SPECIALIZED CLASSES TO PROMOTE STOCK IMPROVEMENT, taught by Susan Cobey, will be offered at the Harry Laidlaw Honey Bee Research Facility at the University of California, Davis, in Davis California.
1. THE ART OF QUEEN REARING WORKSHOP, March 25 & 26, 2008, is designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of what it takes to rear high quality queens. The basic biology and principals of queen rearing will be presented. Beekeepers will be involved in going through the various steps of the process including setting up cell builders, grafting, handling queen cells and establishing mating nucs. The importance of drone production and establishing mating areas will also be presented. The class will consist of a combination of classroom and hands on beekeeping. Two basic queen rearing systems will be demonstrated, a queen right system and a queen less system.
For those who would like to see large scale commercial queen production, an optional one day tour , March 27, will be offered. We will visit several northern California producers during their busy spring season. You will observe a diversity of techniques and systems of queen production. Registration Fees: $200; Optional Tour $50.
2. INSTRUMENTAL INSEMINATION & BEE BREEDING WORKSHOP, April 15, 16 & 17, 2008 is designed for commercial beekeepers who are involved in a breeding program and for laboratory personnel requiring the skill for research purposes. A practical hands-on approach to instruction is provided with emphasis on individual attention, therefore classes are kept small. Detailed instruction and hands-on practice of semen collection and insemination of queens will be emphasized and facilitated with the use of a video camera and monitor. Various types of insemination instruments are displayed and reviewed. The preparation and care of virgin queens and drones will be presented. Basic bee genetics and various breeding systems will be reviewed. Demonstration materials, virgin queens and drones will be provided for the class.
Knowledge of queen rearing is required. Beekeepers must provide their own insemination equipment. Microscopes will be provided for use upon request. Registration Fees: $400
3. ADVANCED WORKSHOP ON THE TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTAL INSEMINATION, April 29, 30 & May 1, 2008, is designed as a follow-up to the Instrumental Insemination course. The focus will be perfecting insemination techniques and solving individual problems in the laboratory and in the field. Therefore it is recommended to take this class after some experiences has been gained. Demonstration materials, virgin queens and drones will be provided.
Experience in queen rearing and familiarity with instrumental insemination are required. Beekeepers must bring their own insemination equipment and a bee veil. Microscopes will be provided for use upon request. Registration Fees: $400.
