Why not rear your own queens? The University of Minnesota Queen Rearing short course teaches one method of rearing queens that works consistently for both hobby and commercial beekeepers. Topics covered include queen and drone biology, timing of queen rearing in northern climates, stock selection and breeding for hygienic behavior, setting up mating yards, and record keeping. Everyone will have a chance to try their hand at grafting larvae and raising their own queens. A unique feature of the course is the section on queen rearing equipment designs that will allow you to build your own!
The cost for the 2 1/2 day course is $295.00 which includes Successful Queen Rearing manual, Honey Bee Diseases and Pests manual, lunch, and refreshments. Those attending the course receive a professional video (DVD) demonstrating the queen rearing techniques. Enrollment is limited to 32 people, so register early!
This course is for anyone interested in learning how to raise queens who has at least one year of beekeeping experience.
This class is to 32 people. Registration is first come first served.
1. Explain your reason for taking this course, including why you want to raise queens.
2. How many colonies do you maintain?
Friday, July 10
12:00 Lunch (provided)
Saturday, July 11 (note: bring your own veil and other protective gear!)
8:30 Hive Manipulations and Grafting (Indoor, practice run)
12:00 Lunch (on your own)
1:15 Hive Manipulations and Grafting (Outdoor, real thing)
Sunday, July 12 (note: bring your own veil and other protective gear!)
9:00 Taking Grafting Cells out of Swarm Box and Placing in Finishing Colony
Refunds: $245 will be given to participants who cancel in writing by midnight, June 16, 2013
Cancellations: Send to Gary S. Reuter, 1980 Folwell Ave. Room 219, St. Paul, MN 55108-6125 or by email.