How to Join a Beekeeping Association

If you are a beekeeper, whether by profession or hobby, you may wish to join a beekeeping association. Doing so can provide many benefits. For one thing, you can learn a lot from other beekeepers. For another, you can share ideas and experiences that relate to your particular region with other local beekeepers. Membership in a beekeeping association may also reward you with discounts on beekeeping supplies, workshops and other events.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Learn How to Join A Beekeeping Association

1. Find a local Beekeeping association by visiting the Bee Source website (see Resources below).

2. Locate your state from the list and click on it.

3. Note that most states have an extensive number of beekeeping associations that you can join. Some are regional or county associations and others are independent.

4. Contact the beekeeping association or associations that you wish to join by calling or emailing the group, if that information is provided. If the name of the beekeeping association is highlighted, then clicking on it will open your browser window to the website for that association. From there you can usually complete a membership registration online.

5. Read the policies and guidelines available thoroughly before you join any beekeeping association. Note any particular requirements, annual fees or dues that may apply.

6. Contact the webmaster at Bee Source if you find any information that is outdated, incorrect or to report any broken links. The email address is provided on every state page (see Resources below).

7. Consider becoming a contributor to the beekeeping association once you join. For instance, if you have particular expertise in a certain aspect of beekeeping, you might volunteer to be a guest speaker at a meeting or provide an article for the association newsletter.

8. Encourage other beekeepers in your area to join the same association. Doing so can help benefit the local environment and promote good standards in beekeeping practices.

Tips & Warnings

• Every beekeeping association is operated differently. Some hold monthly meetings, while others stay in touch with members via a regular newsletter.
• Most fees or dues required of beekeeping associations are remarkably inexpensive since operating costs are generally quite low. You can expect to see the range average anywhere from $8 to just under $20 per year.

Resources

• The Bee Source to locate a beekeeping association