About this course

For the experienced beekeeper interested in expanding into queen bee breeding, this two-day course at Tocal is run by industry-respected specialists. It covers both an understanding of queen bees and how to breed them.

The course aims to develop knowledge and skills in:
  • grafting queen cells with correct age larvae
  • raising quality queen bees
  • implementing a queen breeding program.

At a glance:

Location: Statewide
Course duration: 2 days
Start date: Multiple intakes
Number of units: 1
Indicative fees: $600 GST-free

Details

  • Graft queen cells with correct age larvae
  • Raise quality queen bees
  • Implement a queen breeding program

$600 GST-free

Day 1

  • Introduction
  • Queen bee rearing principles
  • Cell bars and cell raising colonies
  • Grafting
  • Managing small and large numbers of cells
  • Mating procedure
  • Biology of honey bees
  • Castes
  • Reproductive system
  • Life cycle
  • Importance of nutrition and disease management

Day 2

  • Genetics
  • Breeding program and selection of stock
  • Drone mother hive management
  • Nucleus colony size/management
  • Mating yard design
  • Catching, marking, clipping and caging queen bees
  • Packing, mailing and transporting queen bees
  • Banking queens
  • Queen candy
  • Queen bee introduction
  • Artificial Insemination (AI)
  • Conclusion

  • Each participant receives the Queen Bee Breeding AgGuide and grafting kit.
  • This course is delivered using both indoor and outdoor instruction.

There are no entry requirements for this course.

This course has been mapped to the national unit of competency AHCBEK407 Rear queen bees.



Additional Information

For information on students rights and responsibilities, and the Tocal College Code of Practice see Industry qualification student policies.



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