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TN Master Beekeeping Basic Class
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UTIA Conferences & Training
Tennessee Master Beekeeper Classes
TN Master Beekeeping Basic Class
The Tennessee Master Beekeeping Program is a school for all beekeepers, regardless of operation size or experience level. The goal is to improve the knowledge of TN beekeepers about beekeeping, and the program is dedicated to beekeepers in Tennessee. It started as a pilot in 1991 for 55 people from 3 counties to more than 3,000 participants, representing 85+ TN counties. Participants spend 1.5 days in the classroom, learning about and discussion topics such as bee biology, pollination, getting started, safety, disease, nutrition, recordkeeping, and inspections; as well as a half day in a local apiary where they are taught hands-on skills from basics such as how to light a smoker (and keep it lit) to how to properly manage parasitic mites (currently, the most challenging threat in beekeeping). The knowledge gained, and tools developed through these efforts are passed on to beekeepers and producers through a collaborative Extension program, involving agents and specialists.
Basic level is an entry-level and continuing education program and requires no previous training to enroll or no mandatory "years of beekeeping". Participants’ acquisition of skills and knowledge be will assessed through participation in discussions and assessments. Individuals should be familiar with basic knowledge and skills necessary for a beginning beekeeper. Topics to covered in the Basic Level:
• Sources of beekeeping information for the "beeginner"
• The colony & common mistakes – basic bee biology and behavior
• Getting started – education, equipment, tools, locations, etc.
• Acquiring bees – packages, swarms, queens
• Hive inspections and recordkeeping
• Queen events and issues
• Pests & diseases – detection, prevention, management
• Varroa mites
• Forage and nutrition
• Beekeeper regulatory responsibilities
*(Apiary visit – weather permitting. Bring your own protective gear including veil; a limited amount of borrowable protective gear will be available for participants who do not yet have bees.)
This is a 16-20 hour beekeeping class and
meets the requirements for TAEP grant funding.
The cost per person is $125 and is NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. Please see details below for dates, locations and contact information. Online registration only –
no walk-in registrations will be accepted.
These classes are for participants aged 18 and over; younger youth are encouraged to participate in their county Extension 4-H Entomology & Beekeeping Program.
Registration Deadline: one week before class starts.
Class will be capped at 35 participants & may be cancelled if a minimum of 15 participants is not met.
2023 Class schedule and locations:
Davidson County - Nashville, TN
Online Registration Only
Date: May 18-19, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm CT
Location: Ellington Ag Center, 416 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220
Weakley County - Martin, TN
Online Registration Only
Date: July 6-7, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm CT
Location: UT Martin - Exact location TBA
Union County - Maynardville, TN
Online Registration Only
Date: August 3-4, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm ET
Location: Maynardville, TN - Exact location TBA
Carter County - Elizabethton, TN
Online Registration Only
Date: August 10-11, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm ET
Location: TBA
Franklin County - Winchester, TN
Online Registration Only
Date: August 17-18, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm CT
Location: Extension Office, 330 Joyce Lane, Winchester, TN 37398
Lauderdale County – Ripley, TN
Online Registration Only
Date: September 1-2, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm CT
Location: Ripley, TN - Exact locationTBA
Rhea County – Dayton, TN
Online Registration Only
Date: September 14-15, 2023
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm ET
Location: Dayton, TN - Exact locationTBA
If class is full, please fill out this interest form to assist with future planning:
Interest Form
Price:
$125.00
Registration Options
Select One
Union County - 08/3-4/2023
Lauderdale County - 09/1-2/2023
Rhea County - 09/14-15/2023
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