The problem

Magoffin County has experienced in influx of new residents that are interested in homesteading. A lot of these new homesteaders hope to begin producing their own food and honey. Our Office received a lot of phone calls in the fall/ winter regarding beekeeping questions and concerns.

The educational program response

A beginner beekeeping workshop series, to continue on throughout the year and guide new beekeepers through the seasons/ tasks to take on with their new hives was started to guide new beekeepers. We had the first class of the series- beekeeping for beginners in March. We discussed the basics of beekeeping, the tools you would need and how to use them, the different jobs the bees have in the hive, hive structure, different ways to get bees to start a hive, resources for supplies and information, when and how to harvest honey, and much more. Participants left with several fact sheets to take home and look over as well as a hive tool to help get them started. 

The participants/target audience

We had 8 participants at the first workshop and seven of them were brand new beekeepers or are planning on purchasing their first bees this spring. One of the participants has had bees for less than a year and was unsure of when it would be safe to harvest the honey, and how. At the end of the meeting they were able to ask questions and started a great conversation about the challenges they could expect and how to find resources to help them. I also shared with them that we had several pieces of equipment at the extension office that they could check out and use for free for harvesting their honey when the time comes and shared that they could call me anytime for information or questions.  

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.

All of the participants reported that they felt more confident to purchase/ continue raising bees. They also all reported learning several new things about bees/ beekeeping including the hive structure, tools needed, harvesting, and resources of bee products. Participants reported that the workshop helped them feel more prepared to take on the first year of beekeeping by providing resources and information seasonally. We are excited to see what this new series will bring throughout the year as we help new beekeepers prepare for summer, fall, and winter care for their hives. We also hope to start a hive at our office to use for demonstrations throughout the series. Several of our new beekeepers have also signed up for other workshops or events at the Extension Office, now that they have learned about what we offer. We also hope that these new beekeepers may join the Magoffin County Beekeepers Association and gain mentors through the organization as well.