Extension
It Starts With Us
Beekeeping
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Ag
Pollinators
Beekeeping
Local Food Systems
Kentucky state average loss of honeybee colonies being 60% 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. A hive of honeybees is weighed and monitored
daily and presented at monthly beekeepers meetings.
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. Agent lead monthly meetings are held with beekeeping lessons at each meeting. Lessons are taught at each elementary school in the county
Date: July 2021-June 2024
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Lessons at monthly meetings
Content or Curriculum: UK and Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Inputs: State Beekeepers, Kentucky State University. Agent lead monthly meetings are held with beekeeping lessons at each meeting. Lessons are taught at each elementary school in the county
Date: 2021-2024
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Roger Mollette
Major Program: 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 Martin County Extension Service serves as sponsor to the Martin County Beekeepers Association and facilitates educational programs for the group. The Beekeepers Associa
