University of Montana
Commercial Beekeeping Series
Commercial Pollination
November 2 to December 11, 2026
In the Commercial Pollination course, students learn the basics of insect pollination, learn which insects are most commonly utilized in agricultural settings, and receive an overview of migratory beekeeping and pollination economics. We’ll discuss successful overwintering strategies, overwintering colony dynamics, and hive monitoring technologies. Students will learn the biological needs of colonies in transport and interstate transport laws, as well as the process of colony brokering, including detailed knowledge of a typical pollination contract. The course also addresses risk management, farm loans, and the private and government programs in place to mitigate loss from damage, liability, and natural disasters. Beekeepers who wish to expand their operations to a large scale or commercial level should take this course.
Course meets fully online. There are no face-to-face components. Course is available for 5.0 CEUs.
Prerequisite: Passing Apprentice Level (or Apprentice Test-Out).
Visit https://www.umt.edu/bee/commercial/pollination.php for complete information.
