Beekeeping in Jamaica
Melanie (holding the comb) in the training apiary at Yerba Buena Farm This past December, honeybee breeder Melanie Kirby spent 2 weeks providing hands-on beekeeping training to various groups throughout Jamaica. The holiday season was commencing so many of the beekeeping associations with which Melanie met were also holding their end of year celebrations. This lent a festive and lively air to the workshops! One focus of Melanie’s assignment was to introduce concepts of queen rearing. Establishing quality breeding stock that is acclimated to local conditions is vital for a productive hive. Additionally, good recordkeeping and communication with fellow beekeepers can help beekeepers gain a better understanding of area stock genetics. Besides giving lectures and PowerPoint presentations, Melanie also engaged in Q&A sessions with local beekeeper associations, and led trainings at Yerba Buena Farm. In the photo above, she is demonstrating the skill of grafting. One of Mela