Cover Story
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Enthusiasts Can Engage in At Home Beekeeping:
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A Monthly Webinar Series By Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda, Assistant Professor, UT Entomology and Plant Pathology Department
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nterest in beekeeping and pollinators has been on the rise for several years, both among the public and in agriculture. Researchers and educators have been actively providing their most up-to-date science-based information on management practices and recommendations. Many states, including Tennessee, have a state beekeeping association, as well as local associations. During the last year and a half, programming efforts by these associations have had to switch gears as several of their regular, in-person meetings and conferences have been canceled or have had very limited attendance. A large population of beginning and even experienced beekeepers remain eager to increase their beekeeping knowledge and maintain their sense of community within the beekeeping world. To bridge the outreach gap and continue education and community scholarship, a small group of research and Extension honey bee professors and professionals from Alabama Extension, Auburn University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, and Texas A&M University joined together to organize and deliver an “At Home Beekeeping” webinar series for the Southeast [sidebar box]. Across time, these webinars have grown into a much larger collaboration, which now includes several others in the Southeast, including Mississippi State University, the Baton Rouge USDA Honey Bee Lab, Louisiana State University, Kentucky State University, and North Carolina State University. Participants log in from all over the U.S. and internationally. By working together to communicate science-based information, presenters share their insights and experiences that help increase the likelihood of success in beekeeping operations and maintaining healthy bee populations in our backyard (Photo 1) in managed agricultural fields.
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tennessee greentimes WINTER 2021
WHEN:
Last Tuesday of every month; 6:30 – 7:30 PM Central Time
WHERE:
Live on Zoom & Facebook (recordings posted on Facebook for 2 weeks)
WHAT:
Presentations on timely, science-based management and information about honey bee biology and beekeeping
WHO:
Attendees: beekeepers and anyone wanting to learn more about honey bees Presenters: Southeast region researchers and Extension specialists from land-grant institutions and the USDA
