Honey Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem; they are vital for pollinating many crops.  Beekeeping has always been strong in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, as many landowners enjoy the hobby and the supplemental income from the honey produced by the bees.  The Cooperative Extension Service has played a crucial role in helping beekeepers succeed by providing programs and access to the latest research on hive health, including disease and insect issues that are constantly evolving in the beekeeping industry. 

The Knott County ANR Agent has taken an active role with some motivated volunteer leaders in bringing back the Knott County Beekeepers Club.  The club meets monthly and discusses timely topics with beekeepers.  Also, most Southeast Kentucky Counties have an active beekeepers club, and the agents work together in multiple counties to offer beekeeping workshops.  Over the past year, the Knott County ANR Agent has worked in conjunction with agents in Floyd and Perry Counties to host a Fall and a Spring mini-workshop. Allowing extension to offer full Saturday beekeeping classes for advanced and beginning beekeepers. Beekeeping interest continues to grow, and extension is here to assist its beekeepers in being successful in producing healthy bees and quality honey.