UW-Madison Beekeeping Short Course

The UW-Madison Beekeeping Short Course is a multi-day course designed for those interested in beekeeping where you’ll learn how to build and grow a beekeeping business.

Participants will gain knowledge related to the following topics:

• Basic beekeeping practices and basic bee biology
• Disease management and sustainable year-round hive management
• Business and financial planning for building a beekeeping business including insurance and liability of a beekeeping business
• Marketing and promotion of honey and wax products as well as supply chain access
• Expanding product lines including regulations and insurance requirements for the sale of non-honey bee products
• Overview of USDA programs for beekeepers and how to access them

Accommodations

This course is open to all. We value inclusion and access for all participants. Please email Hannah Gaines Day at hgaines@wisc.edu to make an accommodation request. Reasonable effort will be made to support your request.

Cost

• General: $350 early/$400 regular registration
• Students: $150 early/$200 regular registration
• Early bird registration ends January 5, 2027, registration closes February 1, 2027

Lodging

A block of rooms will be reserved at a nearby hotel. Stay tuned for more information.

Schedule at a glance

• Friday, February 5th: 9am – 5pm, reception 5-6pm
• Saturday, February 6th: 9am – 5pm

The UW-Madison Beekeeping Short Course is presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology in collaboration with the UW Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC) and the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association (WHPA).  This course is supported by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Questions?  Please contact Dr. Hannah Gaines Day, hgaines@wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.