BeekeepingPlan of Work

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Martin County CES

Title:
Beekeeping
MAP:
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Agents Involved:
Ag
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
KSU Small Farm Program
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Data Management & Tech
Situation:

The sudden loss of honeybee colonies prompted the Agriculture Program Committee to approach the County Extension Council with the idea of entering in research to help determine the problem. Funding was secured to purchase equipment to enter into research being conducted by NASA, package bees were purchased from outside the typical places to determine if the problem lies with bees purchased from usual areas.

Long-Term Outcomes:

The loss of honeybee colonies will be reduced.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Beekeepers will make changes in the methods of nurturing colonies of honeybees. Honey production will increase and the survival rate of colonies will increase.

Initial Outcomes:

The beekeepers will learn new skills to help reduce the loss of colonies of honeybees.

Evaluation:


Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Knowledge and skills will increase.

Method: Monthly trainings and research results.

Timeline: One year.


Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Increase in number of live hives.

Method: Research results

Timeline: One year.


Long-Term Outcome:

Indicator: Number of live hives of honeybees and increase in honey production.

Method: Results from research

Timeline: Two Years

Learning Opportunities:


Audience:

Audience: Beekeepers and home gardeners

Project or Activity: Educational component at monthly meetings and gardening classes

Content or Curriculum: Research results and University publications

Inputs: NASA, local and state beekeepers associations

Date: July 2016-June 2020


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Success Stories

Beekeepers

Author: Roger Mollette

Major Program: Bees/Beekeeping

The concern for the loss of honey bees in Kentucky prompted the Martin County Agriculture Advisory Council to organize a group of leaders to form the Martin County Beekeepers Association.  The group is not only active in replenishing the honeybee population, but now have become very active in honeybee research.The end results of this research prompted by NASA will not only affect the county but the state and nation as this information gathered will help discover the answer to the cause

Full Story
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