Western Kentucky University is hosting a three-day seminar dedicated to one of the fastest growing industries in Kentucky. About 400 beekeepers from a half dozen Midwest states are in Bowling Green through Saturday. Heartland Bee-Keepers Association president.
Rick Sutton said more than 3,000 Kentuckians are involved in the industry. "The average guy has a few hives to pollinate his garden, and get a little honey to eat. It's an enjoyable hobby. Bees are a very fascinating creature. They can always outsmart you one way or the other, it seems like," Sutton said.
Sutton said the bee population is declining because of the heavy use of pesticides and insecticides on crops, "I used to lose 10% of my bees a year, and now I lose 35%. And I'm supposed to know what I'm doing. It's very difficult to keep your numbers up."
He said it costs about $1,000 dollars to get started in the beekeeping business. The biggest costs are for hives, protective suits and smokers.
