AgriLife Extension to host Beekeeping Field Days in April and May
In-person events across Texas offer hands-on instruction for beginners and experienced beekeepers
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a series of hands-on Beekeeping Field Days this spring, offering beginner and advanced beekeepers an opportunity to deepen their skills, work directly with experts and gain practical, in-the-field experience.
Each field day features interactive instruction, bee yard demonstrations and workshop options tailored to participants’ experience levels.
Space is limited for all dates and locations. Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their workshop selection, said Garett Slater, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide honey bee specialist and assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Entomology, Overton.
Safety Requirements
All workshops involving bee yard activities require proper protective clothing, including:
- Full bee suit.
- Gloves.
- Protective footwear – boots recommended.
Slater said attendees with bee suits are encouraged to bring them, but suits will be provided for those who note the need during registration.
East Texas Beekeeping Field Day April 11 in Overton
The East Texas Beekeeping Field Day will be on April 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1710 Farm-to-Market Road 3053, Overton. Register here.
The event offers two workshop tracks:
- Beekeeping 101 — $65
Designed for beginners, this workshop covers bee biology, hive management, essential equipment and best practices. Participants will spend the afternoon in the bee yard. - Queen Rearing Course — $75
An intermediate workshop focused on queen‑rearing principles, methods for raising high‑quality queens and sustainable colony management. Includes a field component.
Beekeeping 201 and Queen Rearing Course April 18 in Lubbock
The Beekeeping 201 and Short Queen Rearing Course will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 18 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock, 1102 E. Farm-to-Market 1294, Lubbock. The courses are designed for intermediate beekeepers. Register here.
- Beekeeping 201 — $65
A field‑based workshop focused on swarming biology, effective colony splitting, seasonal timing and real‑time hive assessment. - Queen Rearing Course — $75
A deeper dive into queen‑rearing techniques with hands‑on components similar to the Overton workshop.
Beekeeping 101 Field Day on April 24 in Lakehills
The Beekeeping 101 short course will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Lakehills Community Center, 11225 Texas Park Road 37, Lakehills. This short-format session provides introductory training for new beekeepers.
Registration is available online. This course is free.
Beekeeping Field Day and Queen Rearing Course May 2 in Fort Worth
The Beekeeping Field Day and Queen Rearing Short Course will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 at the Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth. Register here.
- Beekeeping 101— $65
A foundational workshop for new beekeepers with an afternoon bee yard session. - Queen Rearing Course— $75
A hands‑on program focused on producing healthy queens and improving hive sustainability.
