SPEAKER: Steve Andrijiw – Owner – Front Range Sustainable Apiaries
Steve is a local Northern Colorado beekeeper and business owner offering a wide range of services including: Beekeeping Consultation & Maintenance, Formal Mentoring, Varroa Management & Treatments Education, Seasonal Preparations, Honeybee / Swarm Removal.Steve has 30+ years of experience, including working in beekeeping equipment sales and as a head beekeeper. In addition, he has years of direct learning experience from his father, a long time beekeeper. Steve beekeeping process is a straight forward approach, understand honeybee and varroa biology and combine it with the seasonal nutritional requirements of honeybees and environmental challenges.
Topic #1 – 30 minutes:
Reading the Bees
A beekeeper must also learn to “read the bees”. Without learning to “read the bees”, beekeeping can be frustrating. Good beekeeping requires use of all your senses and making observations down to the smallest details. So, what is normal “buzzy” activity and what are potential behaviors that might need addressing? Attendees will learn what is normal “buzzy” activity, what is of concern, and what are some options for improving the disposition of your bees.
Topic #2 –– 30 minutes:
Beekeeping in Cuba
Long known for its cigars and rum, Cuba has added organic honey to its list of key agricultural exports, creating a buzz among farmers as pesticide use has been linked to declining bee populations elsewhere. In November Steve also coordinates an apicultural trip to Cuba. This will be his fourth trip. Join us for a discussion about visiting Cuba through a 7-9 day educational tour, visiting queen breeding facilities, co-op farms and more as well as experience Cuban culture, swim in the Caribbean ocean from a family-owned apiary, and more.