Extension Program to educate beekeepers on queen bee production

Extension Program to educate beekeepers on queen bee production

The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) will hold a Queen Bee Rearing Program at the Pike County Extension Office, 1140 North Clark Ave., Magnolia, Mississippi, Saturday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Persons interested in beekeeping will learn from Dr. Jeff Harris, Mississippi State University Extension Service, the methods of queen bee production with emphasis on non-grafting methods.

Harris, a member of the extension-research apicultural team, has worked for more than 15 years as a bee breeder with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Honey Bee Breeding Lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his work developing lines of honeybees that express high levels of Varroa sensitive hygienic (VSH) behavior.

Last year, Alcorn’s workshop for beginner beekeepers was a success with over 40 people in attendance. Participants were instructed by Harris on the biology of honeybees and were offered tips on bee-hive maintenance as well bee care and proper beekeeper safety.

This event is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required. To register, contact Audrey Wilson, agriculture educator, at (601) 783-5321 or [email protected].