Panel Discussion: Monitoring Mites & TreatmentJoin us for a panel discussion focused on practical, effective strategies for monitoring mite levels and selecting appropriate treatment options throughout the season. Experienced beekeepers will discuss common monitoring methods, when and why to treat, compare miticide options, and share lessons learned from their own apiaries. Whether you’re navigating mites for the first time or exploring a new approach, this forum will help you make more informed and timely decisions for healthy hives. Bring your questions: this session will include ample time for Q&A.
Jenna Letain - Bee Ready: Stay Ahead of Hive Diseases
Join Jenna Letain, a Canada-based scientist, co-founder and COO behind BeeSafe Biotech, as she shares her research-driven perspective on honey bee viruses and the growing role of early detection tools.
Jenna will discuss what her research has uncovered, how rapid detection methods are being developed to identify hive threats, and why early discovery can make a meaningful difference for beekeepers. Expect approachable science and a look at where hive health technology is headed.
Shoshana Zeldner - On Honey Flavor and Aroma
We’re delighted to host Shoshana Zeldner, honey expert and Director of Brand Strategy at Z Specialty Food, a leading honey distributor based in Woodland, CA.
Shoshana brings a deep, multi-generational perspective shaped by her family’s long-standing involvement in the honey world, and works closely with her mother, Amina Harris, one of the foremost experts on California varietal honeys. Join us for an engaging (and sweet!) talk exploring honey, flavor, and the stories behind California’s remarkable varietals.
As the season shifts and your colony activity slows down, join us for a fall-focused forum and discussion on preparing your bees for the winter months ahead. This meeting will feature a SFBA panel addressing key aspects of fall hive management, including feeding strategies, temperature and moisture management, and how to support healthy winter hives. Bring your questions: this is a practical and timely conversation designed to help you confidently transition your colonies into winter.
Learn about the art of creating beautiful, clean-burning beeswax candles in this hands-on presentation focused on working with wax from the hive. We’ll cover the candle-making process, including cleaning and preparing beeswax, selecting molds, matching wick size to candle diameter, ideal temperatures for melting and pouring, and techniques for avoiding common issues like sinking, cracking, and wax bloom. The session will include a live candle-making demonstration with opportunities for audience participation.
SFBA Holiday Potluck Dinner PartySt. John Armenian Church, 275 Olympia Way, SF
Mark your calendars: Wednesday, December 2nd will be our biggest celebration of the year: the SFBA Member Holiday Potluck Dinner Party! Come for the feast, stay for the fun, and celebrate the season with your fellow beekeepers. It’s a night of great food, warm community, and festive cheer that you won’t want to miss!
Keep an eye out for the event page and RSVP in early November!
