Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
It supports the website. So, Thank you
When I first got into apiculture, I remember reading an article that suggested getting into a local beekeeping association. I wondered what the point was because I already had enough to think about but looking back, that was one of the best pieces of advice I had ever been given.
Beekeeping can be a challenging hobby and it’s always a good idea to have a source of knowledge, advice, and information. This is one of the first reasons to join a beekeeping association as it’s an essential pillar of support as you embark on your new journey.
The United States is home to a wealth of resources for beekeepers and I wanted to put together a list of beekeeping associations by state. No matter where you live, you’ll have access to an association; keep reading to find your local group.
Why Join A Beekeeping Association
Many people assume that apiculture is an easy hobby. In some ways it is but it involves a hell of a lot more than just putting some bees in a hive and hoping for the best.
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the years about beekeepers, it’s that they’re a friendly and passionate bunch who love to impart their wisdom to others. If you’re totally new to beekeeping then having direct access to a group of people that are keen to give you education and advice is essential.
Not only this but being a member of a beekeeping association will mean that you get first dibs on honey shows, state fairs, and sales. If you’re looking to start a viable business then this is a must but even for those who just want to sell their excess honey, it means not having to look for opportunities.
In terms of education, you’ll not only meet a lot of like-minded people but you’ll also have access to the association’s website and library of beekeeping literature. And if you’re in the market for equipment, the association will always have this on offer so you’ll never be caught short.
Another reason that I would urge you to join a beekeeping association is for the events. You’ll find that all associations have get-togethers where you can discuss all matters related to your hobby. There are also plenty of other things going on like hive demos, swarm collecting, and meetings that discuss local bee issues. I’m sure these events will have you meeting people that’ll remain friends for life; if that isn’t worth joining then I don’t know what is!
National Beekeeping Associations In The United States
The purpose of this guide is for me to provide you with information on state beekeeping associations. Joining a state or local group is going to be more convenient and will provide you with the most relevant information and resources.
However, there are a few national beekeeping associations that are well worth considering and I thought it important to list them here as well.
- American Beekeeping Federation
- Eastern Apiculture Society
- Western Apicultural Society
- American Honey Producers Association
- Heartland Apicultural Society
- National Honey Board
- American Apitherapy Society
Beekeeping Associations By State
The beauty of joining a state beekeeping association is that you’ll have access to local information, state fairs, nearby suppliers, and many other things. Click on the links below to be taken to your state page and discover the beekeeping associations in your area.
