BEEKEEPING IN THE PANHANDLE: A DIVERSIFIED TEAM EFFORT TO EDUCATE NEW AND EXISTING BEEKEEPERS ACROSS COUNTY AND STATE LINES
Sustainable Agriculture
Libbie Johnson
EXT AGT III, AGRICULTURE
UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County
Jay
Abstract
The Beekeeping in the Panhandle course consisted of eight, two hour sessions, held over a three month period via internet enabled interactive videoconference equipment. Objectives: One hundred small-farm owners will attend an educational beekeeping program emphasizing biology, equipment, pest and disease management, pollination ecology, hive products, and Africanized bees. Seventy-five percent will increase their knowledge of bee biology and best management practices. Seventy-five individuals will attend a Beekeeping Tradeshow and Workshop and participate in hands-on activities related to equipment assembly and hive management. Eighty percent will increase their knowledge and will have greater confidence in establishing their own hives. Methods: A diverse group of specialists from the beekeeping industry, UF/IFAS Extension, and the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services designed and taught the eight classes. A 178 page notebook containing beekeeping Extension publications was provided to each participant. The Saturday Tradeshow and Workshop provided hands-on activities. Results: A total of 255 registered clients participated in 15 Florida and Alabama counties. Initially, only 17% (23 of 142) rated their knowledge of bees as a good deal to very knowledgeable but by the end of the course, 91 % (126 of 138) rated their knowledge of bees and beekeeping as a good deal to very knowledgeable, reflecting a 74% knowledge gain. Of 195 respondents, 98% reported a better understanding of bee biology and behavior, 94% have greater confidence in establishing or expanding their own hives, 96% have a greater understanding about the importance of pollination to our food supply, and 97% have a greater understanding of Beekeeping best management practices. Ninety-eight percent (191/194) of participants felt that they had a better understanding of Africanized bees and how to minimize their threat.
Authors: Carter. R.L., Johnson, L. , Ludlow, J
-
Carter. R.L. Extension Director, UF IFAS Gulf County, Florida, 32465
-
Johnson, L. Ext Agt II, Agriculture, UF IFAS Escambia County Extension, Florida, 32533
-
Ludlow, J Extension Director, UF IFAS Calhoun County Extension, Florida, 32424