BeeKeeping

Rocky Show Bee Competitions

The Apiculture (or beekeeping) competition at the Rocky Show highlights the fascinating world of beekeeping, how bees produce honey and pollinate our plants, and the essential roles that bees play in our ecosystem.

Participants showcase their honey and bee-related products, celebrating the hard work of local beekeepers.

This event promotes awareness of sustainable practices and the importance of these tiny insects to successful agriculture.

Local experts will be demonstrating their craft in handling bees and extracting honey throughout the Show.

What will spectators see?

Visit the Robert Schwarten Pavilion to experience the fascinating world of bees firsthand.

Watch skilled beekeepers demonstrate honey extraction, observe live hives in action, and discover the subtle variations in honey from different floral sources.

Compare the rich colours and textures of entries ranging from light wildflower honey to dark, robust varieties.

Engage with experienced apiarists to learn about sustainable beekeeping practices and how these remarkable insects support our local ecosystem.

This is your chance to better understand the journey from hive to jar and appreciate nature's sweet liquid gold.

How is Apiculture judged?

Entries are judged on clarity, colour of the honey and overall presentation.

Entering the 2025 Competitions

The Apiculture Competition will be held on Wednesday 11 June, 2025.

Key dates

Nominations Close: 11.59pm Friday 30 May 2025

Exhibit Delivery: Please deliver to the Showgrounds Administration Office 8am – 5pm Monday 2 June to Friday 6 June 2025.

Judging: Wednesday 11 June 2025

Exhibit Collection: Please collect your exhibit from the Showgrounds Administration Office 9am – 12pm on Saturday 14 June.

How to enter

Please read the following documents before entering the Apiculture Competition to ensure you understand the regulations and categories, and the guide to online nomination of your entries.

Apiculture Competition Schedule

Showday Online Nomination Guide

General Competition Regulations

Nominate for Apiculture Competition

Who Organises the Apiculture Competition?

This competition is organised by the Fitzroy Regional Beekeepers Association Inc. Committee.

The Committee can be contacted by emailing fitzroyregionalbeekeepers@gmail.com or calling Les Rigby on 0427 278 222 or

Warren Hinton on 0477 124 498

Competition supporters

The Rockhampton Agricultural Show is deeply grateful to the generous businesses and individuals who help make the Apiculture Competition a buzzing success.

Your contributions towards prize money, awards, and the smooth running of the event play a crucial role in celebrating the art and science of beekeeping.

A heartfelt thank you to the Fitzroy Regional Beekeepers Association Inc. for their invaluable support and dedication to promoting apiculture in our region.

The Apiculture Section thrives because of the commitment and generosity of its supporters.

If you’re passionate about bees and would like to contribute to this sweet event, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact us at show@rrc.qld.gov.auto find out how you can support the Apiculture Competitions at the Rockhampton Agricultural Show.