Beginning Beekeeping
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Jerry Brown, Michelle Simon
Local Food Systems
With the well-publicized decline of honeybees for pollinators and the increased interest in buying locally grown foods, the Extension Service has received an increasing number of calls concerning beekeeping.
Honey production and sales of honey and other bee products increase.
Since there are more honeybees, there is increased quality and quantity of locally grown produce and ornamental plants, because of better pollinated plants.
Local beekeepers have installed and are maintaining additional hives of honeybees.
Local beekeepers have an increased knowledge of beekeeping because of classes and hands on demonstrations.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: more people are involved in beekeeping classes and projects to learn about beekeeping.
Method: survey of beekeeping classes
Timeline: August 2019
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: the number of hives of honeybees are increased
Method: survey of beekeeping classes
Timeline: October 2020
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: the quality of locally grown produce is better because of improved pollination.
Method: survey of Farmers Market Members growing produce
Timeline: March 2020
Audience: Local residents aspiring to become beekeepers.
Project or Activity: Beginning Beekeeping classes and hands-on demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: UK Publication and self-developed curriculum
Inputs: Agents, program assistants, local beekeepers, Boone Co. Nature Center
Date: monthly classes from August 2019 till November 2020