Oneida County Beekeepers to host advanced level beekeeping class

The Oneida County Beekeepers Association invites established beekeepers to Rhinelander for an advanced beekeeping course. Matthew Smart, Judy Wu and Mike Goblirsch, graduate students from the University of Minnesota working under Dr. Marla Spivak and Gary Reuter, will present the following topics: Effects of Varying Agricultural Landscapes on Honeybee Health and Nutrition; Effects of Pesticides on Honeybees; and Northern Wintering and Thermoregulation of Honeybees.

In addition, pests and disease management, hive inspection, swarming, splits, queen rearing, bee life cycle, wax rendering, pollen collection and mead making will be presented by Paul Goossen, commercial and hobby beekeeper for 40 years; Chris Hansen of Hansen Honey Farm; and others in the local beekeeping community.

The class will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom, 4321 South Shore Dr., Rhinelander. The cost is $40 per participant or $50 per couple and includes lunch, refreshments and dessert. Those attending will have a chance to win an extractor from BetterBee Inc. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Registration deadline is Jan. 11.

For more information, log on to OneidaCountyBeekeepers.com or call Moria at (715) 360-3713.