The 2024 New Hampshire Beekeeping Essay Contest is a chance for any active 4-H member to compete for prizes, and earn the opportunity to advance to the 2024 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest.
Eligibility: The contest is open to youth between the ages of 8 (as of September 30, 2023) and no older than 18 (as of January 1, 2024.
Essay Topic: Varietal Honeys
Prizes will be awarded to top state-level entries in both Junior and Senior divisions. The overall state-level winner will advance to the 2024 National Beekeeping Essay Competition for a chance to win one of three cash prizes, including $750 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.
How to Enter: Submit your registration in 4-H Online. Email your completed essay with the subject line: 4-H Bee Essay Contest to Karen Deighan (karen.deighan@unh.edu) by Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:59pm.
For this essay, 4-H Youth should answer these questions:
- What makes a varietal honey?
- What are some unique varietals?
- How are some of the valuable varietals confirmed to be authentic (e.g. Manuka honey, UMF and MGO)?
- What are some culturally or economically important varietals and why are they important?
Essay Requirements for State and National Judging:
- Essays must be typed on single-sided pages.
- Formatted following standard manuscript format using double-spaced type and 12pt font in a legible font face.
- Essays must encompass the designated topic in 750-1,000 words. Word count does not include sources, works cited, or the writer's biographical statement.
- All factual statements and interview references must be cited in a "sources" or "bibliography."
- On a separate page, please include a brief biographical statement of the writer including mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Essays will be judged on (a) a scope of research, 40%; (b) accuracy, 30%; (c) creativity, 10%; (d) conciseness, 10%; and (e) logical development of the topic, 10%.
