It is estimated that the honeybee’s annual contribution to the United States economy is at least $15 billion. Beyond the profitable products and byproducts harvested directly from honeybee colonies such as honey, wax, propolis, and royal jelly, about one-third of total crop production in the U.S. are dependent upon these prolific pollinators for their survival and prosperity. According to the most recent data from the U.S Department of Agriculture honeybees health took a major decline in 2022. Beekeepers lost about 45% of their managed honeybee colonies. Kentucky saw a 9% decrease which is the 12^th biggest loss nationally.

Leslie County Extension Ag and Natural Resources is doing their part to try and save these pollinators and bring local beekeepers together by starting a beekeeping club. Leslie County is one of few counties in Kentucky that did not have their very own bee club, many participates were having to travel outside the county to find up to date information and techniques in modern day beekeeping. One participant said “ I had no idea that beekeeping had changed so much from when I was a kid. We kept them in hollow logs and had to destroy the colonies to harvest the honey. I now can keep my colonies producing longer than I ever could before.”

Beekeeper meetings were held once a month at the Leslie County extension office, instruction was provided from various extension speakers and community volunteers. Topics included How to Begin Beekeeping, Summer Time Management, Honey Extraction Demonstration, Integrated Pest Management, Hive Winterization and Eating Healthy with Honey Recipes. Round table discussions were held allowing new beekeepers to seek advice from the veteran beekeepers. These discussions led to community friendships and mentorships being formed. One beekeeper was able to take the information and techniques he learned and apply it to his apiary. His bee colonies have more than doubled and he had an excess of honey he was able to sell at the Leslie County Farmers Market. Since he was the only honey supplier at the market he sold out of honey in two hours. This producer is now looking to expand his colonies even more do to a high demand for local honey. Leslie County Beekeepers received a donation of beekeeping equipment that can now be used to ease the burden of the traditional start up fees that beginners may face. To date 100% of participants said they had learned something new and 60% said they have applied techniques they’ve learned to their bee colonies with success. 50 new bee colonies have been established in Leslie County introducing more than a million individual pollinators to benefit the producers of Leslie County.

Leslie County Beekeepers will begin meeting again in February and education will continue to be provided by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension service.