See what the buzz is about in Kentucky agriculture! Learn about the vital role pollinators play in the agricultural ecosystem.

 

Latest News & Articles

Featured
Is the Bee Population Rebounding in the U.S.?
Is the Bee Population Rebounding in the U.S.?

Data from the Natural Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) has ecologists and entomologists buzzing. America’s bee population is growing, making them the fastest-growing livestock segment in the country. But does that mean the nation’s pollinator crisis is over?

The Critical Relationship Between Bees and Agriculture
The Critical Relationship Between Bees and Agriculture

What do watermelon, canola, soybeans, and pumpkins have in common? They’re all Kentucky-grown crops that would not exist without bees.

The Buzz About Bees
The Buzz About Bees

“Pollinators are the cornerstone of our environment, as far as I’m concerned,” says Linda Porter, an Inter-County Energy Cooperative consumer-member from Danville, who is the butterfly and pollinator chair for the Garden Club of Kentucky. “If we were to lose them, we would lose many of the fruits and vegetables that we eat, because those plants rely on pollinators.”

Pollinator Protectors
Pollinator Protectors

Bumblebees dart in and out of hives inside Brent Cornett's greenhouse in rural Laurel County. Without them. Cornett, '01, would not have such an abundance of bright, red tomatoes that play a role in his family's diversified farming operation.

Kentucky’s Pollinator Protection Plan
Kentucky’s Pollinator Protection Plan

Managed bees and native pollinators are necessary to agriculture, and Kentucky is working to protect them with the Pollinator Protection Plan. 

Ag Career Profile: State Beekeeper
Ag Career Profile: State Beekeeper

If you would have told Dr. Tammy Potter ten years ago, that she would be the state apiarist (fancy word for beekeeper), she probably would have laughed at you. Potter attended college to become an English professor and was one for many years until her grandfather called her back to the farm that she was determined to get away from, to help him take care of his bees.

Bee-utiful Blooms
Bee-utiful Blooms

An old Kentucky agricultural staple could help improve pollinator decline. 

Beekeeping Provides a Health Remedy, a Relaxing Hobby, and a Growing Business for the Bee Boys
Beekeeping Provides a Health Remedy, a Relaxing Hobby, and a Growing Business for the Bee Boys

Steve Smith believes a spoonful of local honey cures the allergies that ail you.

It worked for Smith, co-owner of a Kentucky Proud business called Bee Boys Honey.

Kentucky Pollinator Organizations

Click the images below to visit each organization’s website to learn more about them.

Additional Resources

For additional information, refer to the helpful links below.