Beekeeping courses

Why keep bees?
Probably one of the oldest forms of agriculture, beekeeping can be a great hobby for all ages. Keeping domestic bees benefits the environment by providing more pollination for wild and domestic plants. The honey, wax, and pollen the bee’s produce make beekeeping a rewarding and lucrative hobby. There is a lifetime of learning for those who wish to explore the details of apicultural science. Some find a simple pleasure in quietly observing these amazing animals as they go about their work.
Tugwell Creek Honey Farm is proud to offer a broad range personalized courses in the art and science of beekeeping. Ranging from novice to advanced we emphasize a hands on approach while providing the most up to date materials and handouts on topics covered. We put a regional emphasis on our courses providing a strong foundation to build upon at whatever level of expertise you come with.
Courses are offered each spring by a master beekeeper with over 30 years of experience. Robert Liptrot has a Masters Degree in Entomology and is a member of the B.C. Honey Producers Association.
Over four evenings and one Saturday, this introductory workshop offers participants both theory and practical field experience in the art of beekeeping for beginners. Starting with a general history and the structure of the colony, discover the physiology of the honey bee, the players in the colony, honey bee nutrition, swarming and control methods, natural and integrated pest management, hive management for production and harvest and more. Detailed reference materials provided.
Learn advanced techniques for successful management of bee colonies; stock assessment and nutritional supplements; advanced colony manipulation and swarm management; queen production methods and breeding considerations; selecting for hygienic behaviour and mite resistance; external environmental stresses to successful beekeeping; pests and pathogens; management for honey and pollination production and marketing; and moving away from chemical dependency and the future of bees.