Graciously Sponsored by: The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. and the Georgia Beekeepers Association
Each year, Georgia 4-H and the University of Georgia’s Entomology Department organize the 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest. This contest is a national competition offered by the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. The University of Georgia’s Entomology Department will determine the top three essays in Georgia and send the first ranked winner on to compete on the national level, competing against states across the nation. The national winner will be announced by June 1st.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, a sense of fair play and other desirable character traits
- Learn the skills of farm management and an understanding of the business and career opportunities
- Demonstrate individual leadership abilities
- Develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities, and develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes for lifelong use
Eligibility
The 2020 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition is open to active 4-H Club members only. Any 4-H Club member who placed first, second or third in previous years of the national competition is NOT eligible to win in 2020, however, state competition winners remain eligible to enter the national competition. Entered essays must encompass the designated topic only. There will be no exceptions.
Essay Topic
2020 Essay Topic: Overwintering: Bee Survival through the Cold Season
Honey bees have developed special skills to overwinter in the United States. Please discuss one of these skills and then include a discussion about what you do to prepare your hives for winter. Include a photo of one of your hives, either using infrared technology or showing winter wrap, hay bales, special feeders, etc. to demonstrate how you prepare your hives for winter.
Deadline
All Essay submissions will be due on March 18th, 2020 at 5 pm. Essay submissions should be emailed to George Wurst, State 4-H Events Student Assistant at George.Wurst@uga.edu. State winners will be announced by the April 1st.
Recognition and Awards
The top three essays will receive prizes in the amounts of $250 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place. In addition to the $250 prize, the first place winner will have their essay submitted to the national competition for judging.
