Success StoryAutoclave scheduling
Autoclave scheduling
Author: Jacob Vincent
Planning Unit: Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs
Major Program: KSU Small Farm Program
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Beekeeping nationwide is in decline. The past 80 years have seen a steady decrease in the total number of managed bee colonies across the United States. Many reasons have been suggested for this decline but the majority agree that pesticides and pests accumulating in the hive are to blame. In order to help sustain Kentucky beekeepers, Kentucky State University has developed a large, mobile autoclave for the purpose of sterilizing used beehive equipment. This unit will both destroy any parasite, virus, or pest present in the hive, as well as remove old wax and comb that is contaminated with pesticides that may have accumulated over the years. On October 30th, 2017, we scheduled for the autoclave to be present at the Eastern Kentucky Bee School in Hazard Co. Ky. This autoclave will be demonstrated and explained to local beekeepers at this event and will allow for the advertising of the relatively new unit. Over time, the sterilization of beehives using the autoclave will save beekeepers thousands of dollars in equipment and allow for the steady increase in bee populations due to decreased prevalence of pesticides and pests inside the hive.
Stories by Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs

Robin Ridge Farm Conservation Practice Implementation
After participating in the UK CES-led farmer leadership training Tap Your Potential Ben Robin (Robin... Read More
Grafting Technology and Clonal Reproduction of Fruit Crops Workshop Held to Help Stakeholders Learn to Propagate Fruit Trees
The popularity of pawpaw continues to grow as a unique, high-value crop for small farmers and fruit ... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment