Heroes to Hives Missouri: 2027 Enrollment

Missouri is proud to be the first state chapter of the national Heroes to Hives program. Heroes to Hives supports the financial and personal wellness of veterans through free professional training and community development centered on beekeeping.

Veterans leave the program with a broad depth of beekeeping knowledge, along with personal and professional relationships that open new opportunities and provide long-term peer support. Our students come to understand the importance of pollinators in U.S. agriculture and are equipped to protect managed honeybees through small-scale, sustainable beekeeping operations.

What to Expect in 2027

Heroes to Hives is a nine-month, comprehensive education program that pairs online lectures with hands-on learning.

• Online learning (March-November): Each month, students receive 2-6 hours of pre-recorded lecture content, so they can learn at their own pace.
• Monthly Zoom (March-October) -  Our team offers a monthly live zoom over Missouri specific topics that affect our beekeepers.
• Hands-on training (April-October): Students train at Missouri Heroes to Hives apiaries located at:
  • University of Central Missouri Mitchell Street Farm
  • Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center
  • Three Rivers College Farm and Rodeo Arena
  • University of Missouri-St. Louis
  • Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center
• Skills covered: Hive handling, hive inspections, pest and pathogen management, and beekeeping ergonomics.

Students who complete the course are eligible to receive a certificate of completion.