All A-Buzz in Amherst, Massachusetts

In June, six students from the Bee Club at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, along with co-advisor Rick Rego, manager of the McGrath Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory in the Department of Comparataive Pathobiology at Cumming School, travelled to the University of Massachusetts Amherst for the 2026 Massachusetts Beekeepers Association Beekeeping Field Day, held in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the Franklin County Beekeepers Association. The event was situated on the grounds of the University of Massachusetts Agricultural Learning Center, where one of the state apiaries is located.

The day was filled with short seminars and workshops, as well as a variety of vendors specializing in beekeeping and related supplies. Students attended several educational sessions, including the Bee Photography Workshop, How to Split a Hive/Signs of Swarming, Breeding and Evaluating Queen Bees for New England Conditions, Checking for Varroa Mites, and Providing Supplemental Wax for Comb Building and Repair. 

The Bee Smoker Contest drew about 15 participants, including Emily Lee, V29. After packing their smokers and waiting the 30 minutes for them to sit and smolder, the participants squeezed the bellows on their smokers. Emily produced the most smoke and won the contest against many long-time and seasoned beekeepers. Beekeepers use smoke to calm bees and mask alarm pheromones, reducing aggression and making hive inspections safer and more efficient.

Several vendors promoted supplies for beekeeping, honey extraction, and packaging. Cummings School’s student group spoke with each vendor and set up a field trip to Maxant Industries in Devens, Massachusetts, a long-time producer and manufacturer of honey-processing equipment. Students also contacted various state and private bee experts to set up future lunch talks for the Tufts Cummings School of  Veterinary Medicine Bee Club. MDAR’s educational table featured information not only on honeybees but also on native pollinator species and the importance of protecting them by growing pollinator gardens and limiting the use of pesticides. Emerging diseases and pests that can impact captive and native pollinators were highlighted in the handouts.

Overall, it was a great day filled with educational opportunities, networking, and, not to mention, pulled pork sandwiches, watermelon, and ice cream!