Montana Beekeeping and Pollinator Education
Sustainable Agriculture
Shelley Mills
Agricultural Extension Agent
MSU
Glasgow
Abstract
Honey bees and pollinators are of critical importance to global food production and play a major role in the success of Montana’s primary industry, agriculture. Beyond the fascination and rewards from keeping bees, humans are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of bees and other pollinators. Colony collapse disorder and declining populations has spurred an interest in education regarding beekeeping, habitat preservation, restoration of beneficial insects, floral resource availability and the sustainability of modern agriculture. This desire for further information resulted in 23 targeted educational outreach events by MSU Extension Agents in Montana reaching 734 clients and the creation of a networking club of 84 people. The Agents responded by self-educating, keeping bees of their own, training to be local resources, and then offering a series of educational events across Montana. The approach was targeted to provide information relevant to the audience and with a focus on advancing beekeeping abilities from introductory to mastering beekeeping. The Bee Team has incorporated a multi-pronged approach to providing education, resources, and outreach to audiences such as youth, educators, hobbyist beekeepers, pesticide applicators, and interested parties. Introductory short courses, hands-on field events and workshops, in-service learning instruction, innovative curriculum and tools, and the placement of a grant funded 6-colony beekeeping learning laboratory were developed to enhance learning. Topics covered included introduction to beekeeping, identification and management of pests and diseases, honey and wax production, pollinator friendly gardening, hive management, equipment and pollinators and pesticides. Evaluative surveys show that the top learning points were beginning beekeeping, pest management, improved awareness of honey bees and pollinators, and successful overwintering of colonies. On average participants increased their confidence in beekeeping by 39%, and their confidence in managing hive pests by 56%. Armed with their new knowledge, participants feel more comfortable diving into beekeeping, pesticide applicators have a better understanding of laws and regulations surrounding bees, youth are more secure around bees, and pollinator programs with government agencies are on the rise.
Authors: Shelley Mills, Wendy Becker
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Shelley Mills Agricultural Extension Agent, MSU Extension , Montana, 59230-2423
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Wendy Becker Agricultural Extension Agent, MSU Extension, Montana, 59218