The Spring 2023 NCSBA Born and Bred Queen Rearing Program
It is sometimes said in beekeeping that here are many ways to raise queens. Maybe so, but there is a short list of effective methods that will get the job done in a predictable, reliable fashion that will result in the production of well nourished, viable queens. The fundamentals of cell production remain constant; as do the natural dynamics of the mating of virgin queens. The NCSBA Born and Bred Queen Rearing Program offers a specially designed course of queen rearing instruction that is based on sound and proven methods that will yield successful results.
Attend a queen rearing workshop taught with live bees and hands-on practice
The workshop features an instructional format complemented with demonstration and hands-on practice. Classroom instruction will be held to familiarize the students with the components and processes employed for cell building and mating colony management. Live bees and the specialized colonies used to raise queens will be on site for demonstration, inspection and instruction. The students will be able to examine colonies that are actively producing cells or laying queens. Grafting instruction will include hands-on practice with live honey bee larvae. The Born and Bred team has published a detailed instructional manual that covers every step of the queen rearing process.
2023 workshop information
The 2023 Born and Bred Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Pitt County Cooperative Extension Center located at 403 Government Circle, Greenville, NC
Workshop – The cost will be $90 which will include your copy of the Born and Bred Queen Rearing Manual, third edition. Registration will begin at 8:00 A.M. The workshop will begin at 8:30 A.M. and conclude at 4:45 P.M.
Lunch – It is recommended to stay onsite for lunch so bring your own or purchase a lunch ticket. The Tar River Beekeepers will provide lunch for an additional $12. The net proceeds will be donated to the NCSBA endowment fund.
Protective gear – Important: Students who plan to participate in the demonstration of the cell builders and mating colonies must wear protective gear (a veil at minimum).
Photographs and short cell phone videos are welcome but otherwise recording of the workshop will not be permitted.
Questions are welcome and should be sent to Rick Coor at firstvp@ncbeekeepers.org
