Author and bee expert Tammy Horn named state apiarist

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 21, 2014) — A nationally known beekeeping authority and author will join the Kentucky Department of Agriculture as Kentucky’s new state apiarist.

Tammy Horn of Lexington will assume the post June 1.

“We are very fortunate that we were able to hire Tammy Horn for this important position,” Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said. “Dr. Horn’s passion for beekeeping has led her to a storied career studying these amazing insects and advocating for beekeeping to a nationwide audience. As Kentucky’s state apiarist, she will continue her work to expand the beekeeping economy in Kentucky.”

“I am delighted to join Commissioner Comer’s team as state apiarist,” Horn said. “This position will enable me to do even more to help Kentucky’s beekeepers succeed while continuing my research. I’m grateful to Commissioner Comer for this opportunity.”

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Horn currently is senior researcher and apiculturist in the Center for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Technology at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond. She is director of Coal Country Beeworks, a project affiliated with EKU that develops pollinator habitat on surface mine sites. She will continue her collaboration with EKU through the university’s regional stewardship initiatives.

“We are very proud of what Dr. Horn accomplished during her time at EKU and look forward to continuing our partnership,” said Dr. Jerry Pogatshnik, dean of the EKU Graduate School and associate vice president for research at the university.

Horn is the author of “Bees in America: How the Honey Bee Shaped a Nation” and “Beeconomy: What Women and Bees Can Teach Us About Local Trade and Global Markets,” and a third book is forthcoming. She has written numerous articles and given many presentations and interviews.

As president of the Eastern Apiculture Society, Horn will preside over its conference at EKU this summer. She is president of the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association. Her awards include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association in 2011 and the Kentucky State Beekeeper of the Year Award in 2009.

Born in Harlan County and with strong family ties to Eastern Kentucky, Horn was introduced to beekeeping by her grandfather.