Beginning Beekeeping
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Michelle Simon, Lacey Kessell
Local Food Systems
Pollinators
Beekeeping
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:
Beekeepers have an increased knowledge of beekeeping because of classes and hands on demonstrations.Indicator: more people are involved in beekeeping classes and projects to learn about beekeeping.
Method: survey of beekeeping classes
Timeline: August 2021
Intermediate Outcome: Local beekeepers have installed and are maintaining additional hives of honeybees. Swarms are located and moved to hives.
Indicator: the number of hives of honeybees are increased. Number of questions received at Extension looking for assistance in moving swarms from their properties.
Method: survey of beekeeping classes; documenting questions regarding swarms
Timeline: October 2021, April-June 2022
Long-term Outcome: Since there are more honeybees, there is increased quality and quantity of locally grown produce and ornamental plants, because of better pollinated plants.
Indicator: the quality of locally grown produce is better because of improved pollination.
Method: survey of Farmers Market Members growing produce
Timeline: March 2022
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 2021 till November 2021