Developing Effective Local Beekeeper Associations and Educational Programs While Providing Answers to Common Beekeeping Questions
Sustainable Agriculture
Keith Fielder
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Eatonton
Abstract
Apiculture is extremely attractive as an agricultural production system for those with limited resources. With this surge in interest has come a surge in questionable formation readily available to new beekeepers via the internet. This source of information regularly leads the neophyte astray resulting in significant monetary losses and a negative experience. Client inquiries concerning beekeeping directed to extension agents has increased in parallel with this surge in interest. This has created a dilemma in satisfying information requests as comparatively few extension agents are well versed in apicultural matters. This educational presentation provides advice on how to establish productive relationships with experienced local beekeepers and develop local beekeeping associations. Such connections provide the agent with a group of knowledgeable individuals to provide locally pertinent advice on beekeeping matters. It also frames the ten most common questions asked by new beekeepers providing the agent with a check list to work from.
Authors: Keith Fielder
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Keith Fielder County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension , Georgia, 31024