Pchelovodstvo
Pchelovodstvo is a long-running Russian specialist journal devoted to beekeeping and apiculture.
Last updated August 31, 2026
Overview
Pchelovodstvo, also known in Russian as Пчеловодство, is a Russian specialist journal focused on beekeeping. Its coverage is directed at a broad readership within apiculture, combining practical guidance with information on newer beekeeping methods and developments. The publication is notable for its unusually long history: its first issue appeared in October 1921, establishing it as a periodical with roots in the early Soviet period. During the Soviet era, Pchelovodstvo was published as an illustrated monthly magazine associated with the Ministry of Agriculture. The monthly schedule meant that it appeared twelve times each year and served as a recurring source of information for beekeepers, agricultural specialists, and other readers interested in honey-bee husbandry. Its scale was particularly substantial in the 1970s. In 1974, the magazine reportedly reached a circulation of 420,000 copies, illustrating the importance of apiculture publishing within the wider Soviet agricultural information system. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the publication frequency changed several times. It continued as a monthly magazine through 1993, then issued six numbers per year between 1994 and 1999 and eight numbers per year between 2000 and 2004. In the period described by reference sources as the present publication era, Pchelovodstvo appears ten times annually. These changes reflect the journal's adaptation to changing publishing and distribution conditions while retaining its specialist focus. The journal's editorial profile combines practical beekeeping content with a more formal scientific and professional standing. It is described as covering contemporary methods of beekeeping and addressing a broad audience rather than serving only a narrow academic readership. At the same time, it is included in lists of leading scientific journals and publications reviewed by Russia's Higher Attestation Commission, commonly known by the abbreviation VAK. It is also represented in the Russian Science Citation Index, giving the publication a role within Russia's scholarly information infrastructure. Pchelovodstvo is headquartered in Moscow. The reference material identifies O. A. Vereshchaka as its chief editor and lists an editorial board including Russian Academy of Sciences Academician A. M. Smirnov, honorary professor V. N. Krylov, and professor V. I. Lebedev, among others. Because the available material does not provide a complete account of the journal's ownership, legal publisher, subscription economics, or current circulation, those details remain unspecified. Within the information available, Pchelovodstvo is best understood as an established Russian specialist media title rather than a diversified consumer brand: its principal offering is the journal itself and its editorial value lies in sustained coverage of apiculture, beekeeping practice, and related scientific knowledge.
History
Pchelovodstvo is a Russian journal dedicated to beekeeping. The publication began in October 1921 and developed into an established illustrated periodical during the Soviet period. In the USSR it was associated with the Ministry of Agriculture and was issued monthly, resulting in twelve issues each year. Its subject matter centered on apiculture and the dissemination of beekeeping knowledge, including newer methods intended for a broad readership. The journal reached a notable circulation level during the Soviet era. In 1974, its circulation was reported at 420,000 copies. This figure places Pchelovodstvo among the more widely distributed specialist agricultural publications of its period, although the available reference material does not provide a detailed breakdown of subscribers, retail sales, or regional distribution. After the end of the Soviet Union, the journal's publication schedule changed. It remained monthly through 1993. From 1994 to 1999, it was published six times per year, and from 2000 to 2004 the schedule increased to eight issues annually. In the later period described by the reference source, the journal was published ten times each year. The changing frequency indicates an adaptation to the post-Soviet publishing environment while preserving the title's continuity and specialist identity. Pchelovodstvo is based in Moscow. Its editorial structure includes a chief editor and an academic and professional editorial board. O. A. Vereshchaka is identified as chief editor. The board has included A. M. Smirnov of the Russian Academy of Sciences, V. N. Krylov, V. I. Lebedev, and other specialists. The journal is listed among leading scientific journals and publications reviewed by Russia's Higher Attestation Commission. It is also included in the Russian Science Citation Index. The available sources do not establish a precise founding organization, current legal publisher, ownership structure, or complete digital publishing history. Accordingly, the documented history is primarily editorial and bibliographic: Pchelovodstvo originated as a Soviet agricultural journal, survived the transition to the Russian Federation, adjusted its periodicity, and continued as a specialist publication serving beekeepers and readers interested in apiculture.
- 2005Later schedule described as ten issues annually
Reference material describes the journal's later publication schedule as ten issues per year.
- 2000Publication frequency increased to eight issues annually
Between 2000 and 2004, Pchelovodstvo was issued eight times per year.
- 1994Publication frequency reduced to six issues annually
From 1994 through 1999, the journal appeared six times per year.
- 1993End of monthly post-Soviet schedule
Pchelovodstvo was published monthly through 1993 before moving to less frequent publication.
- 1974Circulation reached 420,000 copies
The journal's reported circulation reached 420,000 copies during the Soviet period.
- 1921First issue published
The first issue of Pchelovodstvo was published in October 1921.
Products and positioning
A long-established Russian specialist publication positioned at the intersection of practical beekeeping advice, agricultural information, and apiculture research.
Pchelovodstvo journalSpecialist agricultural and beekeeping magazine1921
The core offering is the Pchelovodstvo periodical itself. It covers beekeeping and apiculture for a broad audience, with emphasis on current or improved methods of beekeeping. Historically it has been issued in print as an illustrated magazine and has also occupied a position within Russia's scientific and professional publishing system. The title is associated with both practical information for beekeepers and more formal scholarly recognition through inclusion in VAK-related journal lists and the Russian Science Citation Index.
Flagship businesses
- Pchelovodstvo journal
Leadership
| Name | Title | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| A. M. Smirnov | Editorial board member; Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences | — |
| O. A. Vereshchaka | Chief editor | — |
| V. I. Lebedev | Editorial board member; professor | — |
| V. N. Krylov | Editorial board member; honorary professor | — |
Sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/pchelovodstvo · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled