Boone County CES

Title:

Beginning Beekeeping (Ag/Hort)

MAP:

Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness

Agents Involved:

Gary Stockton, Robert Brockman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Pollinators

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beekeeping

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:
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: April 2024

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: February-June 2024

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 & selling locally harvested honey

Timeline: Summer 

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 meetings, Beginning Beekeeper schools, February and April 2025