188 STATE iSOARt) OF AGRICULTURE. 



REPORT OF EXTENSIONjWORK IN APICULTURE. 



BY EDWIN EWELL. 



In the past j^beekeepers have worked quite independently. Disease 

 became widely spread and ancient methods were used. Only a very 

 small part of the nectar was being secured. The shortage of sugar and 

 the need for a larger production of other sweets, was ground for an appeal 

 to the beekeeper. 



Our policy has not been to produce more beekeepers, but to produce 

 better beekeepers. It was evident that this could be accomplished best 

 through organization and cooperation. It would be as easy to instruct a 

 group as an individual. The work must be educational and requires 

 time. 



Many individual beekeepers have been visited in thirty counties of 

 the State, mostly in the southern part. We have worked where traveling 

 facilities were best in order to reach the largest number. 



Thirty-two counties of the State now have Beekeepers' Associations: 



Bay Gratiot Kent St. Joseph 



Branch Grand Traverse Lapeer Saginaw ^ 



I attended the State Fair at Detroit, with an exhibit by the State Bee- 

 keepers' Association. Also an exhibit during Farmers' Week at East 

 Lansing, and in, both places gave almost a continuous lecture on beekeeping. 



I have given six addresses on beekeeping in schools, farmers' clubs, 

 and meetings of fruit growers. 



I have given addresses at the State Beekeepers' Association Meeting, 

 Short Course in Beekeeping at the Agricultural College, and at a two-day 

 school at Three Rivers, and at a meeting on inspectors at East Lansing. 



Forty-five county beekeepers' meetings have been attended and an 

 address given at nearly every meeting and many questions answered. 

 About 1,100 persons were present at these meetings. 



The work has gone steadily along during the year, except some in- 

 terruption caused by the flu epidemic. 



Like all educational work, results are most noticeable where the largest 

 number of meetings have been held, and the most work done. 



Michigan is an exceptionally good state for beekeeping and there is 

 need for a larger conservation of the nectar that now goes to waste. There 

 is a tendency for a larger number of men to become larger honey producers. 

 Disease is better understood and, if not eradicated, is being controlled 

 more and more and the outlook for larger honey production in Michigan 

 is bright. 



