SPECIALIZED CLASSES TO PROMOTE STOCK IMPROVEMENT, taught by Susan Cobey,  will be offered at the Harry Laidlaw Honey Bee Research Facility at UCD, in Davis California.

1. THE ART OF QUEEN REARING WORKSHOP, March 25 & 26, 2008, is designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of what it takes to rear high quality queens. The basic biology and principals of queen rearing will be presented.  Beekeepers will be involved in going through the various steps of the process including setting up cell builders, grafting, handling queen cells and establishing mating nucs. The importance of drone production and establishing mating areas will also be presented. The class will consist of a combination of classroom and hands on beekeeping. Two basic queen rearing systems will be demonstrated, a queen right system and a queen less system. Registration Fees $200,

For those who would like to see large scale commercial queen production, an optional one day tour , March 27, will be offered. We will visit several northern California producers during their busy spring season. You will observe a diversity of techniques and systems of queen production. Optional Tour  $50.

2. INSTRUMENTAL INSEMINATION & BEE BREEDING WORKSHOP, April 15, 16 & 17, 2008, is designed for commercial beekeepers who are involved in a breeding program and for laboratory personnel requiring the skill for research purposes. A practical hands-on approach to instruction is provided with emphasis on individual attention, therefore classes are kept small. Detailed instruction and hands-on practice of semen collection and insemination of queens will be emphasized and facilitated with the use of a video camera and monitor. Various types of insemination instruments are displayed and reviewed. The preparation and care of virgin queens and drones will be presented.  Basic bee genetics and various breeding systems will be reviewed. Demonstration materials, virgin queens and drones will be provided for the class.

Knowledge of queen rearing is required.  Beekeepers must provide their own insemination equipment.  Microscopes will be provided for use upon request. . Registration Fees $400

3. ADVANCED WORKSHOP ON THE TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTAL INSEMINATION, April 29, 30 & May1, 2008, is designed as a follow-up to the Instrumental Insemination course. The focus will be perfecting insemination techniques and solving individual problems in the laboratory and in the field. Therefore it is recommended to take this class after some experiences has been gained. Demonstration materials, virgin queens and drones will be provided.

Experience in queen rearing and familiarity with instrumental insemination are required. Beekeepers must bring their own insemination equipment and a bee veil. Microscopes will be provided for use upon request. Registration Fees $400

For Information:
Susan Cobey                 swcobey@ucdavis.edu
http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/home.cfm
University of California, Davis
Dept. of Entomology
Harry Laidlaw Honey Bee Research Facility
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA. 95616-8584
Tel. 530-754-9390         Fax 530-754-7757

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Classes organized by the Sacramento Area Beekeepers Association (SABA): 

Beginning Beekeeping (taught by Randy Oliver) Saturday Feb. 23 or March 22.
                  
Intermediate Beekeeping (taught by Dr. Eric Mussen) Saturday May 3

All three one-day classes will be held in the Sacramento County Coop Ag Extension audittorium, 4145 Branch Center Rd. (1 block west of Bradshaw at Keifer Blvd.) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch.  The cost per class is $35/person ($30 for SABA members).  To register or for more info, call Sacramento Beekeeping Supply at (916) 451-2337 (Tues-Sat 9:30-5:15) or email sacbeek@csnet.com.  If you have a bee hat & veil, please bring them to class.

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Palo Cedro Honey Bee Festival is in September at Bishop Quinn High School in Palo Cedro.  The American Honey queen will be present and go to schools during the week.

Delta Bee Club-Meets the first Tuesday of each month.

Sacramento Area Beekeepers-Meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Belle Cooledge Community Center, southeast corner of South Land Park Drive and Fruitridge Avenue, at 7:00 p.m.

California Bee Breeders Association- For more information, call 530-633-4789. 

Southern Valley Bee Club -Meetings are held every three months.  For more information, call (559) 783-1723. 

Beekeepers Association of Southern California (BASC) - Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the City of La Mirada Community Resource Ctr., 13710 La Mirada Blvd., Civic Center Drive on left side, at 7:00 p.m.  For more information, call (562) 841-9754.  

Nevada County Beekeepers Association-Meets the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Grass Valley Veteran's Memorial Building at 255 South Auburn Street in Grass Valley.
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