Johnston County North Carolina
Beekeepers Association
Educating & Growing Community
One Hive at a Time
Welcome to Johnston County Beekeepers
Where Beekeepers Learn, Grow, and Thrive Together
We meet the third Monday of every month at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield. Meetings are always free and open to the public. Show up at 6:30 PM for our Bee Basics beginner class, and stay for the full meeting at 7:00 PM.
You don't need to be a member to attend, and you don't need any experience. Just bring your curiosity.
What we do
We educate and support beekeepers at every level — from complete beginners attending their first meeting to experienced beekeepers pursuing their Master Beekeeper certification. Through hands-on apiary sessions, our annual Bee School, mentorship pairings, and free monthly meetings, we give Johnston County beekeepers the knowledge and community they need to keep healthy, thriving hives.
Bee School
Every February, we host a comprehensive one-day Bee School covering everything a new beekeeper needs to start their first season with confidence. Bee biology, hive setup, seasonal management, pest identification, and hands-on breakout sessions — all taught by experienced JCBA members. Registration includes lunch and a one-year club membership.
Swarm Response
When residents across Johnston County report a honey bee swarm, our trained members respond — usually within hours. We verify the swarm, alert our network, and send a beekeeper to safely relocate the colony at no charge. It’s a free community service that saves bees and helps our members grow their apiaries.
Shared Equipment
Members have access to club-owned beekeeping equipment that would be expensive to purchase individually. Our equipment library includes honey extractors, uncapping knives and tanks, an oxalic acid vaporizer with respirator, and other tools available on a reservation basis during extraction season.
Hands-On Apiary
Our club apiary at the Johnston County Agricultural Center is where classroom knowledge meets real-world experience. Monthly hands-on sessions let members practice hive inspections, identify queens, read brood patterns, and manage pests — all under the guidance of experienced beekeepers. Protective gear required; contact us if you need loaner equipment.
Study Guides & Certification
We provide study materials for every level of the NC Master Beekeeper Program — Certified, Journeyman, Master, and Master Craftsman. Our members include certified and master beekeepers who are happy to help you prepare. Whether you’re going for your first certification or your last, we’ve got resources to help.
Mentorship
Starting your first hive is exciting — and overwhelming. Our mentorship program pairs new beekeepers with experienced JCBA members who can answer questions, walk you through inspections, and help you build confidence during that critical first year. Mentorship is included with your membership at no extra cost.
Our numbers that speak
We have numbers that push us to give in our best and make sure that we break our own records. We are happy to be growing and helping more day by day.
Our Partners
Ready to Get Involved?
Our Next Meeting
Join us the third Monday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield. New to beekeeping? Arrive at 6:30 PM for our Bee Basics beginner class. No membership required. No experience needed. Just show up.
Become a member
Membership is just $15/year for individuals or $20/year for families. Get access to shared equipment, mentorship, the swarm program, hands-on apiary sessions, and a community of beekeepers who want to help you succeed. Everything we offer is included — no hidden fees.