Beekeeper Training

Our Beekeeper Training Program participants learn under the supervision of our beekeeper, Mark Gingrich of Gingrich Apiaries. Over the course of the two year program, participants will work side by side with Mark and other program participants to learn all aspects of keeping bees. At the end of year one, each participant will have the option of receiving a bee colony to be moved to their home property. During the second year, participants will benefit from repetition of some aspects of the program, learn more advanced techniques and troubleshooting while managing their own hive at home.  

This program begins with three online classroom sessions in January, February, and March, and then continues through October with hands-on and in the the field inspections of the several hive stands present at Horn Farm. Participants will follow current Covid-19 mask and distance requirements for all sessions.

Program Fee: $750 ($500 year one, $250 year two) - Payment plan is available.

Program details/requirements:
*Applicant must not have an allergy to bees (Yes, you will get stung).
*A general understanding and basic knowledge of beekeeping is helpful, but not required. Foundational information will be covered in the classroom sessions.
*Year One participants will be responsible for purchasing their own safety equipment and woodenware (Hives/Boxes). Guidance on what to purchase occurs within the class sessions.

The schedule and content for the program is as follows - sessions occur rain or shine:

Horn Farm Center Health and Safety Policy

Due to COVID-19 the Horn Farm Center is offering on-site educational programming with some modifications in order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff. All classes will be held outside and are limited to 15 participants per class. If more than one class occurs on the same day, start times will be staggered to reduce the number of individuals arriving at the same time. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change.

Participant expectations are as follows:

• Participants are required to bring a mask and wear it when proper physical distancing cannot be maintained. We have a limited supply on hand if you forget yours.
• Physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained except in case of family members.
• Do not attend if sick or recovering.

Until further notice, no indoor classes are available at this time. We are offering virtual classroom experiences via zoom.