Helpful Resources
Helpful resources for beginners:
Books
Your local beekeeping association will be a good source of loaner books, magazines and other resources, but if you’d like to add some good books to your personal library, here is a start:
Ontario Manuals & Books By OBA Tech-Transfer & Others
Courses/ Conferences
Taking a course or attending a conference is highly recommended. Here are a few excellent resources in Ontario and nearby U.S.
The Ontario Beekeeper’s Association (OBA) provides courses on various topics in various locations in Ontario. The OBA also has bi-annual meetings where you can meet other beekeepers and catch up on the latest research and thinking. Check out the Calendar on the Home Page and the Tech-Transfer Workshop Page of this website.
The Honey Bee Research Centre at the University of Guelph offers a very popular Introductory Beekeeping weekend course for beginner and established beekeepers seeking more in-depth knowledge about bees and the beekeeping industry. The registration process starts strictly in January. For further information please refer to their webpage: UoG Workshops
The Eastern Apiculture Society (EAS) puts on a terrific annual conference for beginners to experts.
Check with your local beekeeper’s association as well for courses run by local beekeepers.
On-line resources
The Internet is loaded with information and advice about beekeeping and it’s fun to wander through, picking and choosing what to explore. But, as with any other topic, you will find the whole range from excellent, research-based information to really terrible advice. And even the good advisors will have different points of view, which can be confusing. Your challenge as a new beekeeper is to develop your own beekeeping style and values and to balance that with an open mind and a commitment to learning. Here are some good resources you can trust to get you started.
OBA Wander through this site for practical, research-based advice and information.
OBA TTP's online courses are self-guided and available on demand.
UoG HBRC YouTube Series How-To Beekeeping Video Series
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Find information about honey bee health and beekeeping in Ontario, including regulations, registration, permits and resources.
Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium Chock full of credible helpful and detailed information for beginners.
