The Future of Beekeeping in South Dakota looks bright for agriculture
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - South Dakota historically ranks between 1st and 5th in the nation in total honey production, making beekeeping a huge part of the agriculture in the state. As agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry, beekeeping is essential to the Mount Rushmore state.
“Researchers tell us that one out of every five bites of food that humans consume has been directly affected by the honeybee,” says beekeeper and beekeeping instructor at Western Dakota Technical College, Timothy P. Moran.
Beekeeping is a key player in food security. Without the strength of bee hives in the area, South Dakota’s agriculture would struggle. Pollination is essential in the growth of alfalfa, buckwheat, legumes, sunflowers, and more.
“Particularly here in the Black Hills, the ecosystem, and it’s a sensitive ecosystem here in the Black Hill, without the honeybee, pollinating trees, pollinating plants that other animals sustain their life with, we would be in dire straits here in the Black Hills without honeybees,” Moran continues.
At Western Dakota Technical College, they know the importance of keeping beekeeping alive. This is why they hold classes year-round to teach anyone who wants to learn the basics of beekeeping.
“The four major topics that the basic beekeepers will be informed of this week will be mite mitigation and treatments, as well as supplemental feeding, queen management, and hive management,” Moran goes on.
Bees are essential to our ecosystems, and as threats of climate change loom, bees could be the first line of defense to rebuild some of the damage being done.
“As some of our micro and macro ecosystems are being damaged, bees would be one of the first ways that you could help reclaim those types of lands, types of ecosystems. So, I would hope that there’s a partnership between the beekeepers and those different projects that are going on,” Moran concludes.
You can find more information about the bee-keeping classes at Western Dakota Tech here.
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