• Our Philosophy and management style
• What does a colony need to successfully overwinter?
o The critical factors
• What to do in the months before winter
• Varroa control
o The pros and cons of various control methods
o How we deal with varroa
• SHB (small hive beetle control)
o The pros and cons of various control methods
• How to evaluate or grade a colonies strength
o What makes the difference between a strong colony, a moderate colony, and a weak colony
o Specific things to look for
o Why notes are invaluable
o Reallocating resources
o Feeding options. When feeding has negative consequences.
o 10 frame vs 8 frame hives
• Preparing hives for winter
o Step by step instructions
o comparing different winter set ups
• Question and answer period.
• Visit our apiary to look at and evaluate colonies that are in all 3 strength categories.
• We will take management steps in the field to address these situations.
• We will prepare hives for the winter.