missouristatebeekeepers.myfreeforum.org

dogman · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 3 Location: gallatin,mo

I am needing advise or need a mentor in getting my first beekeeping adventure.

I would like to start 2 hives
Package bees or Nucs
Where to get them
Where to get supplies

Would like to buy as local as possible

When to get them

I live near Gallatin mo which is about 1hr north of KC

Thanks, hope someone see's this

_________________
Jon

Scott Moser · Joined: 29 Dec 2008 Posts: 15

Dogman,
Beginners always have a ton of questions to ask, and that is good. That is how we learn. beekeeping is often a "hands-on" learning experience. The first thing I would suggest is getting yourself a good beekeeping book. There are many out there that will help you learn. "Beekeeping for Dummies" is a widely used book for that purpose. Another good book is "The Beekeepers Handbook" by Dianna Sammataro. In adition, I would suggest that you subscribe to a beekeeping magazine. I think the best one for beginners is "Bee Culture". I think it is geared more towards the hobbiest/beginning beekeepers, and usually stears clear of the more technical info found in the "American Bee Journal". Next, I would suggest that you call your local extension office, and see if they know of any local beekeepers. Contact them, and see if they can help you out. If the Extension Office doesnt know of any, check your local supermarkets for locally raised honey. Contact those beekeepers, and maybe they can help you out as well.
As for equipment, there are a lot of places that you can purchase from. Brushy Mountain, Betterbee, Dadant, Kelley's, and Drapers Super Bee are just a few. Many of them have websites, except for Drapers. Drapers is closest to you, located in Nebraska. Drapers number is : (402) 274-3725. Call them, and they can have their catalog to you within a couple days. In addition, if you attend the Spring MSBA meeting in Overland Park, Drapers can bring your order with them, thereby saving you a substantial amount on shipping charges.
I often suggest to beginners that they start out with a nuc of bees. Basically they are getting a hive that is already functioning with a young laying queen. If you feed them after installing them in your equipment, they will build up fast, and may even give you a super of honey the first year. Packages though may be easier to get if you can't find nucs locally. They can be shipped through the mail. Sometimes, if you can find a local beekeeper, they will be willing to make up a couple nucs for you as well. Package bees dont build up as quickly as nucs do, and there is a slightly lower success rate with a package. Price wise, they will cost about the same due to shipping costs. If you attend the Spring Meeting, we may be able to find you someone in the KC area that has some for sale.
I am not sure about the climatology of your location. It is amazing how climate can vary within the state. I know in the St. Louis area, I try to make nucs about mid April for pickup in early May. If starting packages, I try to get my packages by April 15. The weather could be your determining factor there. Again, it would be good if you could find a beekeeper in your area that can advise you on this.
I think I covered most of your questions, but if you have more, or want more info, please post again, and I will address them. Check out the MSBA website for info on the Spring meeting. If you make it to the meeting, stop me and say "hello". I always love to talk! Very Happy

Take care.

dogman · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 3 Location: gallatin,mo

Thank you Scott!

I had not thought of contacting my local Extension office.

I will try to attend the meeting I will also contact Drapers forinfo and a book.
_________________
Jon

Jethro · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Northeast Kansas

Dogman
To add to what Scott said. A great way to gain information is to join a club and attend the meetings as offten as possible. Another thing that helps is to attend a "Beginning Beekeeping Class". On March 22nd & 29th the Midwestern Beekeepers Association & Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association are having their Beginning Beekeeping Class at the Johnson County Fair Grounds in Gardner, Kansas. This should be about a 1hour 45 minute drive from Gallatin, Mo. If you would like any more information you can either email me at sinclairhoney@hotmail.com and I can send you the inforamtion, or go to our website www.nekba.org . There is a cost of $30.00 and this includes a notebook full of reading a years membership in either the Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers or the Midwestern Beekeepers. I would recommend the Midwestern Beekeepers as the one that you join as they meet at the Bass Pro Shop in Independence, MO, whereas we meet in the Kansas City Area, Lawrence, and Topeka.

Jethro