Martin County CES

Title:

Beekeeping

MAP:

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Ag

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Pollinators

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Beekeeping

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Local Food Systems

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

The loss of honeybee colonies will be reduced.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Beekeepers will make changes in the methods of nurturing colonies of honeybees. Honey production will increase and the survival rate of colonies will increase.

Initial Outcomes:

The beekeepers will learn new skills to help reduce the loss of colonies of honeybees.

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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 2024-June 2026

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: 2024-2026

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date: