Beekeeping in Arkansas
Contact
Apiculture Instructor
Phone: 501-671-2222
Fax: 501-671-2252
Email: jzawislak@uada.edu
Web: uaex.uada.edu/bees
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2301 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
Important AnnouncementWith continued spread of COVID-19 cases, The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is taking precautions until further notice to ensure safe and healthy learning environments for our clientele. With that in mind we have chosen to suspend all planned beekeeping classes and public events until further notice. We recognize that this may be an inconvenience. However, this decision is being made out of concern for everyone’s health and well-being. Thank you for your understanding. Please contact Jon Zawislak at jzawislak@uada.edu or 501-671-2222 if you have any questions about honey bees or beekeeping. |
Beekeeping Basics Podcast Series
Whether you are brand new to beekeeping or looking for a refresher course, these informative podcasts will help get you up to speed and help improve your knowledge and understanding of the honey bee and essential beekeeping practices. Listen to each lesson online or download them to your device and listen anywhere.
Arkansas Beekeeping Classes & Events
We offer Complete Beekeeping short courses periodically around the state.
- These courses are open to anyone interested in honey bees or beekeeping.
- No prior experience with bees is necessary to participate.
- Classes will cover everything a person needs to know to begin keeping bees safely and successfully.
- Most short courses consist of three class sessions, with new information presented in each class, building on what has already been covered.
- All short courses are taught by UA Extension apiculture specialist Jon Zawislak, an EAS-certified Master Beekeeper.
Beekeeping has a steep learning curve for the novice, and there is a lot of material to cover.
- The first class will introduce the bee hive, basic tools and equipment, and protective clothing, as well as present an overview of important honey bee biology and behaviors.
- The second class will cover seasonal colony management, laws and regulations, and honey production.
- The final session covers honey bee health, hive pests, and bee diseases. Knowledge of these areas are (unfortunately) now an essential part of beekeeper education.
Because the beekeeping industry is always changing to adapt to new challenges, these classes can be a great refresher course for experienced beekeepers, who may learn some new techniques or better understand the behavior of their bees.
Class participants are also encouraged to meet and socialize with others who share their interest in the amazing honey bee. Numerous beekeeping clubs and associations meet regularly throughout Arkansas, providing members with continuing opportunities to socialize, share, and learn. If you are looking for information on local area beekeeper club meetings, visit the website of the Arkansas Beekeepers Association to find a group near you.
If there are no classes scheduled in your area, visit with your local County Extension agent to see it's possible to schedule one in the future.
Options for Online Beekeeping Instruction:
Penn State Extension Beekeeping 101
North Carolina State Beekeeper Education & Engagement System (BEES)
University of Florida Extension Online Master Beekeeper Program
Cornell Master Beekeeping Program Online
University of Montana Online Beekeeping Courses
University of California Cooperative Extension Online Beekeeping Course
Important AnnouncementWith continued spread of COVID-19 cases, The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is taking precautions until further notice to ensure safe and healthy learning environments for our clientele. With that in mind we have chosen to suspend all planned beekeeping classes and public events until further notice. We recognize that this may be an inconvenience. However, this decision is being made out of concern for everyone’s health and well-being. Thank you for your understanding. Please contact Jon Zawislak at jzawislak@uada.edu or 501-671-2222 if you have any questions about beekeeping. |