Beekeeping Program The Lamar Beekeeping program currently has eleven hives and will be expanding soon. With the help of our volunteer beekeeper, Ms. Shelly Rice students learn how to care for bees, harvest and process honey, and identify bee pests. Students go out to care for their bees about twice a month. Beekeeping is a great way to gain agricultural experience without having to go out to the barn every day. It is also a good choice for those who do not wish to spend money on an animal. Bees are an annual cost of $15, which allows students to join the Houston Beekeeper Association.

Beekeeping Equipment
All equipment is provided for those who wish to join the beekeeping program. The "bee barn" contains smokers, hive tools, and all other necessary supplies. The supplies are bought with revenue made from honey sales, so the students do not get a share of the profit from the honey they produce. Honey is sold at the Lamar FFA Show and Auction every year and throughout the year when it is in stock. 

Honey Processing
Honey processing occurs at the school culinary facilities. The honey that is produced is sold as unfiltered honey because it is not heated during the filtering process. This keeps the pollen alive during the filtering process so that the honey will help with local allergies when sold. Students who join the beekeeping program will be allowed and expected to help with this honey filtering and packing process

 
How to Join
To be in the beekeeping program, you must be a member of the Lamar FFA. This means that you must pay $50 of dues at the beginning of the year and be in an agriculture class at Lamar High School. If you are a member or want to become one contact Mr. Ibrahim. He will instruct you on how to join the beekeepers of Houston and the group chat.