Beekeeping
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Ag
KSU Small Farm Program
Beef
Local Food Systems
Data Management & Tech
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.
The loss of honeybee colonies will be reduced.
Beekeepers will make changes in the methods of nurturing colonies of honeybees. Honey production will increase and the survival rate of colonies will increase.
The beekeepers will learn new skills to help reduce the loss of colonies of honeybees.
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
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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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