Training Description

Through both theory and practical trainings, these workshops will introduce students to the function of a beehive, the basic tools and equipment needed, seasonal hive management, disease management and honey harvesting.

The theoretical portion of the course will be held at Champlain College. It will cover essential topics such as bee biology, honey producing plants in Quebec, beekeeping equipment and tools, costs, seasonal timelines and duties, integrated pest management, colony operations, honey harvesting, responsible beekeeping practices, and resources for beekeepers.

The practical portion of the course will be conducted in person at the trainer’s apiary in Bishopton or Kingsbury.  This interactive, hands-on learning experience will allow you to work directly with the beehive.  You will learn about standard hive setup and timing, managing frames and hive equipment, integrated pest management best practices, honey harvest, and seasonal preparations. Throughout the different workshops, you will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as swarm control, monitor honey quality, adding/pulling honey supers, and preparing for winter.

Workshop Cost and Dates

** Please be aware that basic protective gear is required for ALL PRACTICAL portions of the training, including gloves, a veil, or a bee jacket/bee suit. Details about this will be covered in WORKSHOP #1, and it is each student’s responsibility to ensure they have the necessary equipment.

Full training (theory and practical, 4 workshops): 295$ (plus taxes)

CRC Students and Employees: 235$ plus taxes

Alternatively, you can register for individual workshops. However, please note that the theory workshop is mandatory if you wish to enroll in any of the practical training sessions. If you would like to only take one or two workshops please contact us at: lennconedinfo@crcmail.net

**Practical workshops will be rescheduled if the weather conditions are unsuitable for outdoor training.

WORKSHOP #1:

April 28th – THEORY (Champlain College) 6:00p – 9:00p

• Bee biology and an overview of popular bee breeds
• Honey producing plants in Quebec
• Materials and tools required for beekeeping
• Development cycle of a bee colony and the main tasks of a beekeeper
• Identification of common bee diseases
• Swarming
• Honey harvesting

WORKSHOP #2:

May 3^rd (weather permitting) PRACTICAL (Apiary, Bishopton or Kingsbury) 1:00p – 4:00p

• Placement and starting new bee colonies
• Techniques for working with a bee colony
• Common bee diseases and methods for identifying and treating them

WORKSHOP #3: 

June 14^th (weather permitting) PRACTICAL (Apiary, Bishopton or Kingsbury) 1:00p – 4:00p

• Bee swarming / swarm control
• Splitting hives
• Adding/pulling honey supers
• Queen assessment
• Moving hives

WORKSHOP #4:

August 30^th (weather permitting) PRACTICAL (Apiary, Bishopton or Kingsbury) 1:00p – 4:00p

• Main functions of the beekeeper at the end of the season
• Hive inspection and checking for a queen
• Fall feeding
• Winter preparation

** Please be aware that basic protective gear is required for all practical portions of the training, including gloves, a veil, or a bee jacket/bee suit. Details about this will be covered in Workshop #1, and it is each student’s responsibility to ensure they have the necessary equipment.

About the Instructor

Sergey Nasonkin, a Physicist with a Master’s in Engineering Physics and an MBA in Finance, worked on radiation dosimetry research at the Jewish General Hospital as part of McGill University’s Medical Physics program. During this time, he realized the importance of lifestyle and prevention in combating diseases. Inspired by visits to organic farms, Sergey established his first hive on a farm in Hinchinbrooke. His hobby quickly evolved into a profession, and by 2014, he was registered with MAPAC as an agricultural producer. By 2016, Sergey had expanded to 8 apiaries and 160 hives. Sergey and his family later relocated to Sherbrooke, where they now maintain 80 hives that winter outdoors in apiaries located in Kingsbury.