Beekeepers from Central Kentucky are gathering in Frankfort Saturday for a regional beekeepers school. This weekend’s event will include a visit by a national ambassador for the insect vital to Kentucky’s agricultural community.
The American Honey Queen, Mary Reisinger, a senior at the University of Texas, will participate in the beekeeping school at Kentucky State University. Reisinger, who tends to six hives, said one-third of what we eat daily depends on pollination. She noted central Kentuckians can help bees by ignoring a springtime weed, at least for a while.
“One of the best things that we can do to help our honeybees is to leave our dandelions in the early spring. Dandelions are the first source of nectar for honeybees. And, if we just leave them for a couple weeks, the honeybees can really benefit from them,” said Reisinger.
John Antenucci with Capitol City Beekeepers said 95% of those tending honey bees are hobbyists. He added mites and pesticides continue to cause hive losses.
Although other insects can present problems, Antenucci said homeowners can help by applying sprays early or late in the day. “The caution is read the label and follow the label. People normally will take the stuff, well if one cap is good I’ll use three and take care of it. Well no, that second and third cap will persist longer and the bees can come in contact,” explained Antenucci.
Antenucci said Kentucky doesn’t produce a great deal of honey, but the Central Kentucky honey off black locusts in the spring holds its own against any other found nationally.
The Frankfort beekeeper explained winter time losses have gone from about 15% several years ago to as high as 50% in some cases now. , In addition to all the benefits in the kitchen, Mary Reisinger said honey can help clean and seal skin scrapes. ?
Weku's Stu Johnson spoke to American Honey Queen Mary Reisinger and Capital City Beekeepers' John Antenucci in Frankfort:

People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support this locally-produced content, please consider making a contribution.