What Is the Study of Beekeeping?

Beekeepers must know how to handle beehives.

Beekeeping, or apiculture, is the practice of caring for honey bee colonies to obtain honey or for other commercial purposes. The study of beekeeping involves learning about honey bees and beekeeping equipment. Properly trained beekeepers are crucial to maintaining these important pollinator insects.

Beekeeping Basics

Good beekeepers must thoroughly understand honey bee biology and social habits. Beekeepers must know how to disassemble wooden hives and use various types of protective gear such as bee suits and smokers. Additional duties include setting up or moving a bee colony, identifying the queen and extracting honey from the hive. Beekeepers are often called upon to remove honey bee swarms in the local community.

Sources of Information

Numerous books on beekeeping are available for both the novice and the professional. Attending local or state beekeeping association meetings or workshops is a good way to gain knowledge and meet other beekeepers. Magazines such as "American Bee Journal" and "Bee Culture" provide information about the latest beekeeping research and trends.

Beekeeping Courses

Beekeeping courses are offered through many colleges, universities, county extension services and beekeeping associations. For example, the University of Georgia (UGA) offers the annual Young Harris Beekeeping Institute in north Georgia. Graduates can attend UGA's Georgia Master Beekeeper Program to obtain certification.

References

• University of Georgia, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences: Georgia Master Beekeeper Program
• University of Tennessee Extension: Beekeeping in Tennessee