Beekeeping in Nelson County has been embraced by many in our community for generations. Some seek it as a hobby and some look at it as a viable way for additional on farm income. Either way, the Nelson County Bee club can help you learn more about the art and science of keeping bees.

In the fall of 2012, a group of interested beekeepers with varying backgrounds began talking about the formation of a bee club to help disseminate information and to learn from one another. In December of 2012, the first meeting was attended by 18 folks interested in beekeeping at some level. During the 218-2019 year, the club reached 100 paid members and enjoyed an average attendance at the monthly meetings of around 45 folks.

In the Spring of 2019, the association also hosted a free intermediate beekeeping school. Sixty-Five people attended the day-long school and learned from association beekeepers about swarm control, swarm catching, dividing a hive, harvesting equipment, and feeding.  

The leadership committee of this group has done a wonderful job of filling each month with an educational opportunity and sharing of experiences for all levels of understanding. The group has exercised its strength in numbers by combining on purchases for items like Nucs (85) at a twenty-five percent discount, and on sugar for feeding. In the last year, they have explored the topics of:

Honeybee Legislation
Insurance and liability
Plants that offer the best BeeAdvantage
Feeding and care
Making Splits
Swarm Catching