TEACHING BEEKEEPING TO BEGINNERS, A HANDS-ON PROGRAM
Extension Education
Jenny Carleo
Agricultural Agent
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension
Cape May Court House
Abstract
Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Jersey Cape Chapter of the New Jersey Beekeepers Association developed and implemented a practical, hands-on course for clientele interested in beekeeping for product extraction and pollination purposes. The course consisted of a collaborative effort between the Association, Cooperative Extension and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The course was delivered over a 6-week period (12-hour course). Course instructors from the sponsoring agencies were recruited, and utilized available instruction materials which included videos, PowerPoint presentations, beekeeping equipment and demonstrations and fact sheets. The curriculum included: bee biology and life cycle; honey bees versus other bees and wasps; beekeeping equipment and tools; local and state regulations; products of the hive; and honey harvesting. The members of the class have since harvested 1200 lbs of honey. Course instructors continue follow-up inspections and visits of student’s hives throughout the seasons. A survey of our 37 Beginning Beekeepers course students revealed 97% planned to use or share what they learned and 92% would make changes in their business. A follow-up survey (n=7) revealed that 100% of students both used what they learned in the course and shared what they learned with someone else. Seventy-two percent of follow-up survey respondents made practice changes in their business based on what they learned in the course.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: J. Carleo*
-
Carleo*, J. Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08210