Keep Bees

I've outlined what I believe to be a recipe for beekeeping success.  Look back for improvements.

First order of business is to know you'll get stung occasionally.  I have on hand a homeopathic remedy to help with swelling called Apis Mel 30c.  I got it from Whole Foods Market. (Homeopathy is FDA regulated and approved).

You can study some great videos on beekeeping here:  http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/Resources/Videos.asp

Great free intro information:  http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-alternatives/livestock/additional-livestock-options/beekeeping

Becoming a member of an association allows you to make friends and learn regional techniques.   The associations for this region are: KS: http://www.nekba.org/  and MO: http://www.midwesternbeekeepers.org/.   I most often purchase bee supplies from local dealers who support our associations.   At harvest time, you can rent an expensive extractor from Robert Hughes, who's contact information is at http://www.beekeepers.com/.

Equipment

You can build your own boxes and save some money and enjoy a little woodworking.  I like making bottom boards out of scraps because I like to customize them (see my plans in build your own).

For supplies, I like to order locally from beekeepers.com.  Otherwise, you can buy from Mann Lake because they ship orders over $100 for free. The first season you can go with two hive bodies and then work up to three hive bodies to give bees extra storage room. Three hive bodies make it is less likely I expend effort feeding and makes for a bigger colony for production.  You can start with two honey supers that support a harvest of 5 gallons of honey (average for this area).  I believe used equipment is fine to save money if you can locate some in good condition.  (Beware there is a risk of disease transmission if the equipment was contaminated and is not cleaned properly with chlorine bleach).

        I've gathered this following hardware list from Mann Lake (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/):

        Look for a starter kit that includes these items: