Learn how to have healthy beehives at Independence event

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Beekeepers of all skill levels are invited to attend B3: Building Better Bees for the Future: A Honey Bee Health & Breeding Symposium 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Truman Habitat for Humanity’s Young School, 505 N. Dodgion Ave., Independence.

Hosted by University of Missouri Extension, Heartland Beekeeping Partnership, Johnson County Missouri Beekeepers Association and Paul Sopher, the event offers a full day of hands-on learning, research-based presentations and breeding strategies designed to strengthen honey bee health and improve colony resilience, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Tamra Reall.

“Varroa mites and the viruses they spread continue to be among the greatest threats to honey bee colonies,” Reall says. Participants will learn practical methods for identifying colonies with naturally mite-resistant traits and how those traits can be used to support healthier, more resilient hives.”

The symposium will feature Cory Stevens, nationally recognized for his work in honey bee breeding and Varroa-sensitive hygiene (VSH) along with Reall and longtime beekeeper Cathy Misko.

Participants will learn how to identify and select for honey bees that naturally suppress mite reproduction (SMR), helping reduce Varroa pressure and improve colony survival. Participants are encouraged to bring one or two capped brood frames with just a few workers starting to emerge to assess/score your own bees.

Featured highlights:

• Hands-on brood assay lab with Stevens.
• Research-based honey bee health presentations.
• Practical strategies for backyard queen selection and breeding.
• Learn how to evaluate your own colonies for SMR/VSH traits.
• Opportunity to assess your own brood frames during the lab.

Registration includes:

• Brood assay lab kit (forceps, frame holder, adjustable headlamp with red light, scoring card).
• Refreshments and lunch.
• One-year complimentary Johnson County Missouri Beekeepers Association membership.
• Monthly “Apiary Buzz” digital newsletter.
• A chance to win a Missouri Mite Hunter VSH Queen Certificate.

Preregistration is required. Attendance is limited to 50 participants. Find details and registration at Details and registration. For registration questions, contact Cathy Misko at cathymisko@earthlink.net or 660-656-3485, or Paul Sopher at 816-598-6241.

To prepare for the Harbo lab assay, Reall suggests the following:

First, feed colonies 1:1 syrup about one month in advance to stimulate brood production (especially during nectar dearth).

Then choose 1-2 nice, capped brood frames with just a few workers starting to emerge.

• Shake off nurse bees before transport.
• Bring brood frames in a nuc box.
• Conduct a colony mite test beforehand for comparison.

For more honey bee health resources, review the 2026 Honey Bee Health Varroa Guide from the Honey Bee Health Coalition.