RCC gets in the Business of Beekeeping

Robeson Community College is getting into the business of beekeeping – literally. The college will offer a 4-week course that will educate students on the honey bee colony; constructing hives; spring, summer and fall management; honey production; wintering hives; identification and control of brood diseases; parasites and predators; and the beekeepers’ options on turning beekeeping into a business.

“Without honey bees we would not exist,” said Christy Locklear, the instructor of the course. “I thought this would be a good class for anybody who wants to do this as a hobby or as a business.”

 “I have been wanting to teach this class… My husband and I started a business 3 years ago and it has become a passion of ours…”

The class will be held online, beginning September 1 and ending September 30.

On the last day of class, students will have an optional hands-on day where students will learn all about using their equipment and actually check a functioning beehive.

“We will open up a live hive,” stated Locklear. “We will teach hands-on how to look for disease and pests, identifying honey been eggs and larva, honey and pollen.”

“It should be fun… when people see the ways that the honey bees’ function in the hive, people are amazed, they light up,” said Locklear. “Honey bees are so smart.”

If you are interested in registering, you can visit www.robeson.edu/healtho or contact Locklear at (910) 272-3609 or chlocklear@robeson.edu.