Boone County CES

Title:

Beginning Beekeeping

MAP:

Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness

Agents Involved:

Jerry Brown, Michelle Simon

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Local beekeepers have installed and are maintaining additional hives of honeybees.

Initial Outcomes:

Local beekeepers have an increased knowledge of beekeeping because of classes and hands on demonstrations.

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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