2021 4-H Honey Bee Essay Contest| Entries Due March 23, 2021

The 2021 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest sponsored by the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. and Virginia 4-H. The due date for entries is March 23, 2021 and will be here before you know it. This is a great opportunity for 4-Hers with cash prizes for the top 3 winners in the state being offered and the state winner will go on to compete nationally. 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 (e.g., 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 those threats. If possible, include at least one picture you have taken from February 2020 - February 2021 that illustrates how colonies manage to stay healthy against a variety of threats. Put on your thinking caps and GO! You can find the rules for the 2021 contest here.