2014 advanced beekeeping

presentation descriptions

Getting Started with Organic Beekeeping
Location and equipment requirements; basic honey bee biology; swarming as an expression of the bees vitality; presence and mindfulness in the bee yard.

Organic Control Of Varroa Mites
Mite biology and identification, genetic resistance, nucleus colonies and brood cycle interruption, screened bottom boards, trapping mites, comb rotation, essential oils, organic acids, herbal treatments, sugar dusting, small cell foundation/naturally built comb.

Colony Collapse Disorder and Organic Solutions
The current state of bees and beekeeping and every day solutions for beekeepers and the public...pesticides, proper nutrition, beneficial bacteria and antibiotics, organic-vs-non-organic methods of controlling diseases and pests, climate change and pollution, better stewardship of the Earth.

Controlling Pests (Other Than Varroa) Naturally
Bears, skunks, mice, ants, wax moths, small hive beetles, American foul brood, European foul brood, nosema, chalk brood, chill brood.

workshop presenter

Ross Conrad learned his craft from the late Charles Mraz, world renowned beekeeper and promoter of apitherapy, and Charlies’ son Bill. Conrad is a former president of the 
Vermont Beekeeper's Association, a regular contributor to Bee Culture - The Magazine of American Beekeeping, and author of Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches To Modern Apiculture published by Chelsea Green. Ross has given bee related presentations and led organic beekeeping workshops and classes throughout North America for many years. His beekeeping business, Dancing Bee Gardens, supplies friends, neighbors, with honey and candles among other bee related products, and provides bees for Vermont apple pollination in spring.

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