SouthWestern Ohio Beekeepers Association (SWOBA)

Beekeeping in the Tri-State Area

About SWOBA

The South Western Ohio Beekeepers Association is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to develop beekeeping interest and skill in beginners through veteran beekeepers.

SWOBA is made up of beekeepers from Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties in Ohio and some from Indiana and Kentucky. We have some beekeepers with more than 50 years of experience.

Another goal is to increase the awareness of honeybees and their importance to our environment and food supply. Producing honey with one's own bees is certainly a satisfying by-product to keeping bees. Most members keep two to four hives, but several have seven to fifteen and a few have forty or more. Most members produce honey, beeswax, pollen, and propolis for personal use and as gifts. Some members make a part of their income from the sale of these products. Annual membership dues are Five Dollars.

Bee Basics course for Total Beginners - Feb 12,19,26 and March 5th by

South Western Ohio Beekeepers Association (SWOBA)

Bee Basics course for total beginners and learn all about beekeeping on Feb 12,19,26 & March 5th!

This four-part introductory course is intended to encourage and support interested non-beekeepers. Novice beekeepers are also welcome! Over the course of the series, you'll learn about and experience the joy of beekeeping. Topics covered will include getting started, ordering and using equipment, costs, how to get your bees, where to place your bees, protective clothing, and more.

Your instructors—experienced members of the Southwestern Ohio Beekeepers Association (SWOBA)—will help you become a successful beekeeper. They are: Randy Morgan (Emeritus Curator-Insectarium, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden); Phil Hucke (Certified Arborist); and Ray Babcock (Past President, Southwestern Ohio Beekeepers Association –SWOBA); Alaina Paszt Owner of Hive and Comb. Together, they have over 65 years of beekeeping experience!

Day 1 Feb 12 2026 @ 6 - 8 PM
Day 2 Feb 19 2026 @ 6 - 8 PM
Day 3 Feb 26 2026 @ 6 - 8 PM
Day 4 Mar 5 2026 @ 6 - 8 PM

Event at 1235 Chase Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223 at Hive and Comb

Location

Hive and Comb - 1235 Chase Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223, 45223

To Register

To order these books, please email Dr. Dewey M Caron: dmcaron@udel.edu

Scheduled Beekeeping Meetings

Our meetings will be a combination of IN-PERSON and ONLINE Zoom meetings. SWOBA members will receive meeting invites as they come up. Please check the Meetings Tab to register for the coming meetings.

IN-PERSON

21 Feb 2026 @Noon at Hive and Comb (1235 Chase Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45223 ) for map

Next in-person meetings at Winton Woods Farm and Equestrian Center (formerly known as Parky's Farm) are:

April, 2026 Saturday @ Noon
June, 2026 Saturday @ Noon
September, 2026 Saturday @ Noon
Winton Woods Farm and Equestrian Center map directions CLICK HERE
The meeting begins at NOON with a potluck luncheon (Please bring a dish to share), followed by the presentation at 12:30 pm. Weather permitting, we will have an open hive demonstration at approximately 1:30 pm. Please bring whatever protective clothing you prefer. Although the meeting officially begins at NOON, we will be setting up at 11:30 so feel free to come earlier to talk bees. You know we all like to talk bees!!

SWOBA will provide a meat/cheese tray, bread, condiments, and drinks. Again, please bring a food dish to share

Online Zoom Meetings Link

Queens' Sources

Randy Oliver - Scientific Beekeeping
Kirk Webster - Kirk Webster website
Michael Palmer - French Hill Apiaries

SWOBA Officers

President:
Yaser Almusawy
Email: yaser.almusawy [at] gmail.com
Membership:
Ray Babcock - swobabees [at] gmail.com
Secretaries:
Jennie Russell

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