The Toe Cane Beekeepers Association will host a special presentation on managing and splitting beehives on Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. This is a timely topic considering most splits are made in the spring as beehive populations explode, and a failure to split hives can lead to swarming and the loss of bees. The presentation will be at the Yancey County Extension Office and is open to the public. If weather allows, a hands-on demonstration of splitting techniques will follow at the nearby Blue Rock Apiary. Admission is free, but those going to the apiary must have appropriate protective beekeeping apparel.The guest speakers are well-known beekeepers, queen rearers and educators Ang Roell and Bi Kline of They Keep Bees. The pair, who keep bees in Massachusetts, Vermont and Florida, will share some results from their recent research into the success rate of various splitting approaches.
