BeeKeeping

[widefat]

XSFMED18D and RobA are spot on. A single class will only go so far. You definitely should go with nucs and not packages. Going local is a major plus, and a mentor is key. Did you decide on 8 or 10 frame? Did the class review location? If you have neighbors with a pool, you need to understand the water source for your bees. I've been keeping bees for several years now, but even a beekeeper of 30+ years will tell you they learn new stuff every year.

I am thinking medium 10 frame. Location? Yes, we talked about it. Here is a map of my place - What you cant see around the farm is mostly beef cattle, with several
corn, soy, etc within 3 or so miles. I am thinking about a spot by a creek, right next to my planned food plot. I can situate the hives so they get full sun, yet are in a depression surrounded by trees.
What do you think?

 

[TXCYCLE]

Widefat, that's a great looking place you have there, I'm sure your bees will do well. Provide a water source, they WILL take over your pool, dog's dish, water trough, etc. Takes a lot of water to make honey I learned. I had ten hives a few years ago. I kept water in an old bathtub with a burlap sack half in, half out of the water. Gave them a place to land and not drown.
Be prepared for some work, like livestock they have to be fed at times, watered as discussed, sheltered, and treated for diseases. That's what killed mine, I got mites in my hives and I discovered them too late to treat.
Have fun, it's a fascinating hobby. Read every book on the subject you can find, it will help.

 

[NorTracNY]

Looks like a good setup except for the fields around you. Hopefully you can find that mentor and hopefully the modern agriculture around you doesn't hurt the bees too much.

Getting stung by a yellowjacket isn't the same as a honeybee, but in regards to being alergic it could change at any time. It's probably a good idea to have epinephrine around. Good luck in bee keeping.

 

[KYErik]

As others have said- be sure to get a mentor. There are lots of good resources and even videos on the internet, but nothing as good as a person who can point things out on your hive. In terms of sensitivity, mine has decreased over time. I have been beekeeping for about 6 years. The first 15-20 stings were pretty bad (swelling that lasted for a week). The last 10 stings have involved much less swelling- so things can improve in that department. As others have said- things can also get worse.