2026 Thriving Hive Beginning Beekeeping Series

USU Extension Thriving Hive Beginning Beekeeping Hands-on Series 2026

February through October!

This class series is designed for first-year beekeepers or those who would like to experience beekeeping before purchasing their first hives. The classes will include in-person lectures and hands-on management of the beehives at Wheeler Farm. This class focuses on the traditional 10-frame Langstroth hive.

Classes will be held the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Wheeler Historic Farm. Exceptions to the schedule may occur due to inclement weather and course topics are subject to change.

Course instructors include USU faculty, UDAF employees, and local beekeeping experts.

Cost: $175 per person. Materials and text are included with the registration fee.
February 3 - Lecture: Beginning Beekeeping Overview

February 17 - Lecture: Getting Equipped

March 3 - Lecture: Bee Biology

March 17 - Lecture: Starting Your Bees Off Right

March 31 – Lecture: Planting for Pollinators

April 7 – Lecture: Native Bees

Mid April – Hands-on: Install Bees at Wheeler Farm (*Date dependent on bee delivery and subject to change)

Mid April – Hands-on: Optional Queen check day – 5 to 7 days after bee install

April 21 – Lecture: Honeybee Pests and Diseases

May 5 – Hands-on: Hive Workday

May 19 – Hands-on: Hive Workday and Mite Check

June 2 – Hands-on: Hive Workday

June 16 – Hands-on: Hive Workday and Mite Check

June 30 – Lecture: – Selling Your Products

July 7 – Hands-on: Hive Workday and Mite Check

July 21 – Hands-on: Hive Workday

August 4 – Lecture: – Fall and Winter Prep

August 18 – Hands-on: Honey Harvest and Mite Check

September 1 – Hands-on: Hive Workday and Mite Check

September 15 – Hands-on: Honey Extraction

September 29 – Hands-on: Honey Products

October 6 – Lecture: Last Class