Howdy from Missouri.

[Bob Delp]

Just getting started here. We had bees when I was a child (30 years ago).  I encouraged my kids (9 & 13) to take Beekeeping in 4-H.  My initial thought was that we could start this without spending much money :shock:
Unfortunately my father "cleaned" out all the equipment that he was sure that we'd never use.
After some detective work, some used hives were procured and we are in the process of cleaning them and installing foundation. One 3# swarm is scheduled to be here on the 21st of April. I'm hoping my fruit trees hold off blooming till they get here.
Bob

[indypartridge]

Hi Bob!
Welcome to the forum! This is a great place to learn about bees. It's very cool that you are doing it with your kids. We look forward to you posting about your adventures.

My initial thought was that we could start this without spending much money :shock:

Hey, didn't you hear? The the government is sending us all "stimulus checks" so we can buy beekeeping stuff! You didn't have other plans did you? :)

Are you connected with a local beekeeping club? That's another way to learn a lot and find a few mentors. It's always good to know a few local beeks that can help you out from time to time.
http://www.mostatebeekeepers.org/Links.htm

[Cindi]

Bob, welcome to our forum, that is wonderful that you are getting back into bees after all these years, and that you will instill this love within your children.  Stick around, we love to hear the experiences of new forum members, tell us your stories, we are a caring an inquisitive group, that you will see.  Good luck with your new bees, enjoy this wonderful and awesome day that we have.  Cindi

[Bee-Bop]

Where abouts in South Central Mo. ?
We are in Phelps Co.

Bee-Bop

[Bob Delp]

Where abouts in South Central Mo. ?
We are in Phelps Co.

Bee-Bop

I'm in Phelps Co.too! We're in Rolla on the edge of town.
Bob

[Bee-Bop]

I'm on 8010 { Old 63 } abt 1 mile N. of Lowes, Getting 2 Russian Nukes 1st of May, been fooling around this winter building hive boxes and other junk.

You behind the Highway Patrol ?

Bee-Bop

[Bob Delp]

You behind the Highway Patrol ?
Bee-Bop

Yep! Just past the Church of Christ.
I have a friend building some nuc boxes.  We're hoping to capture a swarm or two.
We're about to finish the hive bodies and supers needed to hive our package.
Bob

[Bob Delp]

Man! Beekeeping isn't what it was 30 years ago....especially the information part!  When I first made the commitment to start again, my first plan was to throw Apistan at them twice a year. My first plan also was for double deep brood chambers, boardman feeders, etc., by the old book.
Luckily I stumbled into this place..Boy Howdy....you can do it without chemicals! You can feed with ziplock bags. Wood pellets make great smoker fuel....the list goes on and on....Thank You.
Bob

P.S. My package isn't supposed to be here for a few more days, but an Asian pear tree that's in 70% bllom had lots of bees already....I've got ferals in the neighborhood.

[DennisB]

Welcome from another Missouri keeper. We have our colonies in Louisiana, about 30 south of Hannibal. Check with some of the local beekeepers in that area since there are some bear down there. There was a fellow around Salem that lost 4 hives last fall to bears. You might have to stick up some fencing.

Have a great season!

DennisB