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Starting Thursday, Panhandle Beekeepers Offered August Classes To Help Manage Hives

Judy Biss
/
UF/IFAS Extension Panhandle Agriculture Team

This month, up and coming beekeepers in the Florida Panhandle will have the opportunity to take part in a few beekeeping classes.

As the beekeeping industry grows in Florida, Judy Biss says it’s important for beekeepers to learn the science-based best management practices for maintaining their hives. She’s part of the Panhandle team of the University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences [UF/IFAS] Extension office.

“It helps the whole industry in the state of Florida because pollination is critical to our food supply,” said Biss.

All Panhandle counties are eligible to participate in the intermediate level beekeeping classes, offered via web conferencing. On Thursday, the first class is about managing pests and diseases.

“It’s the Varroa Mite, which is a very significant killer of bees and also suspected of bringing in other viruses as well,” Biss added. “It’s just something that is a persistent pest and it weakens the hive.”

Anyone interested in registering should contact their local UF/IFAS Extension Office.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.