeks + Field Day on April 18,2026 Thursday evenings 7-9pm Location Bethel Wesleyan Church 4036 Old Concord Salisbury Rd Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081 Cost: $65.00. Includes book and class handouts. Chapter website: https://www.cabarrusbees.com/bee-school Additional Information: Some things you'll learn in the class include: History of beekeeping Honeybee anatomy Equipment and products involved in beekeeping Getting started in beekeeping Managing hives safely How to retrieve and process honey How to "think like a bee" North Carolina State Beekeepers Association Certified Beekeepers test will be given at end of class for those interested. Class Contact Information: Mike Wallace - 704-737-3947 More information	23	24 Union County Beekeepers - Journeyman Prep – Advanced 2-Day Course All day Jan 24, 2026 1/24/2026 - 1/31/2026 The last two Saturdays in January, 2026 Location Union County Agricultural Center 3230-D Presson Rd Monroe, North Carolina 28110 Cost: $25.00 per person This is not another beginner bee school. Over two Saturdays we’ll dive into: - Advanced honey bee biology and behavior - Diseases, viruses, and pests – diagnosis and management - Honey & wax production and handling - Plants & pesticides – what helps, what harms, and how to read labels - Seasonal management strategies for strong, sustainable colonies - Q&A on the NCSBA Journeyman exam and a look ahead to the Master Beekeeper Program https://www.ucncbeekeepers.org/event-details/journeyman-prep-advanced-2-day-course-2026-01-24 More information, Rutherford County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Jan 24, 2026 1/24/2026 - 2/14/2026 4 Weeks + Certified Practical Later 4 Saturday mornings - 8am-Noon Rutherford County Administrative Annex 289 N Main Street Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139 Cost: $60 per person / $110 per couple. Includes workbook, flash drive, state and chapter membership dues, certified test, and much more. Additional Information: For all students, we provide the experienced instructors, information, contacts, materials, and other resources needed to successfully begin the beekeeping journey. In addition, we provide a mentor to help through the critical first year. Our chapter meets monthly, on the 3rd Tuesday, where we strive to help beekeepers in their continued success. Included in the school tuition are dues for both the state and chapter's first-year membership. Class Contact Information: Contact or email: David Ledford, chapter president, 864-921-7032 or email rutherfordcountyncbeekeepers@gmail.com or find the registration page at rutherfordcountybeekeepers.com More information
25	26 Henderson County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class All day Jan 26, 2026 01/26/2026 - 03/09/2026 Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm 7 weeks + 3 workshop sessions $100. Includes book and other materials. https://hcbeekeepers.org/ Henderson County Cooperative Extension Center 100 Jackson Park Road HENDERSONVILLE, North Carolina 28739 The Henderson County Beekeepers Association (HCBA) is thrilled to announce the 2026 Beekeeping School — your ticket to becoming a confident, successful beekeeper! Over 7 fun weekly classes and 3 hands-on apiary sessions. More information, Stanly County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Jan 26, 2026 1/26/2026 - 3/09/2026 Monday evenings 6:30 - 9pm 7 weeks + field day Location Farm Bureau Livestock Arena 26130 Newt Rd. Albemarle, North Carolina 28001 Cost: $35. Per person. We will be using the following book which can be ordered on-line. The Beekeepers Handbook, Fifth Edition, by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitable, ISBN:978-1501752612 Class Contact Information: To register contact: Mark Little - 704-985-3383, or rev.mark_little@yahoo.com More information, Gaston County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Jan 26, 2026 1/26/2026 - 3/30/2026 Monday evening 7-9 PM for 10 weeks + 2 Field Days & 1 woodenware workshop Gaston County Citizens Resource Center 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy Dallas, North Carolina 28034 $ 100/ person ( incl textbook and membership in State & local The course covers beekeeping history, bee anatomy & behavior, managing your hive, keeping bees healthy, nectar sources & blooming times, honey production & marketing. The field days will give opportunity to work with bees, demonstrate what you learned. how to light a smoker, inspect a hive for brood types, honey, pollen sources, and different types of bees. There will be a free picnic on last field day. The optional woodenware workshop will teach student how to assemble & paint hive parts. Jean Bess 704-860-9380 is the registrar. Signup online at our website https://gastonbee.org. Seating is limited: signup early and call if you have questions. More information	27	28	29	30 Columbus County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Jan 30, 2026 January 30 - February 1, 2026 Friday Night, All day Saturday and half a day Sunday Date and Time: 01/30/2026 6 PM - 9 PM 01/31/2026 9 AM - 5 PM 02/01/2026 9 AM - 1 PM Columbus County NC Cooperative Extension office 45 Government Complex Rd Whiteville, NC 28472 Cost: $70 Online Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAtrfwxJnEq5SJJZYBhP9S9ysUPBgaaeKNePod83jUi3Zkdw/viewform Class Contact Information: Barry Chadwick 910-317-0173 More information	31 Cumberland County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 8:00 am – 9:00 am Jan 31, 2026 01/31/2026 - 02/14/2026 Saturday mornings 8-12 3 Consecutive Saturdays Cumberland Co. NC Cooperative Extension 301 E. Mountain Dr., North Carolina Fayetteville Cost: $60/per person/includes book and thumb drive More information, Chatham County - Intermediate Beekeeping Class 8:30 am Jan 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 8:30-5:30 Location: Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center 1192 US Hwy 64W Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 Cost: $75 The CCBA will conduct a one-day, in person only, Intermediate Beekeeping course. The primary audience for the school are beekeepers with at least one year of beekeeping experience. This class is taught by a group of beekeepers who are not only subject matter experts but also have several years of practical knowledge and experience on the topics presented. Participants will receive education regarding relevant beekeeping topics that will prepare them for advanced level testing.Class Contact Information: https://www.chatham-beekeepers.org/our-events-programs/chatham-county-beekeeper-school/2026intermediatebeekeepingcourse/ Phil Uptmor, puptmor@gmail.com More information, Cleveland County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class 9:00 am Jan 31, 2026 01/31/2026 - 02/07/2026 2 full Saturdays Two weeks + field day Location Cleveland County Extension Office 130 South Post Road Shelby, NC 28150 Cost: $75 per person/$120 per couple. Includes book and other materials. Chapter website: https://www.facebook.com/clevelandcountybeekeepersassociation/ Class Contact Information: Ray Maxwell clevelandcountybeekeepersnc@gmail.com More information

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Jan 20, 2026 – Burke County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Jan 20, 2026 – Wake County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Jan 22, 2026 – Sampson County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Jan 22, 2026 – Randolph County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

ABOUT THE NCSBA

The NCSBA is the foundation of beekeeping in North Carolina, reinforced with the cooperative efforts of the NCSU Entomology Extension Apiary Program and the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division Apiary Services. With 4000+ members statewide and beyond our borders, we are the largest and one of the most active state beekeeping organizations in the country. We cordially invite you to visit our website, learn more about beekeeping, and join us in the fascinating world of honey bees!

The mission of the NCSBA is to:

Encourage better beekeeping methodology
Promote cooperation among the beekeepers of the state and nation
Reach a common understanding regarding our problems and their solutions
Maintain friendly and helpful relations among beekeeping advocates
Develop markets for beekeeping products
Foster closer cooperation among members of the NCSBA
Improve purposes relating to honey bees and beekeeping exclusively for its members and the general public

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Spring 2026 Meeting - Registration Open

NCSBA Logo Merchandise

Winter 2025 Bee Buzz

Events in January 2026

Davidson County Beekeepers - Basic Beekeeping Class

Lincoln County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Beekeepers of the Neuse, Wayne County - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Mecklenburg County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Orange County, NC - Introduction to Beekeeping Course

Durham County Beekeepers - Introduction to Beekeeping

Burke County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Wake County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Sampson County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Randolph County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Cabarrus County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Union County Beekeepers - Journeyman Prep – Advanced 2-Day Course

Rutherford County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Henderson County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Stanly County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Gaston County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Columbus County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Cumberland County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

Chatham County - Intermediate Beekeeping Class

Cleveland County Beekeepers - Beginning Beekeeping Class

ABOUT THE NCSBA

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North Carolina State Beekeepers Association

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Spring 2026 Meeting - Registration Open

NCSBA Logo Merchandise

Winter 2025 Bee Buzz

Events in January 2026

ABOUT THE NCSBA

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

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North Carolina State Beekeepers Association

OUR MISSION