Seminars demonstrate top bar hives

Special to Kentucky Agricultural News

Seminars on top bar hives are scheduled for April 30 at the Meadowbrook Farm, the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Agriculture farm, outside Richmond and May 1 at the Letcher County Cooperative Extension Service office. Both seminars will run from 10 a.m.-noon EDT.

Interest in top bar hives has grown in recent years, according to Kentucky state apiarist Phil Craft. Their simple design makes them easy to construct, low cost and easy to manage. This one-box design makes it easier for women, senior citizens, and disabled people to keep bees.

Tammy Horn, a senior researcher at the Eastern Kentucky Environmental Research Institute, will coordinate the seminars. New Jersey beekeeper Michael Paoletto will demonstrate the basics of top bar hives and how to make one. If the weather allows, instruction will include an “in the beeyard” hands-on demonstration.

Beekeeping suits and protective gear will be provided. If it rains, the program will be conducted as a classroom session. Attendance will be limited for these events, and participants must reserve a spot by April 26. To make a reservation, e-mail Dr. Horn at tammy.horn@eku.edu or contact the respective county Extension office for each seminar.

Directions to Meadowbrook Farm are available at http://www.agriculture.eku.edu/EKUFarmsWebSite/directions.html.