Progress report for ONE24-432
Project Information
“This project seeks to” increase the colony survival rate for new(er) backyard beekeepers compared to the state/national average. Bee Informed Partnerships (BIP) abstract of Honeybee Losses for 2023 reports backyard beekeepers as the highest group of beekeepers leading with colony losses. In 2022-2023 Bee Informed Partnership calculated an annual loss of backyard beekeepers to be 54.6%.
Colony health will be identified monthly through monthly inspection reports participants provide; this reporting method will maintain a status of colony survival.
Year-end colony survival will be determined at the completion of twelve-month project. Number of starting colony’s vs twelve-month end to compare to state/national data.
Each participant w/in the cohort will provide a monthly colony number, mite count report, treatment course (if applicable), and updated colony inspection report.
“The question we will answer” is if this virtual platform is beneficial for the participant demographics represented within the cohort. A report with demographics will also outline all participants within the cohort. Demographics included: age, work status, male/female, years beekeeping, prior beekeeping instruction received, purpose for keeping bees, purpose for joining cohort.
Measurements will include:
- attendance and participation during each meeting
- submission of monthly inspection and action reports
- replies to 3 surveys given at start, midway and completion of
project.
“The question we will answer” is if this virtual platform is an effective method to impact the quality decisions the participants make while tending to their bees to improve survival percentages.
Measurements will include:
- survival rate of honeybee colonies
- examination of knowledge levels at start, middle and end of
project
“The project seeks to” develop a format/platform that beekeeping organizations can utilize as a model to guide new(er) beekeepers towards successful beekeeping. The final project will be a model program presented to the three beekeeping organizations within the Tri-County (YCBA, CABA, LCBS).
The final project statistics will be presented to the larger beekeeping organizations and honeybee supply companies to encourage their contribution to market these on-going platforms.
UPDATE AS OF 11/29/2024
The Bee Informed Partnership (the source utilized to calculate the annual loss for backyard beekeeper colonies) has shut down due to lack of funding. This will require a different source needed to capture the data to calculate the statistics of backyard beekeepers. Tiffany Ayres, Project Leader (here after abbreviated as PL) has reached out to Apiary State Inspector (Rob Dwyer), State Apiarist (Karen Roccasecca), Partners Dickinson College - Assistant Professor Dr. Maggie Douglas, and PennState Educator (Robin Underwood) to obtain a different source for quality data. Currently those responding do not have this information or approval to share this information has not yet been provided. PL will continue to seek updated colony loss on a large scale to compare to the cohort group to be established. If additional sources do not become available by conclusion of project, cohort loss rates will be compared to the most recent BIP calculations of 2022-2023 (54.6% average colony loss).
UPDATE AS OF 3/1/2025 ~ Webinar with USDA and Beltsville MD reviewed the recent concern of high colony losses. The USDA reports high losses of 62% for commercial beekeepers. This number includes mostly southern states and does not yet fully include northern regions. Though sideliner and backyard beekeepers statistics look better but have still exceeded the routine threshold in the 40% and is currently in the 50%
DEMOGRAPHIC survey has been completed by all participants (30) and alternates (6).
UPDATE AS OF 7/5/2025 ~ Recent reporting and research updates from USDA, ABF, Project Apis m., Apiary Inspectors, HBHC, and AHPA show that the recent high losses of honey bee colonies (62%) show varroa mites and viral infections vectored by varroa mites to be a key driving factor of the losses. Further investigation and sample analysis reflect a resistance to the miticide active ingredient Amitraz. (Additional information noted in research section).
ONSITE WORKSHOP 6-28-2025 focused on top 5 stressors of colony losses with a focus on the varroa mite (full information provided in Materials & Method Section).
UPDATE AS OF 12/1/2025 - The Cohort participants have met a total of sixteen times from 3/19/25-12/1/25. Three of these sessions were in-person workshops (one at Keys to Bees location performing small group colony inspections, one at Dickinson College performing varroa mite monitoring, and one at Dickinson College preparing for winter and reviewing honey information). The Cohort group was comprised of 30 official participants and 6 alternates (we retained alternates with the understanding there would be attrition over time and wanted at least 30 participants for the duration of the project). Over the course of these ten months, some of the participants have not continued participating within the group (not submitting reports, not attending the live sessions of meetings, nor taking the mid-examination). To date we have 31 active participants.
Records have been maintained on attendance to virtual meetings (though participants are able to view recorded sessions if they miss an in-person virtual meeting &/or wish to rewatch a session), inspection submitted reports, mite monitoring reports, and initial & midterm examinations.
Through these on-going educational sessions and by going through the required motions to complete the two separate monthly reports, the hypothesis is the participants will have the knowledge to make best decisions, timely to establish stronger/healthier bees entering into the winter season (mostly varroa mite impact) that this will positively impact the survival rates of the participants' colonies.
THE ISSUE is the high number of honeybee colony losses each year, and particularly with newer beekeepers. The Bee Informed Partner (BIP) has identified over 48% honeybee losses in 2022-2023. Both the BIP and USDA identify the number one known stressor to colonies are varroa mites (Varroa Destructor). Failing colonies reduce the number of available pollinators within an area, by negatively impacting other honeybee colonies as well as other species of wild bees. According to Cornell University Master Beekeeping studies many ailments are transmitted by the varroa mites such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), Kashmire Bee Virus (KBM), and others. These viruses lower the immunity of the honeybee making them susceptible to additional pathogens that are transferrable to other species such as: bumble bees (Sacbrood Virus, DWV, Black Queen Cell Virus, ABPV, KBM, chalkbrood), carpenter bees (DWV), mason bees (chalkbrood), leaf cutter bees (chalkbrood), orchard bees (DWV), and others. When colonies become weak or die (dead out) they are commonly robbed of any/all food resources by other bees. The bees robbing not only take the food reserves, but indirectly pick up pathogens which they carry back and infect their nests.
Dealing effectively with the varroa mite is challenging, even for experienced beekeepers, and is often a major contributor to the failure of new bee colonies. We know that untreated or poorly treated colonies will be weakened and eventually perish. These infected hives become “mite incubators” creating a cycle for honeybees and other bees in the area to be negatively impacted. Thus, the failure to fully prepare newer beekeepers not only impacts their investment but harms surrounding honeybees and other pollinators.
This project proposal looks to address this issue by focusing on the gaps in knowledge of new(er) beekeepers and their need for on-going support and guidance during their first couple of seasons of beekeeping. It has been estimated that 80% of new beekeepers quit after their first 3-years of beekeeping due to the inability to keep their bees alive. The BIP shows a higher annual rate of losses in backyard beekeepers 54.6% versus 47.9% of commercial beekeepers. A large portion of backyard beekeepers fall into the category of those new to the keeping of bees.
There are numerous Beekeeping 101 classes, through clubs, universities and online videos, there are few on-going support opportunities for new(er) beekeepers. What is available is inconsistent and often offers conflicting and/or inaccurate information. Some beekeeping clubs and organizations offer assistance but consistent training and mentoring is generally unavailable. Beekeeping 101 classes routinely cover topics such as hive components, beekeeping tools, bee castes, basic behaviors, biology, nutrition, and pests, there is an extremely steep learning curve with beekeeping. The basics learned in a 101 class are not enough. It takes time of working with the honeybees to “read” the colony to provide quality stewardship to the honeybee. We recognize the challenges new beekeepers face with translating the information they gather into practical application.
This proposal is to address the on-going support needs for new(er) beekeepers and provide a model to provide this support. The model is built on the need for personalized mentoring by using a combination of virtual and in-person interactions. The virtual platform will be timely (1-3 times monthly depending upon the activity of the bees), will be convenient (access anywhere there is Wi-Fi), require minimal time (1.5-hour for each meeting) and be recordable for later review. A cohort of 30 newer beekeepers (3 years or less experience) will be selected from south central Pennsylvania (primarily Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Adams, and Perry counties) to participate in this project. Participants will have already completed a Beekeeping 101 class and be committed to maintaining their colonies for the duration of the project. Tiffany Ayres, Master Beekeeper, is the Project Leader (PL). She will provide the content and consultation for the cohort primarily through regular, timely virtual meetings. Peer support and team building will be encouraged in addition to reinforce learning and engagement. Some on-site, in-person events will also be part of the curriculum. Virtual meetings will be provided 1-3 times per month depending upon the time of year. Each session will be 1.5 hours with the first portion being a presentation by the PL on the “state of the bees”, or what is happening for bees in the area at that time and what the beekeeper should be doing to care for their bees. The second portion will be a Q&A session with specific questions and problems supplied by members of the cohort. It is anticipated that any question or concern by one member is likely to be relevant to most others, so this provides concrete and timely help. Questions will be coordinated by the assistant with participants encouraged to submit their issues in advance allowing the PL to prepare in-depth and coherent coaching for all.
This project proposal will offer new(er) beekeepers the timely support they seek and help them through the honeybee learning curve process, so, they can better recognize the behavior of the honeybee and the actionable items to address needs. By taking timely action while managing their honeybees the participants within the project cohort should improve their colony survival numbers and produce healthy quality honeybees ultimately providing more pollination and higher crop yields. In addition, their healthy hives will have a positive impact on all surrounding bees by limiting the spread of the Varroa mite and the pathogens it carries.
Long term production yield increases for farmers and surrounding communities are positively affected economically; potentially creating jobs for more farm hands, financial stability for the farmer, and a reduction in product costs for the local community. This project cohort model can then be provided to other beekeeping organizations to utilize on a broad scale, helping to improve our honeybee survival rates across the state.
UPDATE AS OF 11/29/2024
A schedule of virtual meetings and on-site workshops has been established for the duration of the project. There will be a total of nineteen (19) virtual meetings and three (3) on-site workshops spanning the duration of the project (3/2025 - 4/2026). Participants will be encouraged to establish smaller cohorts within the participant group to work together over the season. The schedule outline has specific dates listed and is a "live" working document determining topics to be reviewed over the duration of the project. Specific timing of topics to evolve as the season unfolds to maintain an accurate current "State of the Bees".
See Link for Live working schedule outline
Research has been conducted on three of the most popular and economical virtual platforms to utilize for the needs of the program (Zoom, Teams, & Meet). Zoom Pro ($13.32 per month paid out yearly/or $15.99 monthly) has been determined the best fit for the project due to ease of use, familiarity with platform, and cost.
In addition, a Budget Time Outline for the program has been tentatively laid-out for the project to ensure labor hours remain within the allotted budget parameters. The first invoice (August, September, and October 2024) has been submitted for reimbursement.
UPDATE AS OF 3/1/2025
Establishment of DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Google Forms to use during final analysis (are there any underlying patterns for success based on demographic related specifics).
ZOOM platform has been purchased to run the virtual meetings.
Determined KAHOOT testing platform was not needed due to the POLL ability integrated within the already purchased ZOOM platform and free use of GOOGLE FORMS.
UPDATE AS OF 12/1/2025 -
SUMMARY & INSIGHTS:
- Meeting Structure: There have been 16 cohort meetings so far, including 3 in person workshops and 13 virtual sessions via Zoom. This blend of formats supports both direct engagement and flexible participation, as virtual meetings are recorded for later viewing.
- Participant Engagement: Attendees are encouraged to join live, but the availability of recordings ensures that everyone can access the material, even if they miss a session.
- Program Hypothesis: The underlying belief is that increased knowledge gained will help participants make better decisions in their honey bee husbandry. The process of completing monthly inspection and mite reports is designed to foster routine monitoring, which should result in healthier and stronger bee colonies.
- Content Focus: The topics covered are aimed at improving the quality of honey bee care, empowering participants to make informed decisions, and ensuring beekeepers are equipped to share accurate information with their communities.
SIGNIFICANCE:
This approach combines education, accountability, and community-building to support best practices in beekeeping. The emphasis on both knowledge acquisition and regular hands-on monitoring is likely to yield positive outcomes for colony health and beekeeper confidence.
Cooperators
Research
UPDATE 11/29/24
An application to participate in the project has been established as of 8/24/24. As of 11/29/24, forty-two applicants have applied/registered to participate in the program (Applicants have completed an on-line google document see link for questions). Link to Application.
These applicants span over multiple counties in south central Pennsylvania. Qualified applicants will be reviewed, and determination of participants will be completed in February 2025. Registration to apply to participate in the project will remain open until January 2025. If applicants need filtered, a second questionnaire may be distributed for completion among those candidates that meet the minimum criteria. Successful candidates will be contacted in February 2025. The first virtual meeting outlining dates, reporting, and expectations will be held in March 2025. The March meeting will collect additional demographic data from participants (that was not used as applicant criteria) and conduct the first knowledge testing of the three conducted (initial, mid-way through program, and conclusion). The demographic data collection documentation and testing module is currently in development. April 2025 will hold the first of the routine virtual meetings with State of the Bees and Q&A program outline.
MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION
- Applicant will have taken a Beekeeping 101 course prior to project initiation.
- Applicant has kept bees less then 5-years.
- Applicant is prepared to participate in the project, attending the majority of meetings, and submitting reporting data.
- Applicant is within a manageable commuting distance from on-site workshop base of Cumberland County.
Until the application to register is closed, PL will continue to conduct outreach to spread the word for this program opportunity.
UPDATE 3/1/25 - The application window was closed on 1/31/25. Leadership reviewed and selected top 30 applicants to participate. In addition, 7 applicants were identified as top contenders and were offered alternate positions. All applicants and alternates were sent email commitment and engagement letters. 30 applicants/6 alternate emails were returned with written commitment. All submitted the demographic report to utilize if patterns are identified through the duration of the grant (identifying the demographic most likely to benefit from this virtual format).
- QUESTION SUBMISSION FORM BEEKEEPING COHORT QUESTION - Google Forms- this form establishes order for the influx of questions received and also tracks the number, frequency, category of questions accumulated. This will also aid in establishing a FAQ document for later use.
- MONTHLY COLONY INSPECTION REPORT COLONY MONTHLY INSPECTION FORM - Google Forms- 1 form to be submitted monthly by each participant. This will ensure the methodology of the inspections performed and establish a routine for the newer beekeeper of best beekeeping practices. This data will be utilized to track each participants progress over the course of the year.
- MITE CHECK REPORT Varroa Mite Monthly Counts - Google Forms- 1 form to be submitted monthly by each participant. This will ensure the methodology of the inspections performed and establish a routine for the newer beekeeper of best beekeeping practices. This data will be utilized to track each participants progress over the course of the year.
UPDATE 7-5-25
Completed a compliance review of both Inspection Report & Varroa Mite Report submissions from participants for the month of May. This review does not take into consideration participants not having bees until June or receiving late May bee purchases.
- 39% Non-compliance for Inspection Reports
- 52% Non-compliance for Varroa Mite Reports
Onsite Workshop conducted 6-28-25 - an additional survey was distributed asking participants their comfort level with performing varroa mite testing and if they would like an individual review/discussion with project leader. 8 out of 34 attendees requested an individual conference with leadership (these contacts are underway)7 Meeting 6-28-25 Summer Prep for Winter slides. The topic of this workshop was on the top 5 colony stressors leading to colony losses (see slide deck #7) with a focus on varroa mites. Colonies at Dickinson College were utilized to demonstrate the two approved methods to conduct varroa mite checks: alcohol wash and sugar roll methods.
5-31-25 Workshop Small Group Colony Inspections
6-28-25 Dickinson College Field Day Varroa Mite Testing
UPDATE 12/1/25 -
Private Facebook Group: A private Facebook group has been created (initiated in May) for participants to discuss findings and share insights. Notably, the Project Leader has chosen not to join this group, allowing participants to freely exchange ideas and experiences. However, members are monitoring the group to ensure accurate information is shared, and the Project Leader may interject if necessary to correct or clarify discussions. This approach balances autonomy with oversight, supporting a safe space for peer learning while maintaining the integrity of information.
Small Group Formation: Small group formation has been encouraged and many participants have formed small groups, indicating strong engagement and willingness to collaborate. These groups are likely to enhance the learning experience and provide additional encouragement for participants to follow through with best practices in honey bee husbandry.
Examinations have been taken twice, once upon the onset of the project and repeated in October as a midterm. This examination will be taken one last time upon the conclusion of the project.
Surveys to participants have been collected and their feedback has been consolidated in the "results and discussion area".
Virtual meeting continue monthly, Q & A continues to be open over the winter season, and resources continued to be shared via emails, FB, or small groups.
Meeting Sessions
SESSION RECORDED LINKS can be found on this document https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BIfcQxLfzWnRq6Iyo9RX480hXtmfuXP2wiquEXMTgIo/edit?tab=t.0
- 3/19/25 - Initial introductions and cohort expectations - EXAMINATION
- 4/9/25 - Explanation of reports
- 4/23/25 - "Catching Swarms" - guest presenter Nathan Pears, YCBA President
- 5/14/25 - "All About Swarms"
- 5/31/25 - WORKSHOP - "How, Why, When to do Colony Inspections" - onsite at Keys to Bees
- 6/11/25 - "Bee Genetics" - guest presenter Robert House, commercial beekeeper
- 6/28/25 - WORKSHOP - "All about Varroa Mites" - onsite at Dickinson College
- 7/9/25 - "Honey Preparation & Extraction" - guest presenter David Papke, Beekeeper of the Year 2024
- 7/23/25 - Open Q & A Session
- 8/13/25 - "Bee Law" - guest presenter Mark Gingrich, PSBA President
- 8/27/25 - "Winter Preparation"
- 9/6/25 - WORKSHOP - "Small Hive Beetles, Winter Prep, & All About Honey" - guest presenter Valerie Hawthorne, PA Honey Judge
- 9/24/25 - "Regenerative Beekeeping" - guest presenter Jeremy Barnes, Beekeeper of the Year 2017
- 10/1/25 - EXTRA SESSION - Open Q & A for examination prep - meeting optional for participants
- 10/8/25 - Open Q & A Session - MIDTERM EXAMINATION
- 10/22/25 - "Colony Registration & Inspections" - guest presenter Robert Dwyer, PA Inspector
- 11/12/25 - "Fall Considerations"
Project is on-going with 6 more virtual meetings scheduled:
- 12/10/25 "Winter Inspections"
- 1/14/26 "Absconding Behavior" - with guest speaker Cici Sweeney, PennState Ext.
- 2/11/26 "Brood & Adult Diseases/Viruses" - with guest speaker Dr. Robyn Underwood, PennState Ext.
- 3/11/26 Q & A
- 4/8/26 FINAL EXAMINATION
- 4/22/26 "What's Next"
Number of farmers to participate initial were 2 Project Partners, 30 Project Participants, 6 Project Alternates. As of 12/1/25 numbers are: 2 Project Partners, 31 Project Participants. We accepted alternates with the anticipation of attrition which we experienced, ending the 2025 year with 31 active participants and retaining our Partners.
Further replication of the project has been discussed in "Research and Discussion" section.
UPDATE 11/29/24 Collection of applications continues. Dr. Marty Jones and Tiffany Ayres will review applicants in December to determine if additional filtering is required to determine best applicants for the project.
UPDATE 3/1/25 All applicants received a detailed explanation of the project and expectations of participation (attendance at virtual (19) & on-site workshops (3), monthly submission of colony inspection report, monthly submission of mite report, and participation in (3) knowledge base tests). Participants were asked to actively respond if they were committed to the outline of the expectations outlined for the project. Leadership evaluated responses, took in consideration text of commitment, centralized location (due to the on-site workshops), and the general requirements to determine the 30 applicants to participate. Due to several additional high quality applicants that did not make the 30 seats, 6 were offered alternate positions. These alternates will participate as normal and in the event one of the 30 seats opens, an alternate will slide into the seat.
UPDATE 7/5/25 Two of the 30 participants needed to step out of the project and alternates slid into this placement. Three alternates remain as back up participants (1 of the original 6 opted out due to life events).
EXAMINATION SCORES INITIAL TESTING (Knowledge Base) - Average score 72
Participants below 60 = 5
Participants above 90 = 1
UPDATE 12/1/25 -
PARTICIPANTS - to date we have 31 active participants
ATTENDANCE - attendance participation during live sessions averaged 81% during the 2025 year. The majority of participants attend live virtual meetings regularly but if they have a conflict they watch the recorded session.
REPORTS - Inspection Report submission compliance 55 % From participant surveys collected, both reports may need to be adjusted to simplify if utilized in the future. A number of participants admitted to having conducted the inspections and mite counts but not completing the reports.
Mite Monitoring Report submission compliance 44 % From participant surveys collected and discussions held privately with participants from PL, more participants completed the mite reports then completed the reporting, need to adjust reports for future project use to simplify. However, many participants (routinely less seasoned) continue to be uncomfortable with performing mite checks. Future project recommend adding additional mite monitoring one on one or group sessions (they know how to do these, but just uncomfortable to complete).
COLONY COUNTS - on 11/1/25 the active participants reported 90 colonies going into the winter. The colony survival percentage will be calculated with a follow up to this question on 4/1/25 to determine the participants average survival rate and then compare this to national/state averages to determine if this project had an impact on colony survival rates.
EXAMINATION SCORES MIDTERM (Knowledge Base) - Average score 81.5. Though the average score difference was 9.5 points, a lower spread than anticipated, the quantity of higher score participants increased significantly =39% of active participants compared to the 2.6% from the initial scores. Upon conclusion of the project in 2026, a deeper analysis will be conducted on scores as they compare with individual live attendance participation, report completion, and general demographics collected to determine if any patterns are identified to be utilized in future replicated programs.
Participants below 60 = 4
Participants above 90 = 12
Survey responses from participants have been extremely positive with notations of the amount of information they have learned and the enjoyment of the camaraderie of the group. They feel they are better beekeepers for having participated and feel hopeful with their current colonies surviving the winter season. Further constructive survey comments are noted in the "Research Conclusion" section.
UPDATE 11/29/24 - project is in initial stages.
UPDATE 12/1/25 -
The project sought to accomplish two areas of improvement for farming beekeepers: Improve participant general knowledge with the projection that with this enhanced knowledge baseline the beekeepers would make better/timely decisions when working with their honey bees that would then contribute to the second area of improvement; to lower the loss rate of colony losses over the winter season.
The project continues through the end of April 2026. Upon reaching spring 2026, the over-wintering survival numbers can be calculated (11/25 - 4/26) and we can identify the projects success rate as compared to the national/state average (pending on which average is available at this time) for colony losses.
The project currently has 31 active participants. Our goal was to complete the project with at least 30 active participants (initially started with 30 and 6 alternates due to anticipated attrition).
Upon conclusion of the project the final examination may be compared to the initial and midterm examination scores. This information will be analyzed for additional patterns to take into consideration when replicating the program for future use.
EVALUATIONS:
The Project Leader and Team believed the midterm results as an average would be higher. With the help of survey suggestions and the Project Teams discussion on retained knowledge and adult learning, suggestions for the delivery of information was made. Suggested to pre-record virtual sessions, send pre-recorded sessions to participants one week prior to live virtual session; this would allow more time for Q & A during the live virtual sessions and for the presenter to highlight the important areas of the material reviewed. This delivery would provide clarity for outstanding questions and provide additional repeat of the information to aid in solidifying the material for participants allowing it to be retrievable when necessary.
Through feedback received from participant surveys, future adjustments to the two monthly reports were suggested for simplification as this would help to improve report compliance.
Project Team(Partners, Consultant, and Project Leadership) feels it is necessary to run the full project another year to capture additional statistics to ensure accuracy towards conclusion results and to tweak the project. This second year would incorporate feedback received from participants and observations made by Project Team for improvement tweaks (adjust information delivery method, simply reports, establish more small groups activities, etc.). The pre-recorded sessions will also make the project easier to replicate for beekeeping organization. These pre-recorded sessions would be self standing and not include the Q & A of the live session, which could proof to be detracting to future participants. Future participants could run their own Q & A sessions with an experienced mentor from the beekeeping organization and ask their own specific questions, making this proposed pre-recorded sessions most attractive.
Education & outreach activities and participation summary
Participation summary:
ON-FARM VISITS: 3 On-site participant workshops and accompanied lecture meetings (1: Keys to Bees, 2: Dickinson College, 3: Dickinson College). 8 colony inspections with farming partner Diakon and 8 colony inspections with farming partner Dickinson College
Brochure Initial Applications (1)
The initial outreach to gain participants will be through the Tri-County Beekeeping organizations (YCBA, CABA, & LCBS). The targeted demographic is newer beekeepers (less than 4-years) that have completed a Beekeeping 101 course. Prior students of Keys to Bees and other local trainers will also be informed to invite their graduates. In addition, we will reach out to many of the beekeeping businesses in the surrounding counties (York, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry, and Adams) to inform them of the project. We will also conduct outreach through local social media groups for beekeepers.
Once the project is completed the results of the beekeeping training model will be broadly shared in a similar manner. The Team Leader will share findings with the boards of the Tri-County Beekeeping organizations and present findings to these organizations. Additional outreach will be to groups such as the PA State Beekeepers Association and Eastern Apiculture Society with submission of professional papers and offers to do presentations at meetings, conferences and newsletter articles.
As an effort to promote the establishment of these beekeeping cohort groups following the designed model, beekeeping suppliers will also receive information about these groups and the improved success rates of the new beekeepers. These suppliers will be encouraged to relay this messaging to their customers (the success of their customers means long-standing clients), we all want beekeepers to be successful with raising bees. By having this consistent/broad messaging relaying the need for continued education and support, the request for cohort groups should be high, in turn encouraging organizations to establish and use the model developed.
The plan of this outreach is to encourage beekeeping organizations to offer an additional beekeeping support training option beyond the Beekeeping 101 classes to help these new(er) beekeepers be successful with managing their honeybees. The steep learning curve for new beekeepers is well recognized, however there is currently no simple, replicable model for addressing that need. Having the initial Beekeeping 101 class and then the first-year support through this proposed platform will provide a timely venue to gain answers for participants, and hopefully increase survival rates for bees.
UPDATE AS OF 11/29/24
During September, October, and November 2024, the five closest beekeeping organizations to Cumberland County (base for on-site apiary future workshops) have been contacted.
- York County Beekeepers Association (YCBA) published an article regarding the program opportunity in their monthly newsletter. PL presented on 9/24/24 reviewing the purpose of the project, opportunity for newer beekeepers, how to apply, and the opportunity for seasoned beekeepers to provide feedback.
- Capital Area Beekeepers Association (CABA) emailed the program flyer to their member email listing. PL presented on 9/20/24 reviewing the purpose of the project, opportunity for newer beekeepers, how to apply, and the opportunity for seasoned beekeepers to provide feedback.
- Lancaster County Beekeepers Society (LCBS): PL presented on 10/15/24 reviewing the purpose of the project, opportunity for newer beekeepers, how to apply, and the opportunity for seasoned beekeepers to provide feedback.
- Perry County Beekeepers Club (PCBC): PL presented on 10/20/24 reviewing the purpose of the project, opportunity for newer beekeepers, how to apply, and the opportunity for seasoned beekeepers to provide feedback.
- Women's Beekeeping Soiree of Harrisburg Area: PL presented on 10/17/24 reviewing the purpose of the project, opportunity for newer beekeepers, how to apply, and the opportunity for seasoned beekeepers to provide feedback.
- Franklin County Beekeepers Association (FCBA) received flyer information to forward to members. Meetings were concluded for the year.
- Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association (PSBA) published an article regarding the program opportunity in their monthly newsletter.
- Lancaster Farming Newspaper published an article regarding the program opportunity in their weekly publication.
- Philadelphia Beekeeper Guild (PBG) shared program details on their website.
Outreach will continue until close of registration occurs in January 2025.
Additional marketing outreach has occurred on Facebook Keys To Bees site, as well as being shared on other beekeeping organization Facebook pages (YCBA, FCBA, etc.). The link to the registration site resides on Keys to Bees website. www.keystobees.com/event
FACTSHEET/EDUCATIONAL TOOL (11/29/24 update)
- Initial marketing flyer
- Curriculum scheduling outline working live document
- Initiation of quiz - still in process of creation
- UPDATE 12/1/25
- Sixteen (16) official Participant Slide Decks (with note session) created
- Sixteen (16) official Power Point presenter (mentor) Slide Deck created
- Sixteen (16) recorded sessions established and available through links on "Recorded Meeting Session" document
- Recorded Meeting Session document
- One (1) additional Q & A Participant Slide Deck (with note session) created - optional
- Two (2) Monthly reports: Inspection Report & Mite Report
- Q & A document for submitting questions
- Knowledge Base Examination created (to be given three times over the course of the project)
- Zoom Poll Group Questions created - seventeen (17)
ARTICLES (11/29/24 update)
- Facebook blog
- PSBA
- Lancaster Farmer
- Project Flyer
- UPDATE 12/1/25
- Additional articles will be submitted upon conclusion of project
PUBLISHED PRESS ARTICLES/NEWSLETTERS (12/16/24)
- PSBA
- Lancaster Farmer
- YCBA
PRESENTATIONS (12/16/24)
- YCBA
- CABA
- LCBS
- PCBA
- Women's Beekeeping Soiree of Harrisburg Area
- UPDATE 12/1/25
- 6. PSBA Annual Conference - this presentation provided an update on the progression of the project to date and reached individuals throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania. The NWPBA board members specifically showed interest in incorporating the project for use upon its conclusion.
FARMERS PARTICIPATING IN OUTREACH (11/29/24 update)
- Nancy Nolton - beekeeper on Facebook
- NatureKind - small business on Facebook
- Mich Ygy - beekeeper on Facebook
- Marty Jones - beekeeper on Facebook
- Cecelia Potts Berkstresser - beekeeper on Facebook
- Cherry Lane Farm, LLC - agriculture/beekeeping small business - Facebook and word of mouth
UPDATE 12/1/25
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in Cumberland County 9 individuals
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in Dauphin County 5 individuals
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in Bucks County 1 individual
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in Fulton County 1 individual
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in Lancaster County 1 individual
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in Perry County 1 individual
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in Tioga County 1 individual
- Farming Beekeeper Participants in York County 12 individuals
FARMERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVIES
Original 36 participants and alternates, 2 Farming Partners, 2 Project Leads
EDUCATORS/SERVICE PARTICIPATING IN OUTREACH (11/29/24 update)
- Lindsey Lyons, Director Center for Sustainability Education - Dickinson College
- Dr. Maggie Douglas, Assistant Professor - Dickinson College - Introduction made, Dr. Douglas has been involved in prior PennState Ext. SARE grants and may be a source for over-wintering statistics.
- YCBA
- CABA
- LCBS
- FCBA
- PCBC
- PSBA
- PBG
UPDATE 12/1/25
Communication continues with the above nine (9) organizations with the addition of
- 10. Penn State Ext. Services (Robyn Underwood)
- 11. NorthWest Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association (NWPBA)
Upon conclusion of project Project Leader will revisit beekeeping organizations (YCBA, CABA, LCBA, PCBA, and potentially others such as the newest organization showing interest NWPBA). Articles will be submitted to the two main beekeeping magazines with the final results of the project (Bee Culture & American Bee Journal). This article will also be submitted to the beekeeping organizations to add in their newsletters with the addition of the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association (PSBA). The last planned activity to share the project findings and offer the project outline and structure is during the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Conference held in November of 2026. This conference draws beekeepers and leadership from the entire state.
Learning Outcomes
UPDATE 11/29/24 Project has not officially started yet. Project will start 3/2025.
UPDATE 3/1/25 Knowledge base test KNOWLEDGE REVIEW #1 - Google Forms established to identify the starting point of knowledge of the participants. All participants have participated in at least a Beekeeping 101 class. However, participants took a variety of classes, spanning over a dozen options. This knowledge base test will determine how much information the participant retained and/or the quality of the different Beekeeping 101 classes. This test (same questions) will be given on 3/19/25 (beginning), 9/24/25 (mid-way), 4/8/25 (final) to determine the change in knowledge base. The theory is that this enhanced knowledge will be utilized to make quality decisions of beekeeping stewardship.
UPDATE 4/10/25 Analysis of Knowledge Base Examination (containing basic biology, behavioral, husbandry & general questions) #1 Beginning average score 72/112 = 64% from 38 participants. Participants included 30 active participants, 6 alternates, and 2 farming partners.
UPDATE 7/5/25 - To date the project has conducted 7 meetings (2 in person workshops and 5 virtual meetings). These meetings included topic reviews from project leadership directly and beekeeping experts in the state of PA.
Session 1: Initial kick-off meeting and introduction of entire cohort group and initial testing.
Session 2: Explanation of required reporting.
Session 3: How to catch swarms - guest presenter Nathan Pears, President YCBA
Session 4: The swarming event.
Session 5: In-Person Workshop: How/When/Why to perform colony inspections
Session 6: Honey bee genetics - guest presenter Robert House, commercial beekeeper
Session 7: In-Person Workshop: Summer preparation for winter survival (varroa mites)
12/1/25
The full listing of virtual meetings and workshops is listed under section "Materials & Methods" - the full enhancement to knowledge base will be determined through the final examination conducted in 4/2026.
Participants have shared they felt they have learned much through the projects sessions. Some have indicated their general skills of beekeeping has improved because they have a better understanding of what they are looking at when they perform colony inspections. Many have reported enjoying the camaraderie received from the development of small groups within the cohort and that these groups have contributed to their confidence in beekeeping. All 31 active participants have indicated that they are glad they have participated in the project.
Project Outcomes
UPDATE AS OF 11/29/24 - Project has not officially started yet. Project will start 3/2025. Anticipate the need to extend this project at least one more year to gather qualifying data to determine success of project.
UPDATE 12/1/25
Grant has not concluded yet to give these project outcomes. However, from the assessments and analytics performed on our progress so far, tweaks with the reports and information delivery was recommended to improve upon the knowledge base retention for the participating farmers. We will be submitting for a second year grant to make these adjustments to improve the final product. These tweaks will make the final product easier to replicate for other beekeeping organizations to use with little guidance needed (prerecorded sessions and then only needing a mentor to lead the live sessions to conduct a Q & A about the recorded sessions). With these adjustments the mentor utilizing this project would not need to present from the power point material, but only run the live Q & A session; which would require much less time for the mentor. This should make this position of "mentor" easier to fill for beekeeping organization.
However, we did submit for a Farmer Grant just last month, which would build upon this grant. This is currently under review. Upon establishing the outline of topics to cover for this grant we discovered that many (new and seasoned) beekeepers do not know or understand the law when it comes to keeping bees or selling honey. We touched on these two topics during our project sessions (visit from President of PSBA & visit from Pennsylvania Apiary Inspector), but considering lack of general awareness in the beekeeping community regarding these two areas, the need to develop broad reaching material to all beekeepers was identified. This proposal focuses on the development of that material (PA laws, need to register apiaries and why, requirements to selling honey, how to become a certified honey location, etc.). Once material is developed it will be provided in many platforms and made available to the legal entities (Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety). If this proposal is approved, the developed materials will be incorporated into this project, along with interviews conducted through these future efforts.
UPDATE AS OF 11/29/24 - Project has not officially started yet. Project will start 3/2025. Anticipate the need to extend this project at least one more year to gather qualifying data to determine success of project.
UPDATE AS OF 12/1/25 - We have assessed the project to date and have made some suggestions for a second year ongoing study with some adjustments to the structure and delivery. However, the project is still on going and we do not have conclusions (decrease in colony losses). Once the project concludes 4/2026 a full report of recommendations will be submitted along with participants summary of their participation.
Information Products
- Cohort Meeting Outline Session 1 - 16 (sessions 17-22 future meetings)
- Session #1 Initial Kick off
- Session #2 Explanation of Required Reporting
- Session #3 Swarm Catching
- Session #4 The Swarming Event Slide Deck
- Session #5 Honey Bee Colony Inspection Slide Deck
- Session #6 Honey Bee Genetics Slide Deck
- Session #7 Summer Preparation for Winter Slide Deck
- Session #8 Honey Extraction with guest David Papke Slide Deck
- Session #9 Open Q & A session Slide Deck
- Session #10 Organization & Legislation with guest Mark Gingrich slide deck
- Session #11 Condensing Hives Preparing for Winter slide deck
- Session #12 Winterizing Preparation and Hive Beetles slide deck
- Session #13 Challenges Facing Beekeepers with guest presenter Jeremy Barnes
- Session #14 Q & A Session associated slide deck
- Session #15 PA Apiary Inspector Program with guest presenter Robert Dwyer, PA State Inspecter
- Session #16 Fall Considerations slide deck