Michigan Beekeepers’ Association Virtual 2021 Spring Conference set

Michigan State University Extension will co-host the Michigan Beekeepers’ Association’s Spring Conference held virtually March 3-6, 2021.

Beekeepers and people interested in learning more about beekeeping, honey bees, hive products, drone use and bee-related arts and culture are welcome to attend. The Michigan Beekeepers’ Association celebrates its 156 years of serving Michigan beekeepers, and the association supports over 30 local beekeeping clubs in Michigan. Past conferences hosted by the Michigan Beekeepers’ Association have received over 600 attendees.

The Spring Conference will feature 30 vendors and 40 speakers. Evening sessions on Wednesday, March 3, through Friday, March 5, will cover beekeeping history, resources for beekeepers, a live cooking show and keynote presentations from Samuel Ramsey and Juliana Rangel.

On Thursday, March 4, there will be a series of presentations on resources from MSU Extension for beekeepers. Ana Heck will present an MSU Apiculture Extension update, Isabel Branstrom and Rebecca Finneran will present on planting for pollinators, Florencia Colella will share farm business resources with beekeepers, Diane Longanbach will talk about how the MSU Product Center can help beekeepers sell hive products, and Adam Ingrao will present on the Heroes to Hives program for military veterans.

On Saturday, March 6, there will be four different tracks of presentations. One track is specifically for people who are beginning beekeeping. Two tracks will focus on intermediate and advanced beekeeping topics, including queen rearing, splits, making nucs and commercial beekeeping. Finally, one track will feature presentations on art and culture related to beekeeping and honey bees.

The conference promises many entertaining topics, from garden piano hives to using (machine) drones to follow (bee) drones, to yoga for beekeeping. Beekeepers and people who want to learn more about honeybees are welcome to attend.

Register here.

– Ana Heck, Michigan State University Extension