Bee Agskills - Beginning in bees

Bee Agskills is a practical beginner’s guide to beekeeping that explains how to establish, inspect and manage honey bee colonies safely and responsibly

Few insects have a greater impact on our lives than the honey bee. Bees pollinate many of the food crops we rely on, and produce honey, one of nature's most remarkable products. It's no wonder that more people than ever are discovering the rewards of beekeeping. 

Perhaps you would like to keep bees but are not sure where to start. Or perhaps you have some experience but would like to improve your skills. 

First published in 2007 and now fully updated in a new edition after 20 years use in industry, this practical guide explains the fundamentals of beekeeping in clear, easy-to-read language. Photos, diagrams and practical tips will help you choose suitable equipment, establish your apiary, safely light a smoker, open your hives, inspect and manage your colonies, identify health problems, and harvest quality honey.  

Developed and reviewed by experienced beekeepers, educators and technical specialists with Tocal College and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR 

• New beekeepers who need a practical introduction to managing honey bee colonies. 
• Beekeepers who wish to expand their knowledge and develop their skills. 
• Beekeeping clubs and training organisations that deliver beginner-level courses or accredited training. 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Bee anatomy, castes, life stages and behaviours 
• Safety precautions 
• Skills like lighting a smoker, inspecting a hive, and catching a swarm 
• Knowledge of different ways to move a hive 
• What to look for if your bees aren’t healthy 
• Types of beehive and hive components 
• Buying or building hives and equipment 
• Removing and extracting honey 
• Laws and regulations that relate to beekeeping and marketing bee products 
  

Table of Contents

• The honey bee
• Beekeeping safety 
• Legal obligations for beekeepers 
• Bee hives 
• Beekeeping equipment 
• Obtaining bees 
• Moving bees 
• Select an apiary site 
• Open, inspect and close a hive 
• Seasonal management 
• Managing pests and diseases 
• Field conditions and flora identification 
• Harvesting honey 
• Quality assurance and honey extraction 
• Assemble and maintain a hive 
• Industry contacts 
• Glossary 

Ebook available at GooglePlay