Western Apicultural Society of North America (WAS)

Supporting beekeepers across the West with science-based education and a strong member community.

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Join a Supportive Community Dedicated to Better Beekeeping

Monthly Mini-Conferences | Resource Library | Collaborative Network

Becoming a WAS member means more than access to resources — it’s joining a network of beekeepers, researchers, and educators working together to advance the art and science of beekeeping. Your membership supports ongoing education, research, and collaboration that strengthen bee health and sustainability across the West.

Stay Connected

Get periodic updates on upcoming mini-conferences, beekeeping news, and educational resources across the West.

Upcoming Events

Jane Doe, PHD, Montana State University

2nd Thursday Mini-Conference

Nosema in Honey Bees: Understanding & Mitigating the Threat

February 27, 2025

7:00PM (MST)

John Doe, PHD, Montana State University

4th Thursday Mini-Conference

How Arizona Beekeepers LLC Sells Honey Without Competition

February 27, 2025

7:00PM (MST)

View More Events

Discover what else is happening: mini-conferences, special events, and more.

How We Serve Our Members

Western Apicultural Society members receive access to exclusive benefits, including:

Mini-Conferences

We host monthly virtual conferences on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7 p.m. MT. These sessions connect beekeepers, researchers, and educators to share the latest science and best practices. All events are recorded and added to our video library, giving members unlimited on-demand access. Supplemental materials are also shared to support ongoing skill development.

Special Events

We offer member forums, expert Q&A sessions, and hands-on workshops that dive deeper into regional best practices. These programs strengthen engagement through train-the-trainer opportunities, introductory courses, and annual gatherings with the WAS Science Advisory Panel to plan priorities and support community growth.

Resource Library

Our searchable Beekeeping Companion Library offers quick access to over 300 vetted full-text references. Members can also explore endorsed university courses to advance their skills and stay current with modern beekeeping and best-practice recommendations.

In a world full of mixed information, we offer regionally relevant evidence-based education and resources to help you strengthen your skills, make just-in-time informed decisions, and keep your colonies thriving.

About the Western Apicultural Society

Education | Community | Research

Founded in 1978, the Western Apicultural Society (WAS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of beekeeping across our vast region. WAS collaborates with leading beekeepers, honey bee educators, bee scientists, and other experts worldwide to share evidence-based knowledge and address the challenges facing beekeepers in the U.S. states and Canadian provinces of:

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho

Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oregon

South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming

Alberta
British Columbia
Northwest Territories
Saskatchewan
Yukon

News & Announcements

January 2025 – Organizational Updates

2025-2030 Strategic Plan

WAS is excited to announce that it has finalized its 2025 strategic plan, aimed at increasing member value through innovative products, new services, and engaging monthly Mini-Conferences. We’re especially eager to improve our website to make it easier for beekeepers across the West to find relevant and clear information. Additionally, we’re developing a vibrant social media presence to highlight the benefits of membership and share helpful, research-based insights on honeybees and beekeeping.

December 2025 – Membership Updates

New Virtual Conferencing Platform

WAS is launching a new virtual Mini-Conference series, held on the second and fourth Thursdays each month, to bring beekeepers together across the West. Powered by vFairs, these sessions offer accessible, science-based education, community connection, and skill-building for beekeepers of all levels. The new platform enhances engagement and supports WAS’s mission to provide trustworthy, high-quality learning experiences across a wide geographic area.