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BF 160: Introduction to Beekeeping (Self-Paced)

General Course Resources

Self-Paced Schedule and Participant Guide
Pre-Course Survey
Kiva US - 0% Interest Loans up to $15,000
Tax Implications for Beekeepers
Navigating in Teachable; Getting a Course Completion Certificate; and More

Week 1: Introduction to Beekeeping

Week 1 Webinar Recording
Intro to Bee Biology for Beekeepers
ACTIVITY and FORUM: Name the Bees
Recommended Organizations, Books and Websites for New Beekeepers
Quiz - Getting to Know Your Bees

Week 2: Setting Up Your Apiary

Week 2 Webinar Recording
5-min Video: Siting Your Apiary
FORUM and ACTIVITY: Siting Your Apiary
ACTIVITY: Create Your "Year in the Apiary" Calendar
Beekeeping Calendar for the Northeast (this resource is already shared in the assignment above)
4 minute VIDEO - installing a NUC (Michigan State University))
Quiz - Siting Your Apiary & Yearly Calendar
Pollination Resources

Week 3: Basic Equipment for Your First Year

Week 3 Webinar Recording
Bee Space and the Components of a Hive
Ordering Bees: Nucs vs Packages
ACTIVITY: Hive Equipment Checklist, Sources and Budget
Quiz - Beekeeping Equipment

Week 4: Basic Hive Inspection, Part I

Week 4 Webinar Recording
Sample Hive Inspection Checklist
ACTIVITY: Hive Inspection Protocol
15-min Video: First Hive Inspection
Photos of What You'll See in Healthy Hives
Apiary Inspection Checklist
Quiz - Basic Hive Inspection, pt 1

Week 5: Basic Hive Inspection, Part II - What to do When Things Go Wrong

Week 5 Webinar Recording
Hive Diagnostics: What Went Wrong?
FORUM: Swarm and Robbing Management
15 minute video on Swarm Control (Univ of Guelph)
20 minute video on Splitting Hives (Univ of Guelph)
Quiz - Basic Hive Inspection - When Things Go Wrong

Week 6: Introduction to Pests and Diseases

Week 6 Webinar Slides and Recording
The Big Three: Nosema, Varroa, and Foulbrood
FORUM and Videos: How Will You Prepare for Varroa?
Quiz - Pests & Diseases
Post-Course Survey: Complete for a Chance to Win!

Week 7: I Have Honey! Now What?

Week 7 Webinar Slides and Recording
From Honeycomb to Consumer: Marketing Local Honey Products in NYS
FORUM: Share Your Thoughts on Honey Marketing
Quiz - So I have honey, now what?

Week 8: Preparing Your Colonies for Winter

Week 8 Webinar Slides and Recording
FORUM: Prepping Your Hives for Winter
Overwintering Bees in Cold Climates
Quiz - Overwintering Your Bees
Post-Course Survey: Complete for a Chance to Win!
Staying Connected and Continuing to Learn!

Sample Hive Inspection Checklist

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