FCBA Using Nucs Instead of Packages Meeting - Monday. Dec. 15, 7:00 p.m., Franklin Co. Ag Heritage Building, 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg

FCBA Using Nucs Instead of Packages Meeting - Monday. Dec. 15, 7:00 p.m., Franklin Co. Ag Heritage Building, 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg. Randy King, FCBA President, has scheduled an informational meeting for beekeepers on the possible group ordering of Nucs for the spring. If you are interested in ordering a Nuc or learning more, plan to attend. For more information about the meeting, contact Randy King at 328-9256 or email: rking@kingslandgallery.com Benefits of using Nucs instead of Packages: 1. Nucs are already established colonies. 2. The colony within a Nuc have less work to do as the comb is already built out and brood rearing has already begun. 3. There are more bees as well as a diverse population since the queen has been laying and producing brood since last fall. 4. The queen included with the Nuc has already been accepted into the nuc. Sometimes with package bees the queen is superseded. 5. Overall, you get a colony with a head start in the spring.

Would You Like to be a Beekeeper? Have you ever wondered what is involved in being a beekeeper and working with honeybees? If so, plan to attend the informational meeting, “Would You Like to be a Beekeeper?" on October 23, 7:00 p.m., at the Franklin County Ag Heritage Building, 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg. The Franklin County Beekeepers Association is sponsoring this introductory meeting on beekeeping for the general public. In particular, it is for those who may be interested in starting their own hives and learning a little bit more about what is involved. The meeting will include a brief introduction to the honey bee, beekeeping information resources and time requirements for managing hives. A brief overview of tools, equipment, start-up costs, and ordering bee packages will be presented. The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about beekeeping. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required. For more information about the meeting or the Franklin County Beekeeper Association, contact Randy King at 328-9256.

2014 BEGINNING BEEKEEPING SHORTCOURSE The Franklin County Beekeepers’ Association is conducting a five session short course on beginning beekeeping for anyone interested in becoming a beekeeper. The Wednesday evening classroom sessions will be on March 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2014, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin County Ag Heritage Building located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane in Chambersburg. There will also be a field day at a local apiary on Saturday, March 29. Cost is $40.00 per family. For information, contact Penn State Extension at 717/263-9226. Subjects that will be covered include an introduction to beekeeping, bee biology, beekeeping equipment; maintaining healthy bees, installing packages and apiary colony management. Registration is required and is limited to the first 50. You do not have to be a member of the Franklin County Beekeepers’ Association to register. Registration includes a beekeeping manual, disposable gloves, refreshments and membership in the Franklin County Beekeepers’ Association.