The Hive. The Science. The Business of Bees.

Program Overview

Alberta is one of Canada’s most important honey-producing provinces — and skilled beekeepers are in short supply.

Alberta is one of Canada’s most important honey-producing provinces, with a thriving commercial apiary sector and a critical role in pollinating crops across the prairies and beyond. Yet skilled beekeepers are in short supply at every level — from hobbyist operations to commercial honey producers.

The YSA Beekeeping program gives students direct experience managing hives on the YSA apiary, harvesting and processing honey, and understanding the complex biology of honeybees and their role in agricultural ecosystems. Students learn to diagnose and treat disease, manage colony health across seasons, and develop their own apiary enterprises.

This program is ideal for students with interests in biology, ecology, entrepreneurship, or food production — and uniquely prepares graduates for careers in commercial apiary operations, agricultural consulting, or independent business ownership.