“MAY FARMS LLC”

                                                                       Presents

“HANDS ON INTRODUCTORY BEEKEEPING WORK SHOP”

During the past several years, while teaching Introductory Beekeeping classes,  it has become explicitly clear that class room lectures and a single field trip to the bee yard does not adequately prepare a new beekeeper to cope with all he or she will encounter in an “Apiary”.

Therefore, plans have been established to offer “Hands On Introductory Bee Keeping Work Shops” at May Farms LLC in Greenville, SC., to rectify this situation. Emphasis will be on providing experience for the new beekeeper while applying the test proven method of Hands On Is The Best Teacher. There will be five (5) identical workshops, to accommodate various personal schedules. Each Workshop will consist of two (2) sessions of three (3) hours each.

The dates selected for the workshops are:

    WS  #1- July 15 & 22;     WS #2- Aug 12 & 19;    WS #3- Sep 16 & 23;    WS #4- Oct 14 & 21;   WS  #5- Nov 4 & 11

The minimum class size will be 5; the maximum will be 10. Each workshop will last from 2:00 pm

to 5:00 pm. Each workshop, will consist of two (2) days, three (3) hours each and will be priced at $75 total. A bee veil, smoker, and hive tool will be required. The text, “The Hive and The Honey Bee” ISBN number 0915698099 is suggested, but not required. A note book will be provided and hand outs on each topic will be included. The “Workshop” will consist of a short lecture followed by a visit to the adjacent bee yard on each subject matter. This Workshop is designed for the new beekeeper with little or no experience, or for that experienced beekeeper who would like a refresher course on bee yard management. Alternative dates will be given for inclement weather.

 A tentative Workshop Outline is as follows: (This is subject to some revision)

I.                     Brief History of Beekeeping

II.                    Importance of Beekeeping

III.                  Castes of Honey Bee and Function of Each

IV.                  Bee Keeping Equipment

V.                   Bee Activities and Behavior

VI.                  Thorough Physical Examination of Hives in various stages of developement

VII.                Diseases, Pests, and Treatments (Including Microscopic Examination)

VIII.               Seasonal Management

IX.                  Hive increases

X.                    Conclusion and Summary

For the experienced bee keeper, classes will be offered on Intermediate/Advanced Beekeeping on September 17th – November 12^th, 2012 at 1:30-3:00 pm for Furman –OLLI; and on Sep 13^th – Nov 13^th , 2012at 6:30-8:00 pm for Furman-Learning For You. Registration begins in August.

If you have any questions, please let us hear from you. Please send your request for the workshop and deposit made payable to May Farms, LLC to:

Amelia Pettiss, 312 Ambler School Road, Marietta, SC 29661

The Bee Whisperer

Ralph C. (Buddy) May Jr.

100 Birnam Court

Greenville, SC 29615

Cell: 864-430-0318

Email: buddy_may@bellsout.net