Advanced Beekeeping - Spring Management Workshops - 2024 Season

For Backyard Beekeepers in NSW, Australia, swarming season for honeybees is just around the corner. This Spring Management workshop is essential for all amateur beekeepers who need a refresher or a confidence boost in managing their bees as our colonies are about to get busy again. With the threat of Varroa Mite now on our doorstep, it is more important than ever to have a plan to manage ALL pests & diseases and to prevent swarming.

This 3 hour hands-on workshop will cover theoretical & practical aspects of swarm control. There will be approx 2 hours of classroom time and 1 hour out with the bees at the Burnetts Apiary (depending on the weather).

We cover all the reasons for swarming - weather, space, genetics, resource availability, queen age, pest & disease management, honey management.

We also discuss WHY we need to prevent swarming - a commonly asked question!

A highly interactive session, we will cover all these topics in detail:

- Swarm prevention techniques

- Signs of swarming preparation

- Understanding influence of weather on the bees

- Brood manipulation by creating space within the hive

- Brood cycle timing

- Starvation risk (“Spring Dearth”)

- Disease inspection & management (including Varroa Mite).

- Reading Queen cells

- Re-queening

- Honey removal

- Secondary swarm management

- Transporting split hives

- Record keeping

The workshop is designed for existing beekeepers using Langstroth or Flow Hives. Included in the ticket price:

A workbook packed full of useful information to take home
15% discount off a 1:1 onsite mentoring spring management session if required
15% discount off beekeeping equipment sold on the day
Complimentary unlimited phone consultations post workshop if required
Unlimited access to the @QuarryCafe to grab refreshments throughout the morning (not included with the course).

The Workshop will be run by local Kiama Beekeeper Rachael Peedom from @BeeInspiredco, who operates 20+ hives across apiaries between Berry to Kiama & Saddleback Mountain on the South Coast of NSW. Rachael has 7 years beekeeping experience, currently completing her Certificate III in Beekeeping with the NSW DPI's Tocal College. She mentors beekeepers around the Illawarra & South Coast NSW, teaches beginner beekeeping workshops, runs bee education programs in local schools and is a local Flow Hive Ambassador. She sells her honey in local retail outlets in Kiama and Berry. Burnetts' honey is harvested onsite and available to purchase at the Quarry Cafe.

Hosted by @Burnetts_on_Barney Nursery, Kiama, NSW, it is a perfect opportunity to time your workshop with some pollinator-friendly plant shopping.

Bring your own suit and gloves if you prefer, but please ensure they are clean and washed before you bring them onsite.

Any questions about the workshop, call Rachael on 0409860044 or email connect@bee-inspired.com.au. Wet weather backup plan will be advised the day prior in the event of inclement weather.