How to Start Beekeeping | Farm Raised With P. Allen Smith

Hey, looking for a hobby that's the bee's knees? Well, my name is Steve Schroeder, and I first got interested in bees about ten years ago. We've been keeping bees here in Arkansas since we got here about six years and a half years ago. More than anything else, bees are an interesting technical, scientific topic to learn and there's a lot to study and a lot of skills to get. So the idea of skill-building and intellectual exercise, to me, is what attracted to bees because I didn't know anything about them. Aside from that, the bees are important to pollinate the crops on my farm, mostly our fruit trees and our vegetables. In addition, the bees are interesting as all get out just to study and watch. Our bee yard varies from eight to about twelve colonies. And a colony may have one hive box or two hive boxes or three hive boxes, usually depending on what time of year it is. I think the first steps for someone who's interested in beekeeping is to find another beekeeper nearby who will help you. I think it's also important to attend the meetings of your local beekeeper's club. And you can certainly find that club by contacting the County Extension Service in your county, and they will direct you to the bee inspectors in the state bee agency. And they'll be able to direct you to the beekeeping club. Beekeepers are friendly and very eager to help new beekeepers and show new beekeepers the ropes. I think it's also important that any beginning beekeeper take a formal beekeeping class. And these are usually offered by the County Extension Service or frequently by beekeeping clubs throughout the United States. If you're interested in keeping bees, what I suggest is that you check and see if there is an association in your state and figure out when they're doing bee classes. Sign up for one. And get some honey bees. If you're enjoying these segments, make sure check in regularly. And check on my bees. They're gonna be showing up on a regular basis.