Beekeeper Education and Support in NW Iowa

2016 Annual Report for LNC15-365

Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2015: $63,481.00
Projected End Date: 10/01/2017
Grant Recipient: Dordt College
Region: North Central
State: Iowa
Project Coordinator:
Dr. Duane Bajema
Dordt College

Beekeeper Education and Support in NW Iowa

Summary

Annual Report

The results of the grant to this point have exceeded my expectations.  The successful implementation of two field days and the successful work of the two technicians have also met my expectations.  The activity has been noted by the Iowa Honey Producers Association and the state apiarist of Iowa, and portions of the work implemented through the grant are under consideration for replicating in other regions.

The new regional beekeeping association (Siouxland Beekeepers Association) has a growing membership.  There are about 35 dues-paying members, but the monthly meetings are open to anyone who wants to attend.  There are approximately 50 individuals in attendance at each monthly meeting.  

The grant has been extended into 2017.

 

Objectives/Performance Targets

Two technicians were employed, trained, and supervised during the summer of 2016.  Weekly progress meetings were held to discuss issues the technicians dealt with as they sought to help beginning beekeepers address problems they encountered on-site.  The technicians served the beginning beekeepers with on-site visits totaling 65 individual visits in IA, SD, MN, and NE.

Two all-day field days were successfully implemented on June 4 (51 participants) and July 30 (40 participants) that addressed needs of the beginning beekeepers.  Some of the field day content was derived from the situations that the technicians encountered on their visits.  Participants came from South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri.  Assessments of both field days provided excellent reviews.

A revised beginning beekeeper course was revised and implemented for 35 students, one group in the summer of 2016 and one group in the spring of 2017.  Revisions were made based on the evaluations of the students and the feedback provided by the technicians. 

A solid new beekeeping association has been formed that is vibrant and is operating independently without outside support.

Accomplishments/Milestones

A Siouxland Beekeepers Association was formed with beginning beekeepers.  The association has served as a catalyst to meet the needs of beginning beekeepers.  The formation of the group has far exceeded my expectations.  The group has been meeting once per month with an average of 50 individuals in attendance at each meeting.  They function with minimal support from me.

The association has been very active in promoting and meeting the needs of beginning beekeepers, and not requiring dues ($20) has encouraged beginners to attend without having to make an initial commitment.  The group continues to draw people into the group from a 50-mile radius, and an interest in beekeeping is continuing to grow in the region because of the work of the association.

 

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

One member of the Siouxland Beekeepers Association has become the editor of the Buzz, the state monthly newsletter of the Iowa Honey Producers Association, and one member is the Northwest District director of the Iowa Honey Producers Association. 

The membership has successfully promoted new beekeeping activity at the Sioux County Fair, Lyon County Fair, and the Plymouth County Fair.  Members of the association have also participated in the activities of the Iowa State Fair.

Collaborators:

Dr. Duane Bajema

duane.bajema@dordt.edu
Professor
Dordt College
498 4th Ave. NE
Agriculture Department
Sioux Center, IA 51250
Office Phone: 7127226275