Check back in January for 2024 Courses, Workshops, and Open Apiaries! Happy Holidays, Everyone.

Below are certified courses for the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program as well as the Learning Objectives they count towards. Remember, you can take any level course; the credits simply won't count until you have fullfilled your other requirements and move to the next level. We will continue to add more courses as they become available. Remember to report your courses withing 60 days of taking it to recieve credit in the GPMB program. 

Please bring payment in the form of cash or check to the event unless otherwise specified. For event cancellation due to bad weather, we will email you 5 hours prior to the event start time. We will also post on the Facebook page @GPMBeekeeping.  Please be sure to register for the event so you can receive updates. 

People standing in beesuits listening to Judy speak

Open Apiary - Lincoln (Nebraska)

April 13th, May 11th, June 8th, July 13th, Aug 10th, Sept 14th, Oct 12th,
UNL Research Apiary: GPS: 40.828995, -96.655743
Once a month the UNL Bee Lab research colonies will be open to GPMB members for demos, Q&A and field training.
State: Nebraska | |
Bees-on-a-hive

2023 Beginning Beekeeping (Johnson County Beekeepers Association)

Part 1 March 18, 2023 Part 2: March 23rd
Part 1: First Baptist Church, Warrensburg, MO 64064 Part 2: Church of Hope, Centerview, MO 64019

2023 Beginning Beekeeping Workshop

State: Missouri | Course Standards: 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.10 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.13 | 1.14 | 1.15 | 1.16 | 1.17 | 1.18 | 1.19 | 1.20 |
2 people pulling out a deep hive frame out of a beehive

Open Apiary - Iowa

May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 26
Honey Hallow Apiary & Gardens, LLC. 13778 Summerset Rd, Indianola, IA.
Open Apiary times are an informal semi-structured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as an hour of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program.
State: Iowa | |
heroestohives

Heroes to Hives

Mar-Nov
Online
Heroes to Hives is a unique program that seeks to address financial and personal wellness of veterans through FREE professional training and community development centered around beekeeping.
State: Iowa | Michigan | Minnesota | Kansas | Missouri | Nebraska | Wyoming | Course Standards: 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.10 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.13 | 1.14 | 1.15 | 1.16 | 1.17 | 1.18 | 1.19 | 1.20 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 2.14 | 2.15 | 2.23 | 2.24 | 3.1 | 3.7 |
Omaha Bee Club Logo

Omaha Bee Club - 2023 Monthly Meetings

February 19th, March 19th, April 16th, May 21st, June 11th, July 16th, August 20th, September 17th, October 14th, November 19th, December 17th
Douglas and Sarpy County Extension Building 8015 West Center Road Omaha, NE, 68124 United States

February 19th:

Annual Bee and Equipment Sales

Mike Palmer Zoom presentation on "Brood Factories"

March 19th:

State: Nebraska | |

Wyoming Bee College 2023

March 24th - March 25th 2022
Pathfinder Building. Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The Wyoming Bee College Conference will be returning to Cheyenne March 24-25, 2023! The Minnesota Bee Squad will be teaching an all-day in-depth class on Friday, March 24 and a couple of classes on Saturday, March 25. Saturday will have an all-day Beginner Basic Beekeeping class along with Beekeeping 101. Also included will be several advanced topics along with Bee Nutrition, Queen Bees, Swarm Management, and much more. For more information visit: wyomingbeecollege.org

State: Wyoming | |
Open Apiary Training

Open Apiary (Spring Hill, KS)

March 23, April 13, April 27, May 25, June 22, July 27, August 24, and Sept. 28
19201 S. Clare Rd. Spring Hill KS 66083

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

Beekeepers: Joli Winer & Cecil Sweeney

State: Kansas | |
Open Apiary Training

Open Apiary (Meriden, KS)

March 19, April 23, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug 20, Sept 17
9491 X Road, Meriden, KS 66512

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

Beekeepers: Steve Tipton and Becky Tipton

Contact: bstbees@embarqmail.com

State: Kansas | |
Open Apiary Training

Open Apiary - Riley, KS (SAVE Farm)

Sunday, June 11th at 10am; Sunday, August 13th at 10am; and Sunday, October 15th at 2pm
9680 N 52nd St. Riley, KS

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

Beekeeper: Nikki Bowman

State: Kansas | |
HMPB annual meeting

Open Apiary- High Mountain Pollinators and Bees

July 23rd, Nov 12th
Alpine, WY

Beekeeper Contact: Beth Missel

lizabetty@gmail.com 

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

State: Wyoming | |
Open Apiary Training

Open Apiary (Iowa State University)

June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5
Horticulture Research Station 55519 170th Street Ames, IA 50010

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

State: Iowa | |
Bee Club

Open Apiary (Rolla MO)

3/26, 4/23, 5/21, 6/25, 7/23, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22
Doolittle Gardens 476 Eisenhower St. Doolittle MO 65550

The apiary is located on nearby private property at Doolittle Gardens, 476 Eisenhower accessible only during our scheduling teaching apiary hours. 

Working at the apiary and attending sessions counts as field hours for Great Plains Master Beekeeping.
Any questions, contact 5734663750 or rollabees@gmail.com

State: Missouri | |

Rolla Bee Club Beginning Beekeeping Course (02/25/2023)

Saturday, February 25, 2023
Doolittle Community Hall. 380 Eisenhower, Rolla, Mo.

​First to pay will get seats.
$85 per person; $150 per couple.
includes class materials, lunch and refreshments.

​8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rolla Bee Club Classes will be held at Doolittle Community Hall, 380 Eisenhower, Rolla, Mo.

Minimum class attendance age 15 years.

State: Missouri | Course Standards: 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.10 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.13 | 1.14 | 1.15 | 1.16 | 1.17 | 1.18 | 1.19 | 1.20 |

Rolla Bee Club Second Year Beekeeping Course

March 25 2023
Doolittle Community Hall. 380 Eisenhower, Rolla, Mo.

Second Year Beekeeping (for beekeepers who have successfully helped bees through one winter together)

Saturday, March 25, 2023

First to pay will get seats.
$85 per person; $150 per couple.
includes class materials, lunch and refreshments.

​8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

State: Missouri | Course Standards: 1.5 | 1.12 | 1.16 | 1.18 | 2.1 | 2.14 | 2.15 | 2.16 | 2.19 | 2.21 | 2.22 | 2.24 |

Hap-Bee Hour: GPMB monthly webinar series

January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8
Zoom

Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program is excited to host our Monthly Hap-Bee Hour Online Discussion Forum and Gathering. 

We have a variety of speakers that discuss topics related to seasonal beekeeping concerns. 

Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

State: Indiana | Iowa | Michigan | Minnesota | Kansas | Missouri | Nebraska | Wyoming | |

UNL Level 1 Beekeeping Workshop Lecture & Field Day 2023

(Part 1 Lecture) February 25th, 2023; (Part 2 Field Day) Saturday April 15th
(Lecture) Classroom at Schramm Education Center, Gretna, NE; (Field Day) UNL Apiary, Lincoln, NE, GPS: 40.828970, -96.655257

Registration Closed

This is an introductory level course that focuses on everything you need to start beekeeping, including topics on beekeeping equipment, protective gear, honey bee biology, stressors, and management basics. Part I of the course includes lectures by several speakers. Part II of the course is a field day that gets you in the hives and takes the lessons from Part I into practice. Learn how to setup the equipment, install and handle bees safely, and perform hive inspections.

State: Nebraska | Course Standards: 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.10 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.13 | 1.14 | 1.15 | 1.16 | 1.17 | 1.18 | 1.19 | 1.20 |
beekeeper students looking at a beehive frame

UNL Level 2 Beekeeping Workshop: Troubleshooting Deadouts (Lincoln)

Saturday, March 11, 2023
Room 202. Entomology Hall 1700 E Campus Mall, Lincoln

UNL Level 2 Beekeeping Workshop: Troubleshooting Deadouts short course. This workshop is about understanding hive losses. This course is meant for beekeepers with at least one year of experience. This workshop will go over how to determine what caused a beehive to die. We will look at factors and signs of starvation, varroa mites and not having enough bees to thermoregulate the hive and other causes of hive loss.

Saturday, March 11th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Room 202. Entomology Hall 1700 E Campus Mall, Lincoln;

State: Nebraska | |

UNL Level 2 Beekeeping Workshop: Troubleshooting Deadouts (North Platte)

Saturday, April 29, 2023
(WCREC Snyder Addition Classroom) West Central Campus, 402 W State Farm Rd., North Platte, NE

Level 2 Beekeeping Workshop: Troubleshooting Deadouts short course. This workshop is about understanding hive losses. This course is meant for beekeepers with at least one year of experience. This workshop will go over how to determine what caused a beehive to die. We will look at factors and signs of starvation, varroa mites and not having enough bees to thermoregulate the hive and other causes of hive loss.

State: Nebraska | |

Open Apiary - Wyoming (Etna)

1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 5/20, 7/15, 8/19, 9/16, 10/21, 12/16
Nordic Ranches Apiary

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

State: Wyoming | |

Open Apiary - Wyoming (Wilson)

1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 4/22, 6/17, 8/19, 9/16
TETON COUNTY RAPTOR CENTER 5450 WY-22 WILSON, WY 83014

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

All Open Apiary events occur on the third Saturday of the month. Winter Open Apiary events are either virtual or in-person, but do not include live bees.

State: Wyoming | |

NE Beekeeping Association Open Apiaries (Aurora, NE)

4/16, 5/28, 6/25, 7/23, 9/24, 10/22
1101 S M Rd, Aurora, NE. 68818.

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 3 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

State: Nebraska | |

Open Apiary - St. Louis, MO.

2/19, 3/26, 4/16, 5/21, 6/11, 7/16, 8/20, 9/17, 10/15, 11/5
Isabee's Bee Yard: 765 Gravois Rd Fenton, Mo. 63026

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program.

State: Missouri | |
Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association logo

2023 Year 2 & Beyond (NKBA)

Saturday. February 25, 2023
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046, United States

YEAR 2 AND BEYOND - Saturday, February 25th, 2023: This class will focus on topics including requeening hives, making splits, products of the hive, and integrated pest management. Lunch and snacks will be provided at breaks. More information will be available soon

State: Kansas | |
Inspecting Beehive

Open Apiary (Columbus, KS)

March 4, April 15, May 6, June 10, August 12, September 23
124 W. County Road, Columbus, KS

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

Beekeeper: Melissa Karsten

Contact: CCABclub@gmail.com

State: Kansas | |
MI Queen Rearing

Queen rearing workshop in Lansing, MI - Pollinators & Pollination

June 17, 2023
MSU Pollinator Performance Center, 4090 College Rd, Lansing, MI 48910
oin Michigan State University beekeeping instructors, Dr. Zachary Huang and Dr. Meghan Milbrath, for a queen rearing workshop. The hands-on session will cover grafting, starter colonies, finishing colonies, and more! Registration Deadline: June 11, 2023 - 11:30AM
State: Michigan | Course Standards: 3.19 |
Rearing Queens

Queen Rearing Workshop in Lansing, MI

June 17, 2023
MSU Pollinator Performance Center, 4090 College Rd, Lansing, MI 48910

Join Michigan State University beekeeping instructors, Dr.Zachary Huang and Dr. Meghan Milbrath, for a queen rearing workshop. The hands-on session will cover grafting, starter colonies, finishing colonies, and more!

State: Michigan | |
Bee with varroa mite

Taking Varroa Seriously at Middle of the Mitten Beekeepers Association's Meeting

May 25, 2023
Forest Hill Nature Area, 11297 N Rich Rd, Alma, MI 48801

Join Middle of the Mitten Beekeepers Association's July meeting for a presentation on Taking Varroa Seriously by Ana Heck. We will cover about recent research on varroa mites, share new perspectives of effective mite management, and look at varroa data from Michigan State University colonies around the state.

State: Michigan | |
Bee on flower

Master Pollinator Steward Program

Thursdays: April 6th, April 13th, April 20th, April 27th, May 4th, May 11th
Online via zoom with in-person field sessions. See the links in the description for a location near you.

Pollinators such as bees, birds, butterflies, bats and insects play a crucial role in the production of most fruits and vegetables. They also support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils and support wildlife. Studies show that pollinator populations are in decline because of a loss of feeding and nesting habitats, pollution and the misuse of pesticides. In this 6-week course, learn how to protect our agricultural economy and food supply with the Master Pollinator Steward program.

State: Missouri | Course Standards: 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.10 | 1.11 | 3.6 | 3.14 |
People looking into beehive

May 9th 2023 Beekeeping Workshop in Lansing, MI

May 9, 2023
MSU Pollinator Performance Center, 4090 College Rd, Lansing, MI 48910

Contact: Ana Heck

Join Michigan State University for an in-hive beekeeping workshop. The hands-on session will cover hive handling, how to inspect a colony for signs of disease or stress, and how to monitor and manage varroa mites.

State: Michigan | |
People looking into Beehive

June 6th 2023 Beekeeping Workshop in Lansing, MI

June 6th 2023
MSU Pollinator Performance Center, 4090 College Rd, Lansing, MI 48910

Join Michigan State University for an in-hive beekeeping workshop. The hands-on session will cover hive handling, how to inspect a colony for signs of disease or stress, and how to monitor and manage varroa mites.

Members of Great Plains Master Beekeeping can count this workshop toward field training hours. Current and past students in the Heroes to Hives program are welcome to register.

State: Michigan | |
People inspecting hive

July 11th, 2023 Beekeeping Workshop in Lansing, MI

July 11, 2023
MSU Pollinator Performance Center, 4090 College Rd, Lansing, MI 48910

Join Michigan State University for an in-hive beekeeping workshop. The hands-on session will cover hive handling, how to inspect a colony for signs of disease or stress, and how to monitor and manage varroa mites.

Members of Great Plains Master Beekeeping can count this workshop toward field training hours. Current and past students in the Heroes to Hives program are welcome to register.

State: Michigan | |
Beekeepers inspecting hive

July 19th, 2023 Beekeeping Workshop in Novi, MI

July 19th, 2023
MSU Tollgate Farm & Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd, Novi, MI 48377

Join Michigan State University for an in-hive beekeeping workshop. The hands-on session will cover hive handling, how to inspect a colony for signs of disease or stress, and how to monitor and manage varroa mites.

Members of Great Plains Master Beekeeping can count this workshop toward field training hours. Current and past students in the Heroes to Hives program are welcome to register.

State: Michigan | |
Man holding frame of bees

Bee Wise Farms’ Heroes to Hives 2023 Workshops

May 27th, June 24th, July 29th, August 26th, September 23rd
Bee Wise Farms, 10192 State Highway M28, Newberry, MI 49868

Bee Wise Farms’ Heroes to Hives 2023 Workshops

State: Michigan | |
event flyer

NEKBA Funday 2023

June 3rd, 2023
Douglas County Fairgrounds 2120 Harper Street, Lawrence, KS

Funday is a day long, fun learning opportunity for beekeepers of all skill levels. Bring a veil or a bee suit for hands on experience at our apiary. There will be guest speakers, demonstrations, vendors, silent auction, prize drawings and a swarm demonstration. Registration fee includes access to all presentations, lunch, and homemade honey ice cream. 

Hotel Information 

Ask for special Beekeeping FunDay rates! 

Country Inn and Suites

2776 E 23rd

Lawrence, KS 66046

State: Kansas | |
Inspection

Open Apiary (Chillicothe, MO)

May 20th, June 5th, July 29th, Sept. 11th
Crooked Hill Beekeeping 19133 LIV 355 Chillicothe, MO 64601

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

Beekeepers: Bill & Tammy George 

Contact: 

(660) 214-0132

State: Missouri | |

Mitchell, NE - Open Apiary

4/29, 6/10
90220 CR 17 Mitchell, NE.

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program.

State: Nebraska | |

Scottsbluff, NE - Open Apiary

8/12
90252 CR 19 Scottsbluff, NE.

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

August 12th 9-11am: we will inspect hives, talk honey harvest, possibly take some frames off, look at equipment for harvest and talk winter prep.

State: Nebraska | |
Beekeepers analyzing bee hives in workshop

UNL Level 1 Beekeeping Workshop - Kimmel Orchard

June 30th
Kimmel Orchard; 5995 G Road, Nebraska City, NE.

Want to learn how to keep honey bees? This beginning course reviews the basic equipment needs, safety considerations, and management practices needed to establish a honey bee colony. Learn how to manage the bees for pollination, honey production, and much more.

 

Registration required and cost is $40/person + $15 for additional family (lunch and snacks included). Bee suits and beekeeping equipment will be available.

State: Nebraska | |
Beekeepers receive instructions at the open apiary location

Open Apiary - Kimmel Orchard

May 13, July 22
Kimmel Orchard; 5995 G Road, Nebraska City, NE.

Description: Interested in beekeeping? Join us for a fun hands-on experience learning about the amazing roles honey bees play in food production and what it takes to get started in beekeeping. Beekeepers of all levels welcome. Registration is required and the cost is $10/person. Bee suits and beekeeping equipment will be available.

State: Nebraska | |
Beekeepers Inspecting Hive

Open Apiary - Lawrence, KS ( Pendelton’s Country Market )

Saturday, May 27th from 9am-11am, Monday, June 19th at 5:30pm-7pm, July (TBD), Monday, August 21st 5pm-6:30pm, Monday, September 18th 5pm-6:30pm, Monday, October 16th 5pm-6:30pm
Pendelton’s Country Market, 1446 E 1850 Rd., Lawrence, KS

Open Apiary times are an informal unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as field training towards your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program.

Beekeeper Contact: Kristi Sanderson

sandersonk09@gmail.com

State: Kansas | |

Open Apiary - Omaha

Saturday, July 8. Saturday, August 5. Saturday, September 9.
Bohemia Cemetery. 5201 Center St. Omaha, NE. 68106.

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. 

Topics:

July 8: Taranov Board Demonstration

August 5: Preparing for Honey Processing

State: Nebraska | |
Beekeepers looking into a hive full of bees

Open Apiary - Slaughterville, Oklahoma

July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21
Easom Farms. 8700 Banner Rd. Slaughterville, Oklahoma.

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives

State: Oklahoma | |
Beekeeper looking at hive with beeswax on the top

Open Apiary: Springfield, MO.

July 16, August 20, September 10, October 15
Call to RSVP for location

Open Apiary times are an informal, unstructured gathering of members of the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. There will be brief demonstrations, questions and answers, and time to get hands-on experience with beehives. Open Apiary will count as 2 hours of field training toward your progress through the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program.

YOU MUST RSVP IN ADVANCE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE APIARY ADDRESS

State: Missouri | |

Mead Making Workshop 2023 at Kimmel Orchard

November 18th
Kimmel Orchard at 5995 G Rd, Nebraska City, NE 68410

 Mead Making Workshop 2023

State: Nebraska | |