2024 Conference Session Videos

The Sustainable Apiary - Dr. Larry Connor

Esteemed beekeeper, author, and photographer and keynote speaker of the 2024 Heart of Virginia Beekeeping Conference, Dr. Lawrence John Connor, explains the benefits of utilizing natural queen cells to build your own nucs for use in your beekeeping operations.

Free Bees - Keith White

Keith White of Honey and the Hive explains the science and techniques surrounding the baiting and capture of honey bee swarms.

Lunch Session - House Bill 517

Sue Boland, the Virginia State Beekeepers Association's Legislative Liason, discusses House Bill 517, which would name Apis mellifera, the Western honey bee, as the VA State Pollinator.

Mead: What Is It All About? - Gary Gosdzinski

Gary Gosdzinski of Breezy Hill Meadworks leads us through a brief history of mead, the types of mead, and basic equipment based on the old recipe and mead processing from start through bottling. 

Queen & Drone Biology - Dr. Larry Connor

In his afternoon session, Dr. Connor guides us through the unique physiological, developmental, and behavioral nuances of the queens and drones of A. mellifera.

Products of the Hive - Carla Park & Stan Houk

"Products of the Hive" documents the evolution and journey of Chestnut Ridge Garden, in South Chesterfield, VA.  Listen in as they share ideas on products and marketing... Your customer probably doesn't know what they need without a little help from YOU!

Hacks & Techniques - Ryan Williamson

Ryan Williamson of Sourwood Farm describes tips, tricks, and techniques for maximizing your resources while minimizing cost and unneccessary honey bee colony loss.

Study Session - Brooke Savage

Brooke Savage of Elysium Honey Company guides us through the process of preparing for the Apprentice and Journeyman Beekeeper assessments.

Pollinator Habitat - Jordan Rabon

Jordan Rabon of the Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners presents on the planning, establishment, and management of pollinator habitat.