Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers
AssOCIATIOn
NEKBA.ORG
Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association
The Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association is a 501(c)5 non-profit organization.
WELCOME page - Services & Information overview
One of the member benefits is a 25% discount to the magazine, the American Bee Journal. The regular price structure is offered to Bee Culture, which is still a great resource of for beekeepers. The current annual subscription rates are $27.65 and $32.00 respectively, which are good through the end of December 2023.
One of our greatest assets, besides our members, is our library of books and videos related to bees and beekeeping. These can be checked out for free at our regular monthly meetings for a monthly term.
Our monthly meet location has been in Lawrence, KS over the past several years as this seems to be most central to many of or members. We hope it would be convenient for you to attend. Whether or not you’re able to attend the meeting(s), we think it important to at least give you some more information about your regional association, and why your support is appreciated.
We are a Not-for-Profit IRC 501(c)5 (agricultural-educational) organization; run by dedicated volunteers; supported primarily by membership subscriptions. The IRC status means that the association is a tax-exempt organization. While donations are always welcome, under this status they are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution. However, your membership and magazine subscription(s) may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses. Please consult your tax advisor for further information.
The association was founded in 1948 to serve the needs of beekeepers with the object of advancing the education of the public in Apiculture. The organization’s activities are directed towards enhancing the interests of the honey bee and beekeeping.
Beekeeping provides a never ending source of enjoyment and interest to an ever-increasing number of people of all ages and gender – who are taking it up as a hobby or a subsidiary source of income. Whatever the motive, the association exists to promote and advance the craft of keeping honey bees.
The association is a member of the American Beekeeping Federation- a national association that makes a difference in the beekeeping industry. We encourage guest visitors to the monthly meetings, and the events calendar in the monthly newsletter is always of interest. What do you get with your membership?
- The fellowship of other beekeepers, offering the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences.
- Advice on all aspects of beekeeping and becoming more self-sufficient.
- The Bee Buzzer – the monthly association newsletter to give you information for meeting locations as well as programs; to inform you as to the operation and function of the association.
- The support of bee health management.
- Lectures, videos, slide shows, and fellowship throughout the year.
- A year-long program of beekeeping events.
- Outline of course of events (tips) for taking care of your bees throughout the year.
- Offer training and information to local beekeepers as well as advice to members on all beekeeping matters. Get local support when you’re in a crisis.
- Use of the association library of new and old beekeeping books. The library is a very important part of our service to members.
- Leadership development.
One thing about this endeavor--you learn from other beekeepers; you usually learn more from the bees themselves.
Beekeeping has been described as a passion of the natural world, a great responsibility, and a rewarding stewardship-nature, science, art, and chance rolled into one endeavour.
Whatever the level of interest, we can help you gain access to the world of keeping honey bees. We offer something for everyone.
Firstly, we have offered a Beginner’s Course in the spring, covering the theory, practice, and techniques of beekeeping for people who are just getting started with honey bees. It’s a “Basics of Beekeeping” workshop.
Secondly, there is the annual Bee FunDay in June, featuring guest speakers from different parts of the country and workshops for all levels of skill and interests. The Bee FunDay is an all-day event for those who don’t normally make it to the local, state, or national meetings. It gives an opportunity to bring in a national speaker or two and to offer hands-on beekeeping workshops.
For others who are already keeping bees, we can offer support and advice towards succeeding. We strive to set high standards for the promotion of honey and other bee products, and ensure the best beekeeping practices.
We also encourage membership and involvement in the Kansas Honey Producers’ Association (KHPA), which is a state-wide organization that includes other members of local associations throughout the state of Kansas. The Kansas Honey Producers meet bi-annually in March and October for a two-day conference in various parts of the sate. They also support the Honey Exhibit at the Kansas State Fair each September in Hutchinson.
Finally, we are here as a resource and know that the interest in the honey bee and beekeeping brings much personal satisfaction to our members. We appreciate your support. Thank you again for your interest, and welcome.
Sincerely yours,
Robert Burns
NEKBA ~ Treasurer
Thank you for your interest in membership to the Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers’ Association. Welcome aboard!
As the current Treasurer, I wanted to personally write to welcome you. I have enclosed a copy of the association's Constitution (2018,November), outlining the purpose and function of the organization.
The Bee Buzzer newsletter is our official publication. It's published monthly to give you information regarding meeting locations as well as programs of the association and to inform you as to the operation and function of the association.