From Curiosity to the Colony: Building Youth Beekeeping Programs

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Introducing young people to honey bees can spark a lifelong interest in beekeeping, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Drawing on 37 years of classroom teaching experience and hands-on agricultural education at Treasure Acres Farm, John Seiser will share how youth beekeeping education can be incorporated into school programs, farm camps, and community activities. The presentation will explore practical approaches to engaging students of different ages, creating meaningful hands-on experiences, overcoming common challenges, and developing partnerships with schools and local organizations. Attendees will leave with ideas and strategies they can adapt to introduce the next generation to the fascinating world of honey bees and beekeeping.

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Bio:

John Seiser is a 37-year veteran Iowa public school educator, the 2015 Iowa Agriculture Literacy Teacher of the Year, and co-owner of Treasure Acres Farm near Blairsburg, Iowa. Along with his wife, Laura, he operates a diversified regenerative farm featuring honey bees, fruit and vegetable production, and livestock. Through Treasure Acres Farm and the Treasure Acres Center for Agriculture & Education, John combines his passion for teaching and agriculture to provide hands-on educational experiences for youth and adults. An active beekeeper managing approximately 30–40 colonies, John has incorporated honey bee education into school programs, farm camps, and community learning opportunities. His goal is to inspire the next generation of beekeepers while helping others discover how honey bees can serve as a powerful tool for agricultural and environmental education.