Oberkirch Beekeepers Rely on Education
- Oberkirch, Germany - April 18, 2025 - Teh Oberkirch Beekeeping Association is focusing on youth engagement adn tackling the challenges posed by the Asian hornet, according to announcements...
- The association, boasting 125 beekeepers managing 1,669 colonies in the Oberkirch area, has elected a new board.
- The association addressed the growing concern over the Asian hornet (Vespa Velutina).
Oberkirch Beekeeping Association Elects New Board, Addresses Asian Hornet Threat
Table of Contents
- Oberkirch Beekeeping Association Elects New Board, Addresses Asian Hornet Threat
- Oberkirch Beekeeping Association: Updates and Activities
- What are the key highlights from the oberkirch Beekeeping Association’s recent activities?
- who are the new leaders of the Oberkirch Beekeeping Association?
- What is the Asian hornet and why is it a concern for beekeepers?
- How is the Oberkirch Beekeeping Association engaging the next generation?
- What is the Oberkirch beekeeping Association doing regarding a new apiary?
- What other activities is the Oberkirch Beekeeping Association involved in?
- What recognition did long-time members receive?
- What insights were shared on queen breeding?
Oberkirch, Germany – April 18, 2025 – Teh Oberkirch Beekeeping Association is focusing on youth engagement adn tackling the challenges posed by the Asian hornet, according to announcements made at its recent general meeting.

New Leadership Takes the Helm
The association, boasting 125 beekeepers managing 1,669 colonies in the Oberkirch area, has elected a new board. Jakob Dörflinger remains chairman. Heinz Asal continues as treasurer. Chiara Steege, Werner geiler, and Josef Bähr were re-elected as assessors. Thomas Enzinger is the new deputy chairman, and Maren Steege assumes the role of secretary.
Asian Hornet Concerns
The association addressed the growing concern over the Asian hornet (Vespa Velutina). At a recent district meeting, a lecture detailed the hornet’s spread in Baden-Württemberg and strategies for containment. The association said the Asian hornet’s predatory behavior poses a significant threat to bee colonies. Beekeepers are urged to report sightings through a new registration platform managed by the State Institute for Environmental Baden-Württemberg.
Engaging the Next Generation
The Oberkirch Beekeeping Association is actively working to educate young people about the importance of bees. A key initiative is a new apprenticeship program designed to raise awareness among the younger generation. In the past year, the association hosted two classes from KRONMUTSCHOOL NUSSBACH, providing students with hands-on learning experiences about honeybees and beekeeping.
Honoring Long-Time Members
The association recognized Franz Kohler and Kurt helbig for their service as deputy chairman and secretary, respectively. Heiner Meier received an honorary certificate from the Badischer Beekeeper regional association for 60 years of membership.
Queen Breeding Insights
Johann Bohnert, a document manager, shared his expertise on queen breeding at Hornisgrinde. Bohnert’s presentation on honeybee genetics sparked considerable interest among members, according to the association. Bohnert offers both breeding stock for sale and courses on queen breeding techniques.
Looking Ahead: New Apiary and Home Days 2026
Dörflinger outlined upcoming events,including a summer social gathering and a club trip. A primary focus remains the construction of a new apiary. The facility will host school visits, beekeeping courses, and other club activities. Plans for the apiary, initiated in 2021 and advanced in 2024, are expected to materialize with construction starting this year.
Eleven members participated in the Badischer Beekeeper State association’s honey competition earlier this month. The association is also preparing for the 2026 Home Days in Oberkirch. The association aims to actively participate in the event, promoting awareness of bees, beekeeping, and ecological diversity.
Oberkirch Beekeeping Association: Updates and Activities
This article provides information about the Oberkirch Beekeeping Association, its recent activities, and future plans.We’ll cover the new board, address concerns about Asian hornets, and highlight the association’s efforts to engage the next generation of beekeepers.
What are the key highlights from the oberkirch Beekeeping Association’s recent activities?
the Oberkirch beekeeping Association is focusing on youth engagement and tackling the challenge of the Asian hornet. They have a new board, are working towards building a new apiary, and plan to actively participate in the 2026 Home Days in Oberkirch.
who are the new leaders of the Oberkirch Beekeeping Association?
The association has elected a new board. Here’s a summary of the leadership:
Chairman: Jakob Dörflinger (remains)
Deputy Chairman: Thomas Enzinger (new)
Secretary: Maren Steege (new)
Treasurer: Heinz Asal (continues)
Assessors: Chiara steege, Werner geiler, and Josef Bähr (re-elected)
What is the Asian hornet and why is it a concern for beekeepers?
The asian hornet (Vespa Velutina) is a predatory insect that poses a important threat to bee colonies. The Oberkirch Beekeeping Association is addressing this concern, urging beekeepers to report sightings through a registration platform managed by the State Institute for Environmental Baden-Württemberg.
How is the Oberkirch Beekeeping Association engaging the next generation?
The association actively works to educate young peopel about the importance of bees. They have a new apprenticeship program and have hosted classes from KRONMUTSCHOOL NUSSBACH, providing hands-on learning experiences.
What is the Oberkirch beekeeping Association doing regarding a new apiary?
The association is constructing a new apiary. The facility, with plans initiated in 2021 and advanced in 2024, will host:
School visits
Beekeeping courses
Other club activities
Construction is expected to start this year.
What other activities is the Oberkirch Beekeeping Association involved in?
In addition to the new apiary and addressing the Asian hornet, the association is also:
Preparing for the 2026 Home Days in Oberkirch to promote awareness of bees, beekeeping, and ecological diversity.
Eleven members participated in the Badischer Beekeeper State association’s honey competition earlier this month.
* Planning a summer social gathering and a club trip.
What recognition did long-time members receive?
The association recognized Franz Kohler and Kurt Helbig for their past service. Heiner Meier received an honorary certificate from the Badischer Beekeeper regional association for 60 years of membership.
Johann Bohnert shared his expertise on queen breeding at Hornisgrinde. His presentation sparked interest among members.. Bohnert offers breeding stock for sale and courses on queen breeding techniques.
