Commercial Beekeeping Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Commercial Beekeeping program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become successful commercial beekeepers. The one-year Graduate Certificate program focuses on the sustainability of the bee population and provides practical experience through an on-campus apiary, off-site yards, and potential field placements. Graduates are prepared for careers in apiary management, honey production, pollination services, and other beekeeping-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Commercial Beekeeping program at Niagara College is a one-year Graduate Certificate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful commercial beekeepers. The program focuses on the sustainability of the bee population, a crucial element of the natural food system.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Meet the growing demand for pollination services in Canada and globally.
• Train skilled beekeepers, honey producers, and pollination contractors.
• Provide students with practical experience in managing bee colonies and apiaries.

Highlights:

• Eastern Canada's first-ever Commercial Beekeeping program.
• Applied learning experiences through an on-campus apiary, off-site yards, and over 100 actively managed hives.
• Three-semester program aligned with the annual lifecycle of honey bees.
• Engaged Program Advisory Committee with expertise from various sectors of the beekeeping industry.
• Potential field placement with industry partners for qualifying students or an Independent Research Project.

Outline:

The program is structured over three consecutive terms, each focusing on specific aspects of beekeeping:

Term One (Winter):

• BKPG9400 Honey Bee Health (3 credits): This course covers the health and well-being of honey bees, including diseases, pests, and management strategies.
• BKPG9412 Commercial Beekeeping Regulations (3 credits): This course explores the legal framework surrounding commercial beekeeping, including regulations, permits, and licensing.
• BKPG9403 Entomology of Bees (3 credits): This course delves into the biology, behavior, and ecology of bees, providing a comprehensive understanding of their life cycle and interactions within the ecosystem.
• BKPG9404 Transitory (Mobile) Hive Management (3 credits): This course focuses on the practical aspects of managing bee colonies in a mobile setting, including transportation, hive placement, and environmental considerations.
• BKPG9407 Integrated Pest Management (3 credits): This course explores sustainable methods for controlling pests and diseases in bee colonies, emphasizing integrated approaches that minimize environmental impact.
• BKPG9408 Queen Rearing (3 credits): This course provides in-depth training on the techniques and practices involved in queen bee breeding and rearing, a crucial aspect of commercial beekeeping.
• BKPG9413 Project Management (3 credits): This course equips students with the skills to manage projects effectively, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, essential for successful beekeeping operations.
• PRAC9416 Commercial Beekeeping Placement (8 credits): This course provides students with practical experience in a commercial beekeeping setting, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Term Three (Fall):

• BKPG9415 Apiary Management II (3 credits): This course builds upon the previous term's management techniques, focusing on advanced practices for maximizing honey production, colony health, and apiary efficiency.
• BKPG9411 Sustainable Commercial Beekeeping (3 credits): This course explores the principles of sustainable beekeeping, emphasizing environmentally responsible practices that promote bee health and biodiversity.
• BKPG9402 Principles of Bee Business (3 credits): This course covers the business aspects of beekeeping, including marketing, finance, and legal considerations, preparing students for running their own beekeeping operations.
• BKPG9414 Commercial Beekeeping Capstone (3 credits): This course serves as a culmination of the program, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a comprehensive project or research paper.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Practical assessments: Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and field work.
• Written assignments: Essays, reports, and research papers.
• Presentations: Oral presentations on beekeeping topics.
• Projects: Individual or group projects that apply beekeeping knowledge and skills.
• Placement evaluations: Performance assessments during the field placement.

Teaching:

The program employs a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Classroom instruction covering theoretical concepts and industry best practices.
• Lab sessions: Practical exercises and demonstrations in the on-campus apiary and off-site yards.
• Field trips: Visits to commercial beekeeping operations and related industries.
• Guest speakers: Industry professionals sharing their expertise and insights.
• Mentorship: Guidance and support from experienced beekeeping instructors.

Careers:

Graduates of the Commercial Beekeeping program are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities in the beekeeping industry, including:

• Apiarist: Responsible for the day-to-day management of bee colonies and apiaries.
• Apiary laborer: Assists apiarists with various tasks, including hive inspections, honey extraction, and equipment maintenance.
• Apiary manager: Oversees the operations of multiple apiaries, ensuring efficient production and compliance with regulations.
• Apiary technician: Specializes in specific aspects of beekeeping, such as queen rearing, disease control, or pollination services.
• Honey and beehive-related product production: Involved in the processing and packaging of honey, beeswax, and other beehive products.
• Honey production supervisor: Manages the production and quality control of honey, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Owner/operator – commercial beekeeping: Establishes and operates their own beekeeping business, providing pollination services, honey production, or other bee-related products.
• Pollination services: Provides pollination services to agricultural crops, ensuring successful crop yields.
• Seasonal beekeeper: Works on a temporary basis during peak pollination seasons or honey production periods.

Other:

• The program is offered at Niagara College's Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, the first postsecondary institution in Canada to be recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements, which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
• Students are required to have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets specific technical requirements.
• The program is subject to change without notice.