Outcomes from a Two-Year Beekeeping Business Cohort
Extension Education
Amy Vu
State Specialized Program Extension Agent
University of Florida
Gainesville
Abstract
Small-scale beekeepers that aspire to earn an income from their beekeeping operations often find themselves without guidance specific to their field. While educational opportunities in honey bee husbandry and small business development are abundant, resources specific to beekeeping business planning are lacking. To address this gap, a team at the University of Florida established a two-year beekeeping business program with the objective of training 30 small-scale beekeepers to create business plans, develop and market products, and establish safe workplaces. Cohort members participated in four online short courses, which were reinforced with monthly virtual meetings and discussions. Twice a year, the cohort met in-person to network, learn from experts in Extension and industry, and to practice new skills. Throughout the program, each cohort member received extensive individualized feedback both from program leaders and their peers, via grading rubrics, written comments, one-on-one and small group consultations, and through regular phone calls and emails with the program coordinator. Of the 30 participants selected for this program, 29 remained active in the cohort throughout the two-year period. Moreover, 100% of the participants developed a business plan and reported an increased ability to complete key business practices, 82% used a budget and/or product-costing spreadsheet to make financial plans, and 95% increased their knowledge of workplace safety. At least 72% of participants developed at least one new marketing product, with many participants creating new websites, social media pages, and/or Google Business Profiles. Finally, 86% of the cohort submitted hive products to be evaluated and around half of these products received a perfect score on a grading rubric. Ultimately, by establishing a motivated cohort with the same participants working together over two years, this program was able to provide business resources specific to beekeepers as well as a network of peer support and accountability for their new businesses.
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.
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Authors: Amy Vu, Mary Bammer, Kevin Athearn, Kim Morgan, Cameron Jack, Jamie Ellis
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Vu, A. State Specialized Extension Agent, PI, Florida, 32611
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Bammer, M. Education Specialist, Program Coordinator, Maryland, 21201
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Athearn, K. Regional Specialized Extension Agent III, CoPI, Florida, 32064
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Morgan, K. Associate Professor, Ag Economics, CoPI, Florida, 34142
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Jack, C. Assistant Professor, CoPI, Florida, 32611
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Ellis, J. Gahan Endowed Professor, CoPI, Florida, 32611