Menu

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.

Register now!

Course overview

UW Beekeeping Short Course is a multi-day course designed for those interested in beekeeping where you’ll learn how to build and grow a 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
  • Overview of USDA programs for beekeepers and how to access them

Detailed course information

Logistics and registration

When: Friday, Feb. 5 – Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027

Where: Madison, WI

Cost: Register before Jan. 5, 2027 to receive early bird pricing. Prices increase on Jan. 6, 2027 and registration closes Feb. 1, 2027.

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

This course is open to all. We value inclusion and access for all participants. Please email Hannah Gaines Day at hgaines@wisc.edu to make an accommodation request. Reasonable effort will be made to support your request.

Expand All|Collapse All

Lodgingexpand_more

A block of rooms will be reserved at a nearby hotel. More information will be available closer to the course date.

Class scheduleexpand_more

Friday, February 5

  • Class: 9:00am–5:00pm
  • Reception: 5:00pm–6:00pm
  • Lunch and snacks will be provided

Saturday, February 6

  • Class: 9:00am–5:00pm
  • 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.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

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

Login Request Help Help Docs