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Master Beekeeping Programs Is it Time for Colorado?. Carolina Nyarady & Bob Shiflet cnyarady@me.com 303bob5280@comcast.net. Current Master Beekeeping Programs. EAS. 13 of 50 STATES 26%. 8. = EXISTING. = NEW!. 5. = REGIONAL. 1.
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Master Beekeeping ProgramsIs it Time for Colorado? Carolina Nyarady & Bob Shiflet cnyarady@me.com 303bob5280@comcast.net
Current Master Beekeeping Programs EAS 13 of 50 STATES 26% 8 = EXISTING = NEW! 5 = REGIONAL 1
Reasons to have a MBK Program • Standardized Training Topics for Beekeepers • Standardized, Objective Testing and Evaluation • Progression Path for General to Expert Knowledge • Beekeepers Association Qualification Recognition • Provide Beekeepers with Recognized Regional Expertise • Instructors, Presenters, Honeybee Pest & Disease Inspectors • Affiliation Pathway with Other State Associations • A “Living” Recommended Reading List • And Last but not Least, Social Networking!! • Mentoring at each level • Q&A plus Lessons Learned at each Level
Who Runs the Current Programs • Eastern Apicultural Society • Committee & Board administers training & testing • University Run • NY (Cornell), GA (UofGA), FL (UFL), NE (UofNE), MT (UofMT) • Shared between State Association, University, & NC Dept of Agriculture • NC • Shared between State Association & University • VA (VATech), SC (Clemson) • State Association Run • AL, NC, OH, OR, WA, WV
How are Levels Currently Identified • Eight use historical “Guild” Levels • Apprentice, Journey, Master, Craft Master • OH 4th level is Master Instructor • Six have 4 levels, six have 3 levels, 1 has one (Master) • Others have some confusion on the difference between Qualified & Certified • More whimsical levels…. • Bee Haver • Bee Keeper • Bee Steward • Bee Guardian
How are Levels Currently Attained • Some require Level 1 to “register” as a Beekeeper! • Required Reading, Training, Workshops, Coursework, of Field Work by Level • Some have formal testing & expertise demonstration by field work • Some identify Active Seasons for each Level • One, two or three seasons at Level 1 • Two or three seasons at Level 2, with at lest 2 hives • Two additional seasons at Level 3 • Two additional seasons at Level 4 • Some require Public Service Credits • Some at almost like getting a Degree in Entomology
What Would Next Steps Bee…. • Determine Interest in a voluntary Colorado Program • Who Would Run Colorado Program • CSBA, CSBA supported by University, CSBA with University • How Would the Program bee Funded • Set a date for Kick-Off • Form Colorado MBKP Committee • Determine Levels & Program Focus • Is there a need for lower Level standardization • Many beginning beekeeping courses being delivered successfully • Should program focus on intermediate & advanced levels • Determine standards/requirements for each Level • Determine curriculum, identify instructors/evaluators • Communicate Level standards/requirements • Identify where requirements can be satisfied • Set a date(s) for Committee status report(s)