For immediate release MONDAY, JAN. 26, 2004

Contact: Heather Quinn
(502) 564-5126

Frankfort, KY–With an increasing emphasis on horticulture in Kentucky, beekeeping has become more than just a hobby. To help answer this demand, Phil Craft, state apiarist with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, will be coordinating a beekeeping workshop Feb. 14 at the Fayette County Extension Office.

“Beekeeping has become tremendously popular in Kentucky over the past few years, not just for the honey production but also because farmers are asking for bees to pollinate their crops,” said Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer. “We have an outstanding state apiarist, and I am glad Phil is working to advance the beekeeping industry.”

The one-day workshop will focus on all aspects of beekeeping, Craft said. Included will be instructions on beginning the hobby, care and maintenance of the queen bee, honey house planning and construction, and making a profit from the activity.

“These classes are excellent for beginners but also can provide useful information for beekeepers of all experience levels,” Craft said. “The information presented during these classes will encourage new beekeepers and will take a lot of the mystery out of the practice.”

Others taking part in instructing classes include: Robin Mountain, Apiculture Extension Associate from Kentucky State University; and beekeepers from the Blue Grass Beekeepers Association, a Lexington area beekeeping society.

There is a $10 fee for the workshop, which includes lunch.

For more information or to register, log onto the KDA Web site at www.kyagr.com, select “beekeeping” under the pull-down menu, and then click on the “Kentucky Bee School” icon. You may also contact Craft by phone at (502) 573-0282 or by e-mail at phil.craft@kyagr.com.

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