Newbie needs advice

[Brackin]

Hello everyone , long time lurker here hoping to get some advice form real bee folks.
We have been blessed in that a long time beekeeper has offered to place 50 hives on our farm,help me set up a few of my own and let me follow him around to try to teach me a few things.
My worry is that i will do something Real Stupid thus killing my hives or really worse his. Could anyone possible point me in a direction for a Bee Flunky in training crash course so as to at least know what not to do. Any help or direction would greatly appreciated .
Thanks
Brackin

[indypartridge]

Hello and Welcome!

You can stop worrying. You've already got a mentor, which puts you one up on many beginning beekeepers. My bees have survived a number of stupid things I've done - no one starts out as an expert.

Start with this thread which provides a nice overview:
So you think you want to be a bee keeper.

As for beginniners classes, check both local bee clubs and your State association. Clubs are great places to learn more, as well as get connected to nearby beekeepers:
http://www.k4vb.com/REg%20bkpeg%20assoc%2012%2006.htm

There are several good online sites for learning about bees and beekeeping. Here are a few I recommend:

Nearly 100 beginners lessons (scroll down, right side):
http://basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/...g-classes.html

Natural beekeeping (everything in the book is online, free)
http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm

Beekeeping 101, 201 & 301
http://www.beeclass.com/