Bonnie Joseph and Jessica Mayes were named co-recipients of the 2022 Beekeeper of the Year. This award is determined by an annual vote of past beekeeper of the year recipients.

Bonnie is the president of the Laurel County Southeaster Beekeeper Association. Bonnie is an active participant in the University of Kentucky entomology program, USDA Honey Bee Health Survey and Kentucky Queen Bee Breeders Association, Inc.

Jessica is an immediate past KSBA president and has worked hard to improve KSBAs tax status, lobbied for Kentucky Agricultural Development Office funds for the Certified Kentucky Honey Program and is active in local meetings across the state.