The 2025 Eastern Kentucky Bee School, held at the Perry County Extension Office and Annex Building, was a resounding success, drawing over 100 participants from 15 Kentucky counties and neighboring states including Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. This milestone event marked the fifteenth edition of the school, which began in 2009 with a mission to educate the public on the vital role of pollinators and to support both budding and seasoned beekeepers.

Driven by the Perry County Beekeepers Association’s vision to expand educational opportunities, this year’s school offered a broader range of classes than ever before. The overwhelming interest required the use of both Extension buildings, and even then, registration had to be capped, leaving some hopeful attendees on a waiting list. The demand was a clear sign: beekeeping is thriving in Eastern Kentucky.

The event was a true team effort, sponsored by the Perry County Cooperative Extension Service and the Perry County Beekeepers Association. Extension Agents from Floyd and Knott Counties, along with dedicated Perry County staff, played a pivotal role in planning and executing the event. Their teamwork transformed the school into a model of collaboration and impact.

Participants enjoyed a full day of tailored instruction. Beginners learned the essentials—from selecting equipment to managing their first hive—while advanced sessions covered topics like hive splitting, pest control, and maximizing honey production. Two exhibitors, Dadant & Sons and The Honey and Bee Connection, added value to the event, while additional sponsors contributed magazines and door prizes.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. On a scale of 1 to 10, the school earned an impressive 9.7 average rating, with individual classes receiving equally high marks for knowledge gained.

The results speak volumes: Perry County now boasts 10 new beekeepers and 100 new hives. The county is also home to three commercial beekeepers, and a local store has begun stocking beekeeping supplies—further evidence of the growing interest. What was once a trickle of inquiries has become a steady stream, with calls about beekeeping now coming in weekly.

Driven by this year’s success, the Perry County Beekeepers Association is already planning for an even larger event in 2026 and is actively searching for a venue to accommodate the growing buzz.