Virginia Master Beekeeper Program
February, 2008
Dr. Roger Morse of Cornell University first proposed a Master Beekeeper program in 1975. This original program is still run through the Eastern Apiculture Society. Over the years similar programs have been adapted by other organizations. Although requirements vary, the goals of each of these programs are to recruit new beekeepers, improve the general knowledge of apiculture, and reward efforts in advancing apiculture. As a result of these programs numerous beekeepers have received training to improve the management and productivity of their beehives. The Master Beekeepers in turn provide an enlarged pool of experts to recruit and train beekeepers.
Education is a key element of the Master Beekeeper program. Improving a beekeeper’s knowledge of apiculture correspondingly improves their successful management of honey bees. The proposed Virginia plan is to follow the NC model with input from the Master Beekeeper programs of EAS, SC, and GA. However, the Virginia Master Beekeeper program will also be adapted to the needs of Virginia’s beekeepers. We propose that it be a 3 level program similar to NC without the Master Craftsman. The Master Level would be equivalent to the EAS Master Beekeeper with an added emphasis on practical beekeeping experience and service. The Master Beekeeper program will be administered be Virginia Cooperative Extension with input from the beekeeping specialist at Virginia Tech, the State Apiarist (VDACS), and the VSBA.
Entry level of the VA Master Beekeeper Program. At this level the individual should be familiar with the basic skills and knowledge necessary for the beginning beekeeper.
Requirements:
· One year of beekeeping experience including the management of at least one hive
· Knowledge requirements:
· Basic beekeeping equipment and proper assembly
· Basic honey bee biology (caste members, colony organization, natural nest etc.)
· Yearly management cycle
· Major bee pests (Varroa, wax moth, American foulbrood, Africanized honey bee)
· Must complete at least six (6) hours of classroom instruction in introductory beekeeping training
· Must pass a written and practical test, including the proper inspection of a hive
Second level for the Master Beekeeper Program. At this level the individual should be functioning as a competent beekeeper with the skills and knowledge for moving into the areas of sideline beekeeping if he/she so desires.
Requirements
· Must have two (2) years of beekeeping experience beyond the Qualified level and have managed a minimum three (3) hives2
· Knowledge requirements:
· Honey bee and colony biology (swarm cycle, requeening techniques, winter biology, etc)
· Bee diseases and Pests (including mite sampling)
· Honey production, extraction and bottling (including comb honey)
· Virginia honey plants and their bloom cycle
· Basic biology of other stinging insects (wasps, bumblebees, etc)
· Competency in safe handling and use of pesticides
· Africanized honey bee and best management practices
· Must complete six (6) units of public service1 work in beekeeping
· Must complete at least twelve (12) hours of classroom instruction in advanced beekeeping training
· Must pass a written and practical test, including identification of common honey bee diseases and pests.
Third level for the Master Beekeeper Program. At this level the individual should be able to function as a sideline or commercial beekeeper if he/she so desires. In addition to the general aspects of beekeeping the individual will be able to demonstrate a more detailed knowledge of honey bee biology, management, and the business aspects of beekeeping. Master beekeepers will also be expected to continue learning and contributing to beekeeping programs.
Requirements:
· Must have three (3) years of beekeeping experience beyond the Certified level and have managed a minimum of 15 hives2
· Knowledge Requirements:
· Comprehensive knowledge of honey bee biology, and management practices (everything from anatomy and physiology to moving bees)
· Knowledge of hive products (honey, beeswax, royal jelly, pollen) and the judging of honey and beeswax
· Competency in the diagnosis and treatment of bee diseases and pests
· Competency in queen rearing (small or large scale)
· Management and use of honey bees for pollination
· Knowledge of Africanized honey bee identification
· Federal and State regulations regarding beekeeping
· Knowledge of history of beekeeping
· Must complete at least twelve (12) hours of classroom instruction in advanced beekeeping training.
· Must complete ten (10) units of public service work in beekeeping beyond Certified level, and show the ability to work with the public
· Be able to show demonstrated service to a beekeeping organization (2 years of experience, may be at a local, state, regional, or national level)
· Conduct at least 2 programs or workshops at beekeeper meetings, assist in a beekeeping course, and/or serve as a volunteer for Virginia Cooperative Extension (at least 6 months).
· Complete at least one other advanced-level requirement such as writing an article for a bee journal, edit a beekeeping newsletter, or participate in an approved research or extension project,
· Attend at least 2 regional or national beekeeping meetings, such as EAS, HAS, MAAREC or ABF.
· Must pass a written and practical level test and lab (demonstrate expertise in selected subspecialties of beekeeping)
1. Public service includes presentations to local civic groups, schools, youth organizations, garden clubs, news interviews, etc. A unit of public service is defined as a program, such as a talk or demonstration.
2. The individual does not have to own hives being managed, but must have assisted in the management of these hives over a several year period