Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Jefferson County is offering a four-week introductory course on beekeeping starting this January. The program, Beekeeping Basics, is designed for those interested in learning about bee biology, pest management, hive placement and maintenance, equipment types, honey extraction and processing, and making beeswax products.
The course will be led by Dan Whitmore of Selma, an experienced beekeeper who works with both conventional Langstroth hives and Layen horizontal hives. Drawing inspiration from beekeeping experts Dr. Leo Sharashkin and Fedor Lazutin, Whitmore focuses on creating resilient habitats for bees and capturing local swarms.
Beekeeping Basics will be held on Tuesdays, January 20th and 27th, and February 3rd and 10th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Extension Office in Fairfield. A light meal will be provided each week at 6:00 p.m. The cost for the full four-week course is $10 per person, while Jefferson County 4-H members may attend free of charge.
Those interested can register online at https://go.iastate.edu/BU1NCX or by calling the Extension Office at 641-472-4166.
