Third Annual UF/IFAS South Florida Bee College event returns Aug. 14-15

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The state’s biggest educational event for honey bee hobbyists, professionals and anyone interested in honey bees has expanded to South Florida, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences officials announced this week.

 

UF’s Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory is hosting its third annual South Florida Bee College at the UF/IFAS Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 14 and 15 in Davie, Florida.

 

The two-day event offers classes for all ages and experience levels, from novice to seasoned beekeeper. This year’s schedule includes more than 40 classes. “Whether you are starting your own beekeeping endeavor or merely have an interest in honey bees, there is a class for all levels,” said Lyndall Brezina, the extension technician with the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory Department of Entomology and Nematology.

 

The Junior Bee College, an all-day event on Saturday, Aug. 15, is open to children ages 6 through 16. Participants will learn everything from basic entomology and bee biology to practical beekeeping through hands-on, fun, interactive, games and lessons.

 

Participants in Bee College are also welcome to showcase their home-made bee products and other bee-related material in the South Florida Bee College Honey Show, one of the state’s largest competitions of its kind. The competition includes 20 entry classes, from comb honey, to extracted honey, and even beekeeping gadgets. Visit www.ufhoneybee.com for rules.

 

Special guest speakers for the event include Jerry Hayes, former Florida Chief Apiary Inspector and current Lead Honey Bee Expert for Monsanto who will host a question and answer session. Entomologist experts in honey bees, and the fields of chemical ecology, pesticides and pest management will also lead workshops.

 

 

Participants must register by Aug. 14 at eventbrite.com, keywords South Florida Bee College 2015. For more details about the event, please visit www.UFhoneybee.com.

 

The cost is $135 per person to attend for one day or $185 for two days. Family and other discount rates are offered.

 

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By: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu

 

Source: Lyndall Brezina, 352-273-3932, lbrezina@ufl.edu

 

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Posted: July 17, 2015


Category: UF/IFAS



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