Welcome to the
Central Iowa Beekeepers Association
CIBA has been promoting beekeeping and honey bees since 1947!
We are a non profit Iowa corporation and a 501(C)(3) educational public charity.
With over 100 members, CIBA serves beekeepers no matter the stage of their beekeeping journey - embarking on this adventure, enjoying the craft for decades or gaining livelihood as a commercial beekeeper.
We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our group and the services we provide members and the community, and revel in the remarkable world of the honey bee!
Note: Donations to CIBA are deductible for tax purposes. Learn more here!
Upcoming Events
Member Message Board
Word are like bees – some create honey and others leave a sting!
It is not how busy you are, but why you are busy — the bee is praised, the mosquito is swatted.
Susan Kelly - our beloved Director and Queen/Ambassador Program Director
Tragically, our beloved Susan Kelly, a CIBA director, as well as the Queen and Ambassador program director, passed away last week after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident in Des Moines.
Susan not only was passionate about bees and honey, she was a good friend to many, and on my top 3 list for Best Mom of the Year.
Use the link below to learn how you can help her family in their time of need, as well as more information on visitation and services for Susan.
Want to read more on how to catch swarming bees?
Catching swarm is addictive! Dr. Leo Sharashkin has researched and documented everything you need to know about catching swarms, including swarm bait plans! He contributes to American Bee Journal, Bee Culture and many other publications, and speaks internationally on sustainable beekeeping, organic growing, and Earth-friendly living.
Resource Recommendations!
So You Want to Be a Beekeeper!
Guidance on steps to embark on your beekeeping venture, including upcoming classes
Lessons from John Johnson
John Johnson has mentored many beekeepers - read on various beekeeping subjects...
Your Journey Starts Here!
Simply Click the Links Below to Get Started.
Looking for More Beekeepers!
Ready to Join CIBA?
You certainly don't want to miss our next field day! Pictured is our 2021 field day at Todd Robert's apiary (left) and Andy Joseph's apiary (right), both near Bondurant, Iowa. We had a great turn-out, and visited 5 different bee-yard sites. This is just a sampling of the club offerings!
Membership dues fund our website, provide educational opportunities afforded all beekeepers through this site, meetings, field days and winter seminars as well as various community services. To continue the support that we provide beekeepers, we need YOUR SUPPORT! CIBA pays speakers that we enlist at our meetings and seminars for presentations and expenses!
Make a beeline to join, as there is much in store for you in 2022!
