Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• End-of-Season Review & Overwintering Strategies

  • When
    November 18, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Bristol Agricultural High School, 135 Center St, Dighton, Student Commons Building

  Register

  Our November meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 18
  7-9 pm 

  We will meet in Bristol Aggie - Student Commons
  (download map)

  --------------------

  
  

  Join us for our next meeting as we host Paul Tessier, Massachusetts State Inspector of Honey Bees with the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)!

  Inspector Tessier will provide crucial insights into the health of Massachusetts honey bee colonies as we prepare for the winter and the season ahead. This is a must-attend event for beekeepers looking to optimize their winter management and stay informed on state apiary initiatives.

  
  

  Key Discussion Areas May Include:

  1. End-of-Season Review & Overwintering Strategies

  • An overview of common issues observed during the recent inspection season, providing a firsthand look at the health challenges facing colonies across the state.

  • An analysis of what these issues might mean for overwintering success, helping beekeepers anticipate potential losses and prepare effectively.

  • Practical, actionable steps for beekeepers to correct or mitigate these common issues in their own apiaries.

  2. Winter Hive Management

  • A look at what is happening in your hives in November/December—understanding the crucial cluster phase and what your bees need to survive the cold.

  • A guide to winter treatments and feeding, covering best practices for late-season mite control and ensuring colonies have adequate food stores.

  • Miticide (pesticide) approval information, ensuring you are using approved and effective treatments correctly and legally.

  3. MDAR Apiary Program Update

  • What's new at MDAR: Discover the latest initiatives and resources provided by the Department of Agricultural Resources to support the beekeeping community.

  • How local beekeepers can support MDAR's efforts and contribute to the health and sustainability of apiculture in the Commonwealth.

  Don't miss this opportunity to connect directly with the State Apiary Inspector, ask your pressing questions, and gain the knowledge necessary for a successful winter and spring.

  
  

  ..............................................................

  ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:
  

   

  Paul Tessier began his work with the https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resourcesMassachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) in 2017 as a Seasonal Apiary Inspector and transitioned to a full-time Apiary Inspector role in 2020. In 2025, he received a Certificate of Achievement recognizing his contributions to the department. His responsibilities include inspecting honey bee colonies imported into Massachusetts, overseeing honey bee health regulations within the state, and managing the State Apiary located on the campus of Bristol County Agricultural High School. Paul is not only highly knowledgeable about honey bees and beekeeping in Massachusetts but also deeply committed to supporting and educating beekeepers across the state.

  
  

  Show details
• Buzz Line: Ask a Beekeeper - November

  • When
    November 19, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  
  

  Bristol County Beekeeper: You are invited to join us for an hour-long open panel with experienced beekeepers ready to answer your questions and share insights.

   Gain practical advice on hive management, bee health, and more while connecting with fellow beekeepers.

  Let's build a thriving community together, one bee at a time!

   Questions submitted prior to our panel will be answered first.
  Submit your question here: https://bit.ly/buzz-line-q

  No registration is required. 

   Add this to your calendar: https://bit.ly/buzz-line

  
  

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  Join  Our Zoom Meeting
   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88521635940
  Passcode: 135218

  ---------------------------------------

  Our past BuzzLine recordings can be found on our website under 'Resources"

  Show details
• Bee School 2026: February 3 – March 31

  • Start
    February 03, 2026
  •  
  • End
    March 31, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    Bristol Agricultural High School, 135 Center St, Dighton, Building 14
  • Spaces left
    71

  Register

  Bristol County Beekeepers Association

  2025 Beginner’s Beekeeping Course 

  Tuesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00

  February 3 – March 31, 2026

  
  

  Who Should Attend?

  This course is perfect for anyone interested in bees!
  Whether you are:

  • Considering starting beekeeping

  • A beginner seeking more knowledge

  • Simply curious about honeybees

  Course Details

  • Location: All classes are held in person at Bristol Aggie.

  • Schedule:

    • Day & Time: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (includes a 15-minute break).

    • End Date: Classes are currently scheduled to end on March 31st.

    • Contingency: A make-up date is scheduled for April 7th if any class cancellations occur (pushing the schedule back a week).

    • Bonus: A follow-up continued education class will be held in September.

  Topics Covered

  The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to beekeeping, including:

  • Honeybee Biology

  • Acquiring Your First Bees

  • Buying or Building a Beehive

  • Colony Management and seasonal care (what to do during the four seasons)

  • Forage (plants for the bees)

  • Diseases and treatment

  • Queens

  Cost and Benefits

  The cost is $50, which includes:

  • All lectures and handouts.

  • A one-year individual membership to the Bristol County Beekeepers Association.

  (Note: Membership is for one individual, entitled to one vote at club meetings.)

  Networking Opportunities

  You'll have plenty of time for Q&A sessions and a chance to speak with:

  • Experienced Beekeepers (veterans who manage large apiaries and produce significant honey yields).

  • Fellow Newcomers

   

  VIEW SYLLABUS
  

  
  All classes are scheduled to be held in person:
  Bristol Aggie - Student Commons in Building 14
  View Campus Map

  Show details