Texas Master Beekeeper Program

03/11/2026

Most native bees nest underground, yet their nesting ecology remains one of the least understood aspects of pollinator biology. This talk introduces Project GNBee, a community-science initiative designed to document where ground-nesting bees live and how their nesting patterns connect to pollination services in agricultural and managed landscapes. We explore the diversity and ecological importance of ground-nesting bees, highlight their role in pollinating specialty crops, and discuss the economic value of native pollination services. Emphasis is placed on practical methods for documenting bee nesting aggregations, including habitat, soil, and phenology data collection, and on how growers, land managers, and community members can actively participate in Project GNBee to help advance research, conservation planning, and farm management.

03/10/2026

03/03/2026

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01/29/2026

We’re excited to offer 10-week Virtual Courses for both the Apprentice and Advanced Levels starting February 16th!

Why join?
👉Gain expert knowledge to ace the Apprentice or Advanced Level Test
👉Weekly sessions (2-4 hours) with recordings for flexibility
👉Pre-registration for your future exam is INCLUDED with the course!

Courses Details:
Apprentice Course (No prior requirements):
🔗 Register here https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/texas-master-beekeeper-course-apprentice-level/01tQn00000ELXaPIAX

Advanced Course (Optional, but we reccomend beekeepers take the Apprentice Course first):
🔗 Register here https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/texas-master-beekeeper-program-advanced-level/01tQn00000ESqgLIAT

Don’t miss out—secure your spot today! Click on the links for more info and a full schedule. For questions, email Garett Slater: Garett.slater@ag.tamu.edu

01/09/2026

Texas beekeepers representing at the American Beekeepers Federation Conference and Trade Show.

01/03/2026

2nd Brood Monitoring Window Open! Let’s go Texas Master Beekeepers! Don’t forget to keel track of your time spent on this towards your public service hours!🐝

Happy New Year's citizen science beekeepers! The second round of our expanded US Capped Brood Monitoring Program (https://aub.ie/winterbrood) is open to beekeepers from Jan 2-4.

If Dr. Reed Johnson from The Ohio State University can open up colonies in winter for a quick check, then so can you! 😎

Each beekeeper inspection should take 2-3 minutes per colony, with minimal disturbance; we are looking for a Yes or No for presence of Capped Brood.

Please help us get to our target of 10 beekeeper participants per state! For a demonstration video and to submit your information, go to: https://aub.ie/broodcsi

UF IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory UGA Honey Bee Lab MSU Extension Apiculture Program Texas A&M University Apiculture UT Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Central State University Bee Research Lab UoG Honey Bee Research Centre Cornell Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies University of MN Bee Lab University of MN Bee Squad Oregon State Honey Bee Lab WSU Bee Program NC State Apiculture Program Apiculture Extension at Penn State

12/19/2025

TMBP Candidates this counts as public service hours! Reach out to me at heather.mcbride@ag.tamu.edu if you have any questions.

Citizen science request! We are expanding our US Capped Brood Monitoring Program (https://aub.ie/winterbrood) to beekeepers for three time periods this winter: Dec 19-21, Jan 2-4, and Jan 16-18.
Each beekeeper inspection should take 2-3 minutes per colony, with minimal disturbance; we are looking for a Yes or No for presence of Capped Brood.
Please help us get to our target of 10 beekeeper participants per state!
For a demonstration video and to submit your information, go to: https://aub.ie/broodcsi

Citizen science request! We are expanding our US Capped Brood Monitoring Program (https://aub.ie/winterbrood) to beekeepers for three time periods this winter: Dec 19-21, Jan 2-4, and Jan 16-18.

Each beekeeper inspection should take 2-3 minutes per colony, with minimal disturbance; we are looking for a Yes or No for presence of Capped Brood.

Please help us get to our target of 10 beekeeper participants per state!

For a demonstration video and to submit your information, go to: https://aub.ie/broodcsi

UF IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory UGA Honey Bee Lab MSU Extension Apiculture Program Texas A&M University Apiculture UT Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Central State University Bee Research Lab Cornell Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies University of MN Bee Lab University of MN Bee Squad Oregon State Honey Bee Lab WSU Bee Program

11/07/2025

The Texas Apiculture Program invites you to join us for an exciting webinar!

“Norroa: A Novel Approach to Varroa Mite Control!"
Featuring Adam Pachl from GreenLight Biosciences, who will share new insights and research on this innovative solution for Varroa management.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge strategies to support honey bee health and fight Varroa destructor!

📅 November 14, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM CST

✅ Registration required: https://streamyard.com/watch/2VHtskucgyck

10/07/2025

This past Sunday, we wrapped up our Master Beekeeping testing in El Paso, the final stop in our statewide testing series!

We’re not done yet though—our last exam of the year will take place in Waco, TX on November 20th during the Texas Beekeepers Association (TBA) Convention.

Register today! https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=851463&

10/04/2025

09/11/2025

Dodie Stillman, who is testing for the Master Craftsman level at the Texas Beekeepers Association (TBA) Convention, is working on an exciting project to locate Drone Congregation Areas (DCAs) in Texas.

📍 Tomorrow, she will be in Brazos County attempting to find a DCA, and we’re inviting you to join us live for the experience as she flies her UAV!

🔴 Live Streaming will begin at 5:00 PM tomorrow on:
Facebook Live and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

If you prefer Zoom, you can also join here:
👉 https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83994150199?pwd=9R7zDRf4Xsn2O2cTlRCNcpXbImaQGo.1

The Honey Bee extension team is dedicated to supporting Texas beekeepers with resources and hands-on assistance. Our goal is to support beekeepers and advance research and education. Follow us for updates, tips, and events. 🐝🌿📚

08/09/2025

2025 Testing Dates Announced!

Testing Dates:
Check them out here → masterbeekeeper.tamu.edu

Register Here:
https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=851234&

Questions? Contact us anytime TMBP@ag.tamu.edu.