Next month, honeybee enthusiasts are invited to attend the 31st Annual Alabama Beekeepers Symposium. The event will take place on February 7. Alabama Extension System and Auburn University will share this educational and training opportunity for new and seasoned beekeepers alike.
Alabama Extension Agent Jack Rowe said that this year’s symposium will focus on topics related to colony management and survival, as well as developing new skills topics.
“The symposium is an excellent way to learn beekeeping skills, look at the new products, and above all, have a chance to meet beekeepers from across the state and wider region,” Rowe said.
This year, the Beekeepers Symposium shifts to a new venue in Hanceville, Alabama, at the Wallace State Community College campus. Starting check-in at 8:00 a.m., the learning centered activities last from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
With an action‑packed agenda that features hands‑on learning and valuable lectures, beekeepers can look forward to a full day of engagement. They’ll have dedicated time to ask questions and tackle their challenges with guidance from industry experts.
Selina Bruckner, assistant Extension professor and researcher in the Auburn University Bee Center, said she encourages beekeepers to take advantage of this opportunity.
“The symposium is an intimate conference that allows participants to directly engage with the speakers. But it is crucial for both researchers and beekeepers to interact,” Bruckner said. “As researchers, we need to know what experiments and science the beekeepers want and need, as we ultimately serve the industry with our research.”
To address current industry challenges, Rowe says that this meeting will be a worthwhile platform for hobbyists and commercial producers.
“In our state, we have parasites, diseases, habitat loss, pollution and the introduction of new honeybee pests constantly pressuring our beekeepers,” Rowe said. “Our symposium is focused on bringing updates from researchers and experienced beekeepers to help them keep ahead of the issues.”
Keynote speaker Cameron Jack, an assistant professor of honeybee toxicology at the University of Florida, will present on Varroa mite control practices. Additionally, Jon Zawislak, an assistant professor of apiculture at the University of Arkansas, will cover a variety of beekeeping techniques that are useful to all.
To add even more value, attendees will also have the chance to purchase equipment from an array of suppliers. In fact, some vendors have pre-order options that save producers in shipping costs. Finally, beekeepers are encouraged to enter the symposium honey show to showcase their hive products like bottled honey, as well as bee-related arts.
With its blend of practical training, research insights and curated connections, this year’s symposium is sure to benefit Alabama beekeepers.
Go to https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/alabama-beekeepers-symposium/ for more information about the event.
