What is the NYS Beekeeper Tech Team?
The NYS Beekeeper Tech Team is a free program for beekeepers that provides consultation, colony health sampling, and resources for you and your operation. The program is implemented by Cornell University in collaboration with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. To date, we’ve worked with 98 beekeepers of all scales (commercial, sideliner, hobbyist) across New York State. If you are looking to improve your colony health, please consider responding!
Here are the free services that the NYS Beekeeper Tech Team provides beekeepers:
- Inspect a subset of your colonies each June and September
- Take samples from these colonies for Varroa, Nosema, and pesticides
- Provide timely reports on your colony health. These reports enable you to understand your bees’ health and compare it to other beekeepers we have sampled
- Meet with you once a year to discuss your operation health and develop a colony management plan for the upcoming year
- Provide an annual report on NYS Industry Trends that includes evidence-based best management practices
- You can remain enrolled in the program for up to three years
Starting in April 2023, the tech team will be led by Ellen Topitzhofer, the new Cornell Honey Bee Senior Extension Associate. Ellen will be coming to NY after 11 years of experience working with beekeepers in the Northwestern US as a Senior Honeybee Research Technician at Oregon State University and previously a Honeybee Field Technician Specialist for the Bee Informed Partnership. We are recruiting in anticipation of her arrival.
To learn even more about the program, please explore our NYS Beekeeper Tech Team website:https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/nys-beekeeper-tech-team/
Any beekeeper can apply, but preference will be given to people with at least 30-50 colonies and those looking to expand their operations. Please email Catherine Crosier at csc264@cornell.edu or our lead technician Connor Hinsley at cah354@cornell.edu or 603-667-8241 and let us know if you’re interested in joining the program!
Many thanks.
NYS Beekeeper Tech Team