4-H members do not have to
have a bee project to participate in the essay contest.
The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. has announced their 2021 4-H Beekeeping Essay Topic. This year’s Topic is:
2021 Essay Topic: Immunity: Threats to Bee Colonies and Methods to Defend Against the Threats
Honey bee colonies have developed many ways to stay healthy.
Their immune responses range from behaviors such as grooming to using materials
such as propolis, a plant-derived substance bees coat on the interior of a hive
for antimicrobial purposes. Even the gut of the honey bee contains beneficial
bacteria to help the bee stay healthy!
In your essay, name at least two threats (a parasite such as Varroa, a pathogen such as a virus, a predator such as a bear, etc.) to honey bee colonies and then discuss the methods colonies use to defend against the threats. If possible, include at least one picture you have taken from Feb. 2020-Feb. 2021 that illustrates how colonies manage to stay healthy against a variety of threats.
Please share the contest information with your 4-H members. It can be found at https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/entomology/. I have also provided a graphic to share via social media.
You can see past winner’s essays by visiting the following website and clicking on 4H Essays tab at the top of their page. http://preservationofhoneybees.org/
Essays will be uploaded at no fee on 4HOnline using the “2021 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest” event. Deadline to submit is Monday, March 15. Winners will be announced the week of April 5th.
