Describe the Issue or Situation. March is prime time for beekeeping swarms.  In addition to writing my monthly article for the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association newsletter called The Beelines, The American Bee Journal (a national trade journal) featured a swarm-catching method used in my five apiaries.  

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).  The American Bee Journal is a trade journal that has been in print since the 1880s.  It is one of the oldest agriculture journals in the States.   Its reach is international and typically, the monthly magazine has over 15,000 subscribers.  

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.  The KSBA Beelines has 630 readers and the American Bee Journal has 15,000 of beekeepers, both domestic and international subscribers

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.    This time of year, many beekeepers try to catch swarms using methods that are unsafe.  They require ladders or climb trees or other tactics.  However, the method I use is to put a swarm lure in an Austrian bough "planted" about 20 feet in front of the apiary.  The swarm will "light" on that lure, and then I can simply pull up the bough and drop the swarm into a prepared hive with beeswax foundation.  This method is safe (no climbing), minimal cost, and I am able to provide shelter for swarm.