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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryKY Queen Bee Breeder Association vaccine demo grant



KY Queen Bee Breeder Association vaccine demo grant

Author: Tamara Potter

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Beekeeping

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Describe the Issue or Situation. Currently, there is a disease that affects honey bees called American foulbrood, for which there is no cure.  In 2023, a company released a vaccine made from dead American foulbrood bacterium with conditional approval from Environmental Protection Agency.  In working with the KY Queen Bee Breeders Association, I was able to apply for funds to purchase this new vaccine and demonstrate to beekeepers how they can use it to protect their hives.


Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).  The vaccine will be mixed into "queen candy," a powdered sugar mixture plus the vaccine, that is fed to young honey bees who produce royal jelly.  The royal jelly will then be fed to the queen, who will consume the dead bacterium.  Immunity is then passed through her ovaries to the eggs she lays.  


Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.  There will be four workshops around the state, and the target audience will be beekeepers.  The workshop may be limited by the room available, but as long as the beekeeper becomes a member of KQBBA, they will have access to the Zoom meetings that the association president will arrange throughout the year.  Furthermore, since this vaccine has not been distributed in Kentucky, the association will be working closely with Kentucky State University and the vaccine manufacturer to work out any "kinks" in the process.  


Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.






Stories by Tamara Potter


https://nkytribune.com/2025/06/kentucky-by-heart-former-state-apiarist-dr-tammy-horn-potter-provides-the-buzz-on-kentuckys-bees/

about 4 days ago by Tamara Potter

Describe the Issue or Situation.With many losses affecting migratory beekeepers, the Northern KY Tri... Read More


"Let's Celebrate the 'angels of agriculture' during Pollinator Week in the Bluegrass"

about 1 months ago by Tamara Potter

Describe the Issue or Situation. Pollinator Week will be celebrated from June 16-21st. As the former... Read More


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Crop Pest Management Webinars Series by UK-REC Specilaists Gain Loyal Audience

about 3 days ago by Raul Villanueva

This webinar series focuses on the management of insects, diseases, and weeds in field crops. Extens... Read More


Grain Crop Pest Management Research Conference Provides Great Value to Kentucky Farmers

about 3 days ago by Raul Villanueva

The 2025 Kentucky Crop Health Conference, held on February 6 at the National Corvette Museum in Bowl... Read More


Stories by Beekeeping


https://nkytribune.com/2025/06/kentucky-by-heart-former-state-apiarist-dr-tammy-horn-potter-provides-the-buzz-on-kentuckys-bees/

about 4 days ago by Tamara Potter

Describe the Issue or Situation.With many losses affecting migratory beekeepers, the Northern KY Tri... Read More


Buzzing with Headstart Beekeeping Program

about 6 days ago by Kennedy Cannon

Young Children in the Head Start program often have limited exposure to agriculture and healthy food... Read More