{"title":"Beekeeping Classes and Training","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeekeeping on the Front Range requires a mix of art and science. Beekeepers are life-long learners that continuously refine their craft and hone their skills. We offer a wide range of classes to support the novice to advanced beekeeper. Our classes are designed to equip you with the concepts, knowledge, and best management practices needed to successfully keep honeybees.  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore the art and science of beekeeping with our comprehensive classes and training programs. Designed for enthusiasts at all levels, our courses offer hands-on experience and expert instruction in hive management, bee biology, and honey production. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned apiarist looking to deepen your knowledge, our classes cover essential topics such as swarm control, disease management, and sustainable practices. Learn to handle bees safely, understand their behaviors, and optimize hive health to ensure a thriving colony. With a blend of classroom theory and practical sessions, our training equips you with the skills needed to successfully maintain your own beehive. Join us to discover the joys of beekeeping, contribute to environmental conservation, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your own honey. Embrace the buzz and become part of the beekeeping community today!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"brass-tacks-beginner-beekeeping-class","title":"Education: BRASS TACKS Beginner Beekeeping Class","description":"\u003cp\u003eAre you looking for concise, yet informative beginner beekeeping class in a relaxed learning environment?  Look no further...we got you!  Our Brass Tacks Beginner Beekeeping Class is designed for the new beekeeper in Colorado. We set you up for success by getting you the most critical beekeeping practices and techniques for your first year and beyond. We've been teaching beekeeping on the Front Range since 2016 and beekeeping here even longer--let us help you on your journey into the fascinating world of beekeeping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis course is certified by the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradobeekeepers.org\/education\/general-information-and-applications\/\" title=\"CSBA Master Beekeeping Program\"\u003eColorado State Beekeeping Association (CSBA)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e as an approved beginner course for those who would like to apply for their \u003ca title=\"CSBA Master Beekeeping Program\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradobeekeepers.org\/education\/general-information-and-applications\/\"\u003eMaster Beekeeper Certification Program\u003c\/a\u003e through the CSBA. All students must attend both days (10 hours of instruction) to receive their beginner certificate. Digital certificates will be emailed to students who have completed this course.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease make sure you provide a correct email address and a good phone number. \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003ePLEASE BRING A CAMPCHAIR TO SIT IN DURING CLASS!*** \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #528c17;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$65 per student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL:\u003cstrong\u003e  RMBS@rockymountainbeesupply.com \u003c\/strong\u003eif you have questions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis in-person class takes place over two days of instruction for a total of 10 hours of instruction.  It is designed to get you through your first year of beekeeping here in Colorado.  The first half of the class (Session A) will be taught on a Saturday, from 3 pm to 8 pm. The second half (Session B) will be on Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession A: Saturday Class, 3 pm--8 pm: Introduction, Equipment, Sourcing Bees, Installation, \u0026amp; Feeding, Q \u0026amp; A Session\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession B: Sunday Class, 1 pm--6 pm: Basic Bee Biology, Hive Inspections, Pest Management, Trouble Shooting, \u0026amp; Winterizing, Q \u0026amp; A Session\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe will have periodic breaks every hour.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned for the beginner, this is an overview of basic bee biology, equipment, installing your bees into your hive, feeding, hive inspections, predators, pests\/diseases, winterizing, etc.  Rocky Mountain Bee Supply focuses our instruction on best beekeeping practices for the state of Colorado and its varied microclimates.  This course is designed to give you all of the must-know practices and techniques to help you grow into a successful beekeeper.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you need to bring to class:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCamp Chair--we do NOT have chairs available for students.  Please do not forget to bring a camp chair to sit in for the class!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePen\/Pencils to take notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\/Snacks (Coffee will be provided)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCLASS NOTES* WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU BEFORE THE CLASS...YOU WILL NEED TO PRINT THEM OUT AND BRING THEM WITH YOU...WE CANNOT PRINT THEM FOR YOU HERE.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVenue:\u003c\/strong\u003e  In-Person Class, 24 S. Walnut St., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParking: \u003c\/strong\u003eThere will be limited parking in our lot; please park in the empty lot next to the Western Omelette Diner across the alleyway. \u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT PARK IN THE 64 STORE LOT...THEY WILL TOW YOU.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefund Policy:  \u003c\/strong\u003eCancellations will be given a refund minus a 3.5% credit card fee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwitching Classes:  Must have instructor approval to switch dates.  Class sizes are limited. If you need to switch to a different date, please contact Dolly at 719-375-5094.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eote:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e No recording or photography permitted. Power point slides, Brass Tacks Digital *Class Notes and photos are copyrighted, all rights reserved, and is not to be downloaded, distributed, or shared without express permission from Rocky Mountain Bee Supply LLC.  It is intended for use only by the original purchaser of the class and is not to be disseminated without express permission from Rocky Mountain Bee Supply LLC.  Copyright, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBeekeepers Bio:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeonard and Dolly Rickerman have been keeping bees on the Front Range for well over a decade.  A family business, we have several commercial bee yards that we run for honey production, pollination services, nuc production, and queen rearing.  This class is designed to give beginners an intense overview of beekeeping here in Colorado so that they may grow to be successful beekeepers.  Rocky Mountain Bee Supply is dedicated to the success of hobbyist beekeepers and the passion for beekeeping by teaching best beekeeping practices.  Our learning never stops.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRocky Mountain Beekeepers Educational Forums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rocky Mountain Bee Supply","offers":[{"title":"1-2 November 2025","offer_id":46834773917922,"sku":"BEGCLASS2025_5","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"15-16 November 2025","offer_id":46834841321698,"sku":"BEGCLASS2025_6","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"11-12 February 2026","offer_id":47403701797090,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"14-15 February 2026","offer_id":46834780831970,"sku":"BEGCLASS2026_1","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"28 February - 1 March 2026","offer_id":46834848006370,"sku":"BEGCLASS2026_2","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"14-15 March 2026","offer_id":46834807963874,"sku":"BEGCLASS2026_3","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"28-29 March 2026","offer_id":46834814025954,"sku":"BEGCLASS2026_4","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"11-12 April 2026","offer_id":46834817761506,"sku":"BEGCLASS2026_5","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0070\/8123\/0449\/files\/Nuc_Justin.jpg?v=1734559183"},{"product_id":"varroa-mites-latest-research-treatment-guidelines","title":"Education: Varroa Mites - Latest Research \u0026 Treatment Guidelines","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarroa Destructor Mites have been responsible for the loss of thousands of colonies in the state of Colorado over the last five years. Smaller than the head of the pin, this parasite passes debilitating viruses and pathogens into honeybee colonies, resulting in colony weakness, absconding, and many times death. It's rate of reproduction makes it a problem that all beekeepers must manage to maintain healthy colonies and grow their apiaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth new and experienced beekeepers will face the challenges of how to manage varroa mites in their colonies, but with so many approaches to treatment and products on the market, it can be overwhelming. The aim of this class is to de-mystify the varroa mite and give beekeepers a game plan for illness\/loss prevention that works in the short beekeeping season as experienced in Colorado.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe want you to feel comfortable when working with your bees and this class will answer all mite related questions as well as give advice on treatment and management decisions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class will cover basic mite biology, virus identification, mite count methods, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols, organic and synthetic products for treatment, and the latest and most effective beekeeping practices and guidelines based on the most current research available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime: \u003c\/strong\u003e 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation:  \u003c\/strong\u003eClassroom, Rocky Mountain Bee Supply, 24 S. Walnut St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevel:  \u003c\/strong\u003eBeginner, Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrerequisite:\u003c\/strong\u003e  A previous basic beekeeping class or beekeeping experience \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParking:\u003c\/strong\u003e We have limited parking in our lot...overflow parking is next door in the parking lot west of us or across the alley in the northern lot of the Western Omelet Diner. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease do NOT park next to The 64 Store...you will be towed.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease bring: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ea camp chair to sit in\u003c\/strong\u003e...we do not have enough chairs in the store to accommodate all students.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enote-taking materials \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ewater\/snacks\u003c\/strong\u003e...coffee will be provided.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe class will begin promptly at 3 pm and will go to 7:00  pm.  As always, an open Q \u0026amp; A session will follow the class. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour instructors: \u003c\/strong\u003e Dolly and Leonard Rickerman have been beekeeping on the Front Range for well over a decade, and before that, in various parts of the United States during Leonard's 20 years with US Army, Special Forces. We opened our doors in 2016 to provide quality beekeeping supplies, education, and honeybees to local beekeepers as well as local honey, pollen, and beeswax.  We serve the state of Colorado, as well as surrounding states for access to superior bees, beekeeping supplies, medications, feed, best practices, and customer service\/support for all things honeybees. Both Dolly and Leonard strive to keep up with the latest effective varroa mite management protocols for hobbyist beekeepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo recording\/filming is permitted during the class.  All class materials, \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eto include the live  presentation, recorded presentation, PowerPoint slides, class notes, hand outs, and photos, are copyrighted, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, and are not to be distributed, or shared without express permission from Rocky Mountain Bee Supply LLC.  Rocky Mountain Bee Supply LLC, Copyright 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the class if required. In this case, all students will have the option to receive a full refund or attend the class at a later time. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor private speaking engagements for your club or group on your choice of beekeeping topics, please email us at RMBS@rockymountainbeesupply.com.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rocky Mountain Bee Supply","offers":[{"title":"21 February 2026","offer_id":44809671377122,"sku":"INTERMCLASS_MITE_2026_1","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4 April 2026","offer_id":46834902335714,"sku":"INTERMCLASS_MITE_2026_2","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0070\/8123\/0449\/files\/419969986-huge_purchased_9a808969-6bb6-48f0-aec1-82ef2b478841.jpg?v=1734559356"},{"product_id":"education-varroa-mites-latest-research-treatment-guidelines-copy","title":"Education: Introduction to Splitting Hives","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3:00 PM to 7:00 PM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a four hour class on the subject of splitting bee colonies, commonly known as an \"increase\". \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery beekeeper needs to know how to perform this essential skill to manage their bee colonies.  Beekeepers perform splits for various reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncrease beehive numbers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSave money\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduce swarming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequeening hives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLate spring is one of the most common times for creating hive splits. It is a natural time of increase for honey bee colonies.  For the beekeeper with a strong, growing honey bee colony, splitting a hive to prevent swarming\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003emakes sense\u003cstrong\u003e. \u003c\/strong\u003eEssentially, you are splitting a hive before they split themselves.  Spring is the optimum time for making a hive split. It is a time of rapid growth for the honey bee colony. When done properly, both “halves” of the colony will grow into productive beehives. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDolly and Leonard will walk students through various methods of splitting hives. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you need to bring to class:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCamp Chair--we do NOT have chairs available for students.  Please do not forget to bring a camp chair to sit in for the class!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePen\/Pencils to take notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\/Snacks (Coffee will be provided)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVenue:\u003c\/strong\u003e  In-Person Class, Rocky Mountain Bee Supply LLC, 24 S. Walnut St., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParking: \u003c\/strong\u003eThere will be limited parking in our lot; overflow parking will be in the lot immediately to our west or in the northern part of the Western Omelette Diner across the alley. \u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT PARK IN THE 64 STORE LOT...THEY WILL TOW YOU.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefund Policy:  \u003c\/strong\u003eCancellations will be given a refund minus a 3.5% credit card fee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eote:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e No recording permitted. Power point slides, photos, and any materials distributed during class are copyrighted, all rights reserved, and are intended for the use only by the original purchaser of the class and are not to be downloaded, distributed, or shared without express permission from Rocky Mountain Bee Supply LLC. Copyright, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBeekeepers Bio:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeonard and Dolly Rickerman have been keeping bees on the Front Range for well over a decade.  A family business, we have several commercial bee yards that we run for honey production, pollination services, nuc production, and queen rearing.  This class is designed to give beginners an intense overview of beekeeping here in Colorado so that they may grow to be successful beekeepers.  Rocky Mountain Bee Supply is dedicated to the success of hobbyist beekeepers and the passion for beekeeping by teaching best beekeeping practices.  Our learning never stops.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRocky Mountain Beekeepers Educational Forums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rocky Mountain Bee Supply","offers":[{"title":"7 March 2026","offer_id":46834913509602,"sku":"INTERMCLASS_SPLIT_2026_1","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"21 March 2026","offer_id":46834913542370,"sku":"INTERMCLASS_SPLIT_2026_2","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0070\/8123\/0449\/files\/Large_Apiary.jpg?v=1758752792"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0070\/8123\/0449\/collections\/file_5.jpg?v=1724191628","url":"https:\/\/rockymountainbeesupply.com\/collections\/classes-and-training\/training.oembed","provider":"Rocky Mountain Bee Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}