BEEKEEPING IN THE PANHANDLE: A DIVERSIFIED TEAM EFFORT TO EDUCATE NEW AND EXISTING BEEKEEPERS ACROSS COUNTY AND STATE LINES
Proposed by: Libbie Johnson
Presenters: Johnson, L. , Ext Agt II, Agriculture, UF IFAS Escambia County Extension, Cantonment, FL 32533
Carter. R.L., Extension Director, UF IFAS Gulf County, Wewahitchka, FL 32465
Ludlow, J, Extension Director, UF IFAS Calhoun County Extension, Blountstown, FL 32424
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.