The Oregon Master Beekeeper Program represents a cooperative effort between Oregon State University and the Oregon State Beekeepers Association to contribute to both the health of honey bee colonies and the integrity of the practice of beekeeping throughout the region. The Master Beekeeper program emphasizes practical experience in beekeeping. Apprentice […]
Are you a beekeeper or bee lover in Talent? Dolly Warden would like your help in establishing a Bee City USA designation for your city. Asheville, North Carolina, was the first city in the United States to become a Bee City USA. Although the designation is “Bee City”, it really includes […]
Beekeepers who maintain hives within the city limits of Ashland are required to register the hives with the city. Registration is FREE and very easy. Information about hive registration can be found on the City of Ashland website under Departments->Community Development->Planning Division->Keeping of Animals->Beekeeping.
UPDATE November 2014: Wehde V Jackson County was decided in favor of Whede! Read more: Beekeeping Qualifies as EFU in Jackson County The matter of Wehde V Jackson County is currently before the Oregon Tax Court. The Jackson County tax assessor’s office has taken the position that beekeeping operations are not […]
Bee Girl The Bee Girl mission is to preserve honeybees, beekeepers, and food resources by providing outreach, education, support, and mentorship for beekeepers and communities. Bee Girl is an educational resource for all things honey bees. Bee Girl teaches classes for the community on honey bees and beekeeping, visits preK-12th […]
Old Sol Apiaries offers locally grown queens and nucleus hives. Old Sol is your source for locally bred, hygenic, survivor stock. Hygenic bees fight disease and pests naturally. Our bees are well adapted to southern Oregon conditions and exhibit mite tolerance, hygenic behavior and good honey production for the last […]
In October, drones are often gone from the hive, and brood rearing is reduced. It is a quiet month for beekeeping. Supplementing with protein patties and 2:1 syrup is still OK, but only if necessary. The window is closing for getting your hive ready for winter. If it is is a […]
September is the first month in the beekeeper’s year. It is the last chance to prepare for winter and ensure that there are lots of young healthy mite-free bees on the way. Make sure that each hive has at least 70 lbs. of honey stores, and continue protein supplements if […]
In January, the bees continue to cluster, flying only on sunny days when it is 50 degrees or warmer. The queen begins to lay eggs, and brood rearing begins in the largest, healthiest hives. In warm years, the foragers may be able to collect some pollen. If you want to push […]
In our area, February brings increasingly warm weather and signals the end of the quiescent time in the bees’ yearly cycle. If you need new bees, NOW is the time to order. Locally grown NUCs are your best option. Andrew Watson at Applegate Apiaries and John Jacob at Old Sol […]
In good weather, the bees can begin to bring nectar and pollen to the hive from early blooms. Strong, successful hives may begin to think about swarming late in the month. Pick a nice sunny day to perform a thorough inspection for eggs, brood pattern, disease, and stores. John talked […]
April can be a tricky month. In wet years, starvation is a risk, and in warm dry years, swarming can be an issue. Strong hives can be divided with natural queen cells or purchased queens. If the hives have decent stores and splitting them is not desired, many beekeepers begin […]
