According to USDA, pollinators are a vital part of agricultural production. More than 90 crops require insect pollination. Managed honey bee colonies are the primary pollinators, adding at least $15 billion a year by increasing yields and helping to ensure superior-quality harvests. And they are in decline nationwide.

 Beekeeping is a very popular endeavor for people of all ages. The Lake Cumberland Beekeepers Association is about 20 years old and provides great leadership in the community at outreach events for youth and adults.  Pulaski County Extension has organized Beginner Bee Schools every other year since 2010.  They have been well-attended.

 COVID interrupted a multi-session bee school in 2020. In 2021, masking policies and COVID uncertainty made it non-conducive to in-person instruction. Therefore, a one-day Saturday Beginner Bee School was held in March 2022. Those previously registered for the 2020 program were treated to a free program in 2022. 

 Nineteen people attended the 2022 one-day bee school. Of these, 7 had been part of the cancelled 2020 Bee School. Three state specialists were speakers for the day. Two local beekeepers volunteered for the day.

 Seven respondents indicated they were going to start beekeeping in 2022. Four  participants indicated they already had hives but only 1-2 years experience, totaling 7 colonies.  More than 80% self-reported their knowledge level (on a scale from 1-low to 10-high) as 2 or below. Afterwards, all reported knowledge 5 and above.

 At least 3 of the participants are now active in our local Lake Cumberland Beekeepers Association, one has become the secretary. Growing this group is important since COVID alienated many of them from each other. In addition, some leadership is aging out. Beginner Bee Schools are critical to growing not only beekeepers but also leadership in this organization.