🐝 East Texas Welcomes New Beekeeping Program from AgriLife 🌼

Beekeeping is buzzing with excitement 🐝 in Texas, especially in East Texas, thanks to a newly launched beekeeping program by Texas A&M AgriLife. With nearly 9,000 beekeeping operations, Texas leads the nation 🌍 in this growing hobby and profession.

Garett Slater, the newly appointed Honey Bee Specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife in Overton, is at the helm 🧑‍🌾 of this statewide initiative aimed at supporting and expanding beekeeping across Texas. “We’re witnessing a significant increase in the number of beekeepers in Texas,” Slater said, highlighting the growing interest 🌟 in this field.

This program is designed to cater to all levels of beekeepers, whether you’re just starting out 🐣 or have been tending hives for years. For beginners, there’s a range of introductory classes 📚, while more experienced beekeepers can dive into advanced topics like queen breeding 👑.

One of the program’s standout features is the master beekeeping program, which guides participants from novice to expert level 🏆. “Many people think beekeeping is simple, but like any form of livestock management, it requires knowledge and attention,” Slater noted.

Before this program, many beekeepers had to navigate the complexities of beekeeping on their own 🌱. Slater emphasizes that these new resources are vital, especially as beekeepers face challenges such as quality losses. “There’s a growing need for support as more people take up beekeeping, but also because of the significant issues beekeepers encounter,” he explained.

As Slater settles into his new role, his mission is clear: “I want to educate, assist, and inspire beekeepers to enjoy this craft as much as I do 🐝💛.”

Starting in East Texas, the program is set to expand to larger cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Their first virtual master beekeeper program webinar 💻 is set to kick off next week, signaling the beginning of a new era for beekeeping in Texas.

🌸 Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to get involved and make a buzz in the community!

#Beekeeping #TexasBeekeepers #HoneyBeeLove #EastTexasBuzz #TexasAgriculture