Irmo, SC - Many people are unaware that there is a thriving beekeeping organization right here in the Midlands. The Mid-State Beekeepers Association (MSBA) actively promotes community beekeeping, offers classes, educational meetings, and community outreach.
Educational meetings are held monthly in Irmo, SC at McGregor Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 6505 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC. They are always on the first Tuesday of each month at beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are not held during the months of December and July. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to see, hear, and learn about our favorite and very necessary insect – the honeybee. Additionally, the association frequently does community outreach at festivals and fairs.
For many years, the Mid-State Beekeepers Association has offered a beginner’s beekeeping course for people interested in this hobby or small business right here in the Midlands. Registration for the next course is currently open and it will begin in January. Following two classroom Saturdays, there is a half day spent as a practical session in the bee yard. The association even makes a group purchase of honeybees for delivery in March to help beginners get started with their bees.
“The interest in honeybees continues to be a hot topic in our community. Our association is experiencing historic membership growth,” said Larry Coble, a Master beekeeper in the Midlands. He adds, “Education is the primary effort of our organization. Keeping bees in today’s world is increasingly complex. However, honeybees can thrive with proper care. Teaching others proven methods is our goal.”
The next Mid-State Beekeepers Course will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. one Saturday in January, and again one Saturday in February. Those exact dates will be announced soon. A hands-on training session with active bee colonies will be scheduled in mid-March prior to the arrival of the bees that arrive in March as well. No prior beekeeping experience is required.
The cost of the course is $75 and includes a book, two classroom days of training, the half day in the bee yard, class materials, an annual membership to MSBA, all association privileges, as well as light snacks during the classroom days. Participants will be responsible for lunch during the hour long break each day of the course. Participants will be offered the opportunity to test for the South Carolina State Beekeepers Certified Beekeeper Certificate if they so choose.
For more details, go to https://www.scmidstatebeekeepers.org/beekeeping-classes-and-info. For questions, send an email to: secretary@scmidstatebeekeepers.org. For a complimentary copy of a recent newsletter to see more about what MSBA does, click this link: https://tinyurl.com/w3p8hq7.
