Ag project.

[nepenthes]

Hello, I have been a member for a while, lurking off and on, and Im still learning the ropes.

But Im a student in Highschool, a Jr. To be exact, and In my agriculture class, we are supposed to have a Animal Or plant, (Im still finding out If I could keep Bee's as the animal or not) For a project by the end of the year.

And we end up taking it to fair I beleive.

I was wondering, Would you guys Sudgest Doing a Bee hive as a project. And I dont plan on just doing this for one year, but im trying to find an excuse for my mom to let me Do Bee's.

Im allso having trouble on where to Find these bee's.

Thanks for any help.

[Brian D. Bray]

When I was in High School back in the early 60's I had bees as my FFA project and worked up to State Farmer with them.  Bees are a vital necessity in agriculture and commercial beekeeping is a big part of it.  Entire crops depend on them for pollenation.  California starts it off with almond pollenation in February.  
For your project I would recommend you approach it as having the intent to become a commercial beekeeper where you have the choices between pollenation, honey production, raising queens, or selling packaged bees, or even a combination.

If you get static on having bees as a project tell you instructor that they have been allowed in the past.  I'll happily write you an e-mail varifiying that fact, which you can share with you teacher.

[empilolo]

I do not want to discourage you - far from it. However:

a) beekeepers are shutting down for winter in your part of the world, so it would be very difficult (if not impossible) to start at this time of the year. You might have to wait for next spring.

b) you need bees to start. Probably the easiest way to get bees in the US is to buy some package bees. But for bees and postage you are looking at something around $ 100.00

c) you need an accommodation unit for your bees. Unless you are a very experienced carpenter, you would be better off to buy a hive rather than build one. The exception may be a TBH, which is fairly simple to make and depending on available materials could be fairly cheap too.

d) last but not least, do you have a place where to keep your hive without causing problems to/from e.g. neighbors.

Best bet. See if there is a beekeeper or beekeeper's association near you and get connected.

[KONASDAD]

I would encourage you to do it. Yes it will be difficult to get bees now. Contact a local bee association . They will help. As for your parents and school, I would tell them that beekeeping will teach you many more life skills than any other animal in you class/fair. It teaches carpentry, husbandry, patience, and potentially innumerable business skills. You will be making the planet a better place through pollination, a vital service. The stages of life of the bee is fascinating and has already filled up hundreds of books. Also apitherapy has many fascinating issues to research and educate others about. I wish i had been introduced at your age to beekeeping.

Start your research w/ this sites downloadable class. Good Luck!!!!

[nepenthes]

:shock:

Theirs something to down load from hear!?

I didnt know that, I knew that Bee's were preaty important, but I tont think their are to many people who keep them around hear. I know my mom dated some one who kept them.

Maybe I can get some, I would to become a comercial Bee keeper! That would be amazing! :roll:

Thanks for the support.

[Brian D. Bray]

If Ag class is still like it was in the 60's you'll have a project book to record expenses and income.  Sources of income are pollenation and honey, raising queen, and selling packaged bees.  
You can start now.  Buy the equipment you need, build it over winter, and purchase some packaged bees in the spring (2 or more).  Calculate a minimum of 6 medium boxes for each hive (I advise staying away from deeps and after you lift a full medium you'll understand why), top and secreened bottom boards and sufficient quantity of frames.  Putting it altogether will fill those cold winter weekends.
Buy enough equipment for at least one extra hive for swarm catching.  Join a local beekeepers association and find a mentor.
One way of showing immediate increase is to double the cost of equipment and bees together as the value of the complete hive.  $bees+cost equipmentx2=hive value.  that way you show a larger value on paper than the cost.  Ag classes are big on showing a profit.  If you can arrange to pollenate a crop as you establish your hives so much the better.  Just remember that you may not get your bees until May so pick a late blooming crop--peas, berries, cucumber, and pumkin are good choices.
In the mean time browse this forum extensively and also visit:  www.beesource.com and www.beekeepersvoice.com for extra information and on line guidance.

[nepenthes]

I think I know a Place That could do the Crop Polination. In ohio theirs mostly Soy Beans and Corn, and Seeing as every one usualy has a Corn feild or Bean feild in theier yard year round, I shouldnt have to worry to much.

Ill have to keep my eye out! thanks a bunch for all this usefull information.

I just hope my neighbors wont mind, they have little kids. IM sure they would be interested in bee's.

I take it its a No no, to buy used bee euipment?

Thanks again

[Brian D. Bray]

In obtaining used equipment caution is the bye word.  As I suggested find an experienced beekeeper and follow his guidance, he can advise on used equipment also.

To find a beekeeper near you contact your county agricultural extension agent (your Ag teacher should have that info) they will have names and phone numbers of local beekeepers and usually the current officers in the local beekeeping association.

[nepenthes]

So the teacher said.....YES!

So I will be doing alot of reading!

See you guys around the boards!

[buzzbee]

http://www.beemaster.com/honeybee/beehome.htm
This is the beemasters intro to beekeeping.
His home page  is www.beemaster.com. There is a lot af other useful information  on this page and it gives you a chance to learn a little something about John, the Beemaster!

[amandrea]

For tax purposes bees are livestock, equipment is depricable. How large an operation you need to be considered a farmer or at least to make filing worth while I don't know.

[BEE C]

Good luck! This site has a great amount of stored information on beekeeping basics.  Also, there are a lot of longtime beekeepers who can and do answer what may seem like trivial questions.  Like brian said, a mentor is invaluable, books help, and email if you need to ask anything. :D