Interested In or New to Beekeeping?
Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission (SBDC), in a partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture – Apiculture Program, offers an annual Introductory Beekeeping Certificate Course encompassing four virtual sessions through zoom. This workshop will provide you with the basic knowledge to successfully set up and manage a honey bee colony. Also included in the program is one day in the field at a commercial beekeepers operation for a hands on and learning field practices during the bee season. Check the SBDC website in the February for course information and location details. These courses are your best, first step to learning what you need to know. Take this course at least once before you enter the world of beekeeping. https://saskbeekeepers.com/
No matter what size of operation you have, you MUST register your bees with the Provincial Apiarist, Prince Albert, SK. Registration is free and the Provincial Apiarist will help you keep your bees healthy and in compliance. Contact Geoff Wilson, geoff.wilson@gov.sk.ca, phone: 306-953-2304.
Membership in the SBDC is a great way for large and small beekeepers to support the Commission and the great work done on the industry’s behalf. The SBDC newsletter is “the” Saskatchewan beekeepers’ resource for current information, event news, and equipment and service business sources. Check out the membership page for the membership form and list of benefits: https://saskbeekeepers.com/about/membership/. If you have any questions, contact info@saskbeekeepers.com.
The SBDC Board has compiled a “starter information package”, which lists equipment and prices for several sizes of beekeeping operations. This package will give you an idea of what equipment you will need and what it will cost you for equipment and operations. Click one of the three following cost estimate links: .
Other ways to learn about beekeeping is join one of the two main Saskatchewan bee clubs they are a great source of information :
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- Do you live in the Regina district and keep bees? Then you need to belong to the Regina & District Bee Club! Check out their website: reginabeeclub.ca.
- Do you live in the Saskatoon district and keep bees? Then you need to belong to the Saskatoon Bee Club! Check out their website: saskatoonbeeclub.com.
If your operation is 100 colonies or larger, you MUST register with Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission. Click on the Commission’s Check-Off Collection page for information from the Agri-Food Act and Development Plan. View Check-off Form. If you have any questions, contact info@saskbeekeepers.com.
- There are several books that are known to be the best references for beekeepers in the western Canadian region: CAPA Honey Bee Diseases and Pests (available online http://www.capabees.com/capa-honey-bee-diseases-and-pests-3rd-edition/) – and – Beekeeping in Western Canada (available online) http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex38). They may also be available at bee supply stores in Saskatchewan.