According to the US Department of Agriculture, one mouthful in three of the foods you eat directly or indirectly depends on pollination by honey bees. Honey bee populations have been declining nationally and in KY over the past ten years.  Education is key in helping protect honey bees as well as teaching beekeepers how best to care for their hives.

The Greenup County Beekeepers Association formed in 2017 with a handful of members.  The main goal of the association is to educate local beekeepers and to mentor beginning beekeepers young and old.

The association has grown to over forty members with education serving as the main focus.   Classes have been held to teach individuals how to purchase a hive or nucleus of bees, observing for mites and treatment, swarm catching, and winter feeding. 

The association has also been successful in establishing beehives at every elementary school in the Greenup County school system.  Honeybee education is included in school curriculum and at after school programs.  The association has encourage over 300 junior beekeepers annually in 2019-2021.