EXT XEN.0012 - Beekeeping in Northern Climate Online 2025
Description
Interested in becoming a beekeeper? The University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Bee Squad will help you get started in beekeeping. If you have no prior experience keeping bees in our cold climate, Beekeeping in Northern Climates will teach you the foundations you need to know for success.
In this course, you’ll learn the essential skills for successful beekeeping, including honey bee biology, colony management, wintering bees, colony handling tips, and common diseases and pests. If your goal is to keep your bees healthy and thriving year after year, this course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
What the Course Includes:
- 14+ hours of pre-recorded video content: Work through the material at your own pace.
- Detailed written and image-based resources to reinforce learning.
- Two ways to get instructor support: Join live monthly Q&A sessions via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month (6-7 PM CST) or post questions in the online discussion forum, where an instructor will respond every Monday.
- Special live welcome event: On January 14, 2025, from 6-7 PM CST, join us for a live online welcome via Zoom. Recording available afterward for those unable to attend or register after the date.
Course Timing & Registration:
- Registration is open until December 31, 2025.
- Access to the course begins January 1, 2025 and will last until December 31, 2026. This extended timeframe allows you to work through the content at your own pace and revisit any sections as needed, even after completing the course. Access does not change based on registration date.
- A printed copy of the "Beekeeping in Northern Climates, Third Edition" manual (beelab.umn.edu/manuals) will be mailed to you within three weeks of registration.
This course is designed to fit into your schedule, with flexible, self-paced learning and plenty of opportunities for instructor interaction. Whether you're brand new to beekeeping or looking to sharpen your skills for northern climates, this course offers the support and expertise you need for long-term success.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to learn the skills of keeping honey bees. However, if your primary goal is to support all pollinators, we encourage planting a diverse array of flowers to provide food and nesting sites.
If you prefer in-person instruction, we also offer a Beekeeping in Northern Climates course each winter: beelab.umn.edu/binc-classes.
Course content questions
Katie Lee, KatieLee@umn.edu
Registration questions
Extension Registration, ext-reg@umn.edu