Success StoryBeginner Beekeeping Series



Beginner Beekeeping Series

Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield

Planning Unit: Horticulture

Major Program: Beekeeping

Plan of Work: Increasing quality and quantity of small agriculture practices

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Due to the growing interest in beekeeping and the increase in members to local bee clubs the Boyle and Mercer County Horticulture agents planned and hosted a  Beginner Beekeeping course for their community. Comprised of four essential classes - Beekeeping 101, Starting a Hive, Seasonal Management, and Enemies of Bees, these courses were a collaborative effort involving local beekeepers, Extension Specialists from UK and KSU, as well as the State Apiarist. Each course was attended by more than 40 eager participants, who desired a deeper understanding of beekeeping practices and the impact of keeping bees on the environment.

What made this endeavor truly remarkable was its accessibility - all courses were provided free of charge. This commitment to inclusivity opened the doors to a diverse group of individuals interested in beekeeping. Furthermore, as a testament to the program's success, 20 dedicated attendees who completed all four courses were rewarded with $200 worth of beekeeping supplies and a nucleus colony, empowering them to embark on their beekeeping journey in 2024. This generous incentive not only recognized their commitment but also ensured tangible support for those ready to contribute to the well-being of bees and the broader ecosystem. The ripple effect of this initiative is poised to extend beyond the classroom, creating a community of informed and passionate beekeepers committed to the preservation and cultivation of these vital pollinators.






Stories by Alexis Amorese Sheffield


Beekeeping 2.0

Beekeeping 2.0

about 4 months ago by Alexis Amorese Sheffield

The Beekeeping 2.0 educational class series, developed in response to community feedback following t... Read More


Beginner Beekeeping Series

Beginner Beekeeping Series

about 9 months ago by Alexis Amorese Sheffield

Due to the growing interest in beekeeping and the increase in members to local bee clubs the Boyle a... Read More


Stories by Horticulture


Phillip McCartney - Potted Blueberries

Phillip McCartney - Potted Blueberries

about 4 months ago by Daniel Becker

Phillip McCartney is interested in growing blueberries but his site is not conducive to production. ... Read More


Lynn Grogan - Pea Ridge Farm

Lynn Grogan - Pea Ridge Farm

about 4 months ago by Daniel Becker

Lynn Grogan of Pea Ridge Farm participated in the Kentucky Horticulture council Small Fruits Initiat... Read More


Stories by Beekeeping


Beekeepers Become Private Pesticide Applicators to Improve Bee Health in Bullitt County

Beekeepers Become Private Pesticide Applicators to Improve Bee Health in Bullitt County

about 4 months ago by Nathan Rider

Honey production in Kentucky was valued at approximately $1.2 million in 2021 according to the USDA ... Read More


Beekeeping Winter Webinar Education Series

Beekeeping Winter Webinar Education Series

about 4 months ago by April Wilhoit

Local Cooperative Extension Offices receive many questions on Beekeeping from new folks as well as v... Read More