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UW–Madison Beekeeping Short Course

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale up, the UW–Madison Beekeeping Short Course will help you build a thriving business. Learn everything from sustainable hive management and bee health to writing a business plan and marketing your products in this multi-day course.

Class overview

UW Beekeeping Short Course is a multi-day course designed for beginning and intermediate beekeepers who are interested in building or growing their beekeeping business. During the course, you will learn:

  • Basic beekeeping practices and basic bee biology
  • Disease management and sustainable year-round hive management
  • Business and financial planning for building a beekeeping business, including insurance and liability of a beekeeping business
  • Marketing and promotion of honey and wax products as well as supply chain access
  • Expanding product lines including regulations and insurance requirements for the sale of non-honey bee products

Detailed class information

Logistics and registrationexpand_more

When: Friday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026

Where: UW Extension Building, 3500 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705

Cost: Register before Jan. 13, 2026 to receive early bird pricing. Prices increase after Jan. 14, 2026 and registration closes Feb. 8, 2026.

  • General: $350 early/$400 regular registration
  • Students: $150 early/$200 regular registration 

Lodging accommodationsexpand_more

A block of rooms have been reserved at the nearby Springhill Suites (0.5 miles away) for course participants at a reduced rate of $110/night. This price includes breakfast and parking.

Class scheduleexpand_more

Friday, February 13

  • Class: 1:00pm–5:00pm
  • Reception: 5:00pm–6:00pm

Saturday, February 14

  • Class: 8:30am–5:00pm
  • Lunch and snacks will be provided

Sunday, February 15

  • Class: 9:00am–1:00pm
  • Lunch and snacks will be provided

The UW Beekeeping Short Course is presented by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Entomology in collaboration with the UW Farm and Industry Short Course and the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association. This course is supported by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

Questions? Email Hannah Gaines Day at hgaines@wisc.edu