About the UF Bee College

Tentative schedule is now available. Click here to view it! Classes are subject to change prior to the event.

The most extensive educational honey bee event in the state of Florida is back for its ninth year! Everyone is welcome to attend Bee College: beekeepers, naturalists, farmers, gardeners, county agents, and anyone interested in honey bees! This two-day event offers lectures in the morning and hands-on workshops in the afternoon. We have live honey bee colonies on site for open hive demonstrations and protective gear for everyone. This event won’t leave you hungry either, we serve morning and afternoon snacks, lunch both days, a full banquet dinner on Friday evening and an ice cream social following the Awards Ceremony. At the Awards Ceremony we announce students who have entered or advanced in the Master Beekeeper Program, Welsh Honey Judges, and the place winners and Best of Show in the UF Bee College Honey Show, as well as give out door prizes. Bee College is simply the best time you could have learning about honey bees!

During Bee College there are 7-8 different classes that run over 6 periods during the day. This totals to over 50 courses that you could take over the college.

Beginner topics: There is a beginner track, listed in green on the schedule. It is repeated both days, so that if you come only Friday or only Saturday you can attend these crucial courses. If you attend the whole event, then it gives you the opportunity to fulfill the beginner track over two days and still attend other interesting classes that may coincide with the track.

Advanced Topics: These topics will satisfy repeat Bee College attendees and those with more beekeeping experience. We have courses that cover queen breeding, crop pollination, advanced bee pathogens, varroa control, pesticide/pollinator interactions, and more.

Hands-on: We host a number of courses in a workshop-like setting where you gain experience building equipment, extracting honey, making splits, and marking queens. We have 10 colonies on site for open hive demonstrations all day long. Suits, smokers, and tools, are available to use.

Hobbyists and Craft-lovers: We have fun DIY classes like  candle making, honey exhibitions, lip blam and salve making and more.

Something for Everyone: We try to create the classes so that they are directed toward either beginners or advanced beekeepers but can accommodate anyone interested in the subject. We also have timely keynote addresses given by some of the world's leaders in honey bee research, advocacy and literature.

Jr. Bee College: On Saturday, we host Jr. Bee College for children age 6-16. This educational experience runs all day with fun classroom activities and a chance to look into a hive up-close. We have special guests and tons of activites to keep the kids busy while the parents registered for Bee College can enjoy more advanced topics. Parents and teachers welcome. There is no additional fee for Jr. Bee College with a paid adult registration, but a sign up is required, as we do purchsae additional insurance for the children. 

Please visit www.UFhoneybee.com for more detailed information.