Upcoming Events

Vermont

Tracheal and Varroa mites are notorious killers of bees in New England. American Foulbrood disease is on the increase as dead hives are being robbed. Beekeepers must take timely steps to control these pests to SAVE THE BEES! Charles Andros, former NH/VT Apiary Inspector, will hold a beekeeping workshop from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, at the Paul Harlow Farm on Route 5 in North Westminster, VT, 1/2 mile north of the I-91 Exit 5 ramp. Look for the “BEE” sign on the west side. The topics of discussion will be taking off and extracting honey, wax processing, treatment of mites and foulbrood, and making propolis tincture. Bring a veil, if you have one, as we shall be opening some colonies. We’ll be in the barn if it is a rainy day. Registration required. email: lindena@sover.net or call 603-756-9056.

Southern new england beekeepers

The Connecticut Beekeepers Assoc-iation, Wicwas Press and the Backyard Beekeepers Association are pleased to announce that the 2007 Southern New England Beekeepers Assembly (SNEBA) will be held on November 17th. This past November, this was a major event in the northeast, drawing over 150 attendees from more than 10 states. The theme of this year’s conference will be “Bee Health”, which has taken on more importance in light of the emeregence of CCD. The first confirmed speaker will be Dewey Caron. More information will be forthcoming as additional speakers are confirmed, and other arrangements are set. Check www.SNEBA.com for regular updates.
New York

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State Beekeeper’s Association summer picnic will be take place on Saturday, July 14,2007, at the Breakneck Campground Lodge at Cheeseman Farm, Portersville, Pa. 16051. Additional information is available on thew web at http://www.pastatebeekeepers.org/

New York

Empire State Honey Producers Association annual summer meeting will be at Dyce Labs at Cornell University starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday July 21, 2007. There is a $55.00 charge for each attendee. Chicken and water are provided. Each is asked to bring their own table service, chair, beverage and a dish to pass. The speaker will be talking about honey and labeling laws.

New York

The Long Island Beekeepers Club will host Dr. Dewey Caron from the University of Delaware presenting an EAS 2007 preview on Sunday, July 15 at the Holtsville Ecology Center, Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY at 2:30 p.m. Please call 631.472.1760 for details.

Virginia Langstroth award

The L.L. Langstroth Achievement Award was presented at the Virginia State Beekeepers’ Association Spring Meeting to Allen Blanks of Long Island, VA. The Langstroth Award recognizes an individual’s efforts in the promotion and advancement of beekeeping in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For nearly 60 years the Rev. Blanks has been active in honey production and pollination. He is a member of several beekeeping groups, including the Halifax Beekeepers Association, Piedmont Beekeepers Association, Virginia State Beekeepers Association, Eastern Apiculture Society, and American Beekeeper Federation, serving in leadership positions for many of these associations. His community involvement includes outreach to school children, service on the Plant Pollination Advisory Board, and apiary inspector for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Rev. Blanks has appeared in countless newspaper articles, TV news reports, festivals, and demonstrations to promote beekeeping. He has also served as a mentor to numerous beekeepers in the state. In honor of the Rev. Blanks’ contributions to beekeeping, a copy of The Hive and the Honey Bee was donated to the Halifax County-South Boston Regional Library.
The next VSBA meeting will be held Nov. 3, 2007, at the Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, VA. Maryann Frazier, apiculture extension specialist at Penn State University, is scheduled as the featured speaker. Details for the meeting will be posted on the VSBA website at www.virginiabeekeepers.org as they become available.

West Virginia honey festival

Wonderful Crafts, Honey and Wax Show, Honey & Beeswax Products, Honey Bake Contest & Honey Princess Pageant, Auction of Baked Goods and “show” Honey & Beeswax, Honey Extraction & Live Beehive Demonstrations, Live Bee Beards by Steve Conlon & Family, Cooking Demos, Historical Presentations, Honey of a “Car” Show, American Honey Princess, Little Mr. & Ms. Honey Bee Pageant, Dwight Isenhower (Elvis Impersonator), The Gospel Group “Taj Rohr” + RUSH!, Josh Oldaker - Country Music.

Special Children Activities!
Admission only $3.00 adults, $2.00 seniors and ages 6-18 (5 yrs. and & under free)
For more information write to:
WV Honey Festival, P.O. Box 2149, Parkersburg, WV 26102
Call the Wood County Visitors Bureau 1-800-752-4982 (304-428-1130), WVU Wood County Extension Service (304) 424-1960.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Beekeepers Association invites all beekeepers to the annual Summer Conference in Kinston, Thursday through Saturday, July 12-14.
Dr. Jay Evans, a Research Entomologist at the USDA Honey Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, MD will speak on “The honey bee genome and its implications for apiculture.”
Other speakers will include Dennis vanEngelsdorp, Don Hopkins, Ann Harman, Keith Tignor and Deborah Delaney.
The program will also update beekeepers on the latest information pertaining to the Colony Colapse Disorder.
Workshops include raising queens, labeling honey, organic farming / beekeeping, candle making, and the cape honey bee.
A banquet featuring Eastern North Carolina BBQ will be held Friday evening. Vendor exhibits and sales booths will provide interesting browsing and possibilities of stocking up on equipment, supplies, and good reading.
Special hotel rates have been established with Hampton Inn 252.523.1400, West Park Inn & Suites 252.527.1500, and other area hotels.
For more information: www.ncbeekeepers.org/meetings or Charles Heatherly, (919) 859-6995, heath7@bellsouth.net.

South Carolina

The South Carolina Beekeepers Association will host its summer meeting at Clemson University, Clemson, SC on July 19-21, 2007. The meeting will be held in the Poole Agricultural Center Auditorium.
Meeting registration will begin at 12:00 noon in the lobby of the Poole Agricultural Center on Thursday, July 19, and the meeting will end at noon on Saturday, July 21. There will be a $5 registration fee for association members ($5 family) and a $10 registration fee for nonmembers.
The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday with a 1-day intermediate level beekeeping short course, which will be taught by Mike Hood and other instructors. Featured speakers for the general session and workshops to be held on Friday and Saturday will be Jerry Hayes from the Florida Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, Florida; Keith Delaplane from the University of Georgia Athens, Georgia; Jeffrey Harris from the USDA/ARS Baton Rouge Bee Lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Steve Shepherd from Washington State University, Pullman, Washington; Ann Harman from Flint Hill, Virginia; Edd Buchanan from Blakc Mountain, North Carolina,; and David McFawn from Lexington, South Carolina. Some of the topics to be covered will include colony collapse disorder, Africanized honey bees, varroa sensitive hygienic bees, honey bee queen issues, comb honey production, basic honey bee genetics, plastic versus wax foundation, small hive beetles control and many other talks on beekeeping. On Friday afternoon, speakers will lead in workshops where beekeepers will have the opportunity to discuss many topics relative to beekeeping.
Friday evening activiites include a barbecued pork/baked chicken dinner ($6/plate), horseshoe pitching contest, tall tales contest, and great fellowship with other beekeepers. A honey show and competition will be held at the meeting.
All beekeepers or anyone interested in beekeeping are invited to attend for a good time of education and fellowship. For further information and lodging arrangements, contact Mike Hood, Executive Secretary—SCBA at (864) 656.0346 or email: mhood@clemson.edu.

Heartland Apicultural Society

HAS 2007 – Heartland Apicultural Society’s sixth annual conference will be held July 12, 13, 14 at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY. The program includes a choice of over 65 workshop/presentations, nationally known presenters and vendors’ bee equipment show. Information: www.Heartlandbees.com or Robin Mountain, 1-888-932-3268 (8-5 p.m.), mountainbee@fewpb.net

Michigan

Lake Shore Beekeepers will hold a Summer Nuc and Honey Extracting clinic at the James Baerwald Family Apiary, 8383 Meadowbrook Road, Eau Claire, Michigan, Sunday, July 8, 2007, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. EDT. For further information contact Jim Baerwald at 269-921-1325 or hisbee@juno.com, or Dave Laney at 574-276-5278 or davelaney@kconline.com.

Minnesota

At our summer meeting Minnesota beekeepers will be celebrating 100 years of the Minnesota Honey Producers Association. The meeting will be held July 18-21, 2007 in Walker, MN. Features keynote presentations, general and break out sessions. Exciting children’s program planned too! Hotel rooms can be reserved at the meeting location, Northern Lights Casino & Events Center, 866-652-4683. Rooms also available at the Americinn, Walker, MN 800-634-3444, or Country Inn & Suites, Walker, MN 800-456-4000. For more information call Fred Holte, president 763-689-1065 or treasurer Conrad Legatt 320-252-9963.

Minnesota
Successful Queen Rearing Short Course
University of Minnesota
July 6-8, 2007

Why not rear your own queens? The University of Minnesota Queen Rearing short course teaches one method of rearing queens that works consistently for both hobby and commercial beekeepers. Topics covered include queen and drone biology, timing of queen rearing in northern climates, stock selection and breeding for hygienic behavior, setting up mating yards, and record keeping. Everyone will have a chance to try their hand at grafting larvae and raising their own queens. A unique feature of the course is the section on queen rearing equipment designs that will allow you to build your own! The cost for the 2 ½ day course is $150.00 which includes an 80-page manual, lunch, and refreshments. Those attending the course may purchase a professional video demonstrating the queen rearing techniques at a discount price of $30.
Dr. Marla Spivak and Mr. Gary S. Reuter teach the course at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus. Enrollment is limited so register early! For further information and on-line registration, please visit our website. www.extension.umn.edu/honeybees/components/shortcourse.htm

University of Minnesota
Department of Entomology
1980 Folwell Ave. Room 219
St. Paul, MN 55108-6125
(612) 624-3636

Montana

Montana State Beekeepers will hold their convention and annual meeting on Oct. 18 and 19, 2007. The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn in Cody, WY. Our main speaker will be Jeff Pettis from the USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. All beekeepers are invited to attend. For more information contact Andy or Jodie Drange at (406) 628-8839 or HnyBnyMT@aol.com

Apimondia 2007—Australia
40th Apimondia International Congress
Melbourne, Australia
9 - 14 September 2007
Ph: +613 9417 0888 Fax: +613 9417 0899
E-mail: apimondia2007@meetingplanners.com.au Website: www.apimondia2007.com

Western Apicultural Society Conference

August 19-23, 2007: Western Apicultural Society Annual Conference, Windmill Inn Conference Center, Tucson, Arizona. $100 full 4-day conference package (includes Bee Buzz snacks & Banquet). Optional tour packages additional. $69 per night accommodation at Windmill Inn. For reservations, call the hotel at 1-800-547-4747 (conference rates do not apply if you book online). Please register by July 15th as tours and meals must be booked well in advance. More info from Diana Sammataro 520-670-6380, ext. 121; Jennifer Finley 520-670-6380, ext 116 or Diana Medley 520-670-6380, ext 103.

As the Organic Beekeepers yahoo.com discussion group has now grown in members, we have put together our first meeting for an American Beekeepers Association, for beekeepers into organic beekeeping, to come together to associate for clean sustainable beekeeping with no treatments. Meeting to be held in Oracle, Arizona at the YMCA Triangle Y Ranch Camp and Retreat Center 15 February through 17 February 2008. The meeting will start Friday afternoon with Friday Night Hello’s/Dinner, run all day Saturday, and through Sunday afternoon with keynote presentations, general sessions, breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, with six catered meals. Dinner for Friday night Hello’s will also have speakers, along with Saturday night dinner. Vendors welcomed. The fee for meeting includes: choice of accommodations in cabins (dormitory style 6 bunks 2 singles per cabin in 4-5 cabin groupings) for as low as $80 per person dependent upon participation, or 2 lodges with 7 rooms that hold up to 4 people ($155pp sgl, $145pp dbl, $135 pp 3-4), six catered meals, and no fee for attending meetings since meeting room(s) are free relative to booking of accommodations. Also, no fee for vendors other then normal lodging costs for meeting/catered meals.
For more information see: http: //www.tucsonymca.org/site/c.grLOK1PJLqF/b.691235/k.D62C/Retreat.htm or visit Organic Beekeepers at http://group.yahoo.com/group/organicbeekeepers/ or contact Dee Lusby for information/registration at: 520-398-2474, Cindy for Program Planning; airline discounts at: 810-329-6641. Joe Waggle for General info: 724-694-5756, Scot McPherson for General info: 563-324-0848.

mite resistance, hive contamination, and
formic acid treatments seminars for 2007

TIPS FOR THE PRACTICAL BEEKEEPER

If you wish to organize and reserve a seminar, please print and read “How to book and Organize a Seminar” available from the seminars link on the main menu of the www.mitegone.com website and then contact Bill at billruzicka@mitegone.com, ph/fax: 1-250-762-8156.
You must book your seminar at least 3 months in advance and before the 15th of each month in order to have your seminar details published here in ABJ. For example: a seminar in October should be
published in the September and October issues and to get it into these issues it must be booked by July 15th. PLEASE THINK AHEAD – BOOK NOW!

Committed and available dates and locations for 2007:

Year Round MODESTO CALIFORNIA Practical instruction and courses
Register with: Matt BeekmanTel: 1 (209) 988-2823 Email: mattbeekman@usa.net

Summer 2007 – April 15 – September 30 KELOWNA BRITISH COLUMBIA
Practical instruction, mite recognition, testing, and test result interpretation. Learn how to find resistance and treatment efficacy on the first day of a treatment on 24 test hives before you spend money treating all of your hives. This is a great way to justify a trip to the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia and Alaska cruise.

Year Round - TELECONFERENCE SEMINARS
This one hour question and answer format teleconference is for clubs, groups, or individuals in conference calls.
Register with: Bill Ruzicka Tel/Fax: 1-250-762-8156 Email: billruzicka@mitegone.com

For those who are unable to attend Bill’s seminars, he is revising the web site and the Formic Acid Handbook and Manual of Treatments suitable for personal study or local bee club presentation. Check for revisions before each use. These articles are available free on the Internet by visiting www.mitegone.com. The handbook in tabloid production is available to clubs by mail for $10 USD for 20 copies including postage and it is great to use with teleconference seminars.

EAS Bee Wranglers
by Dewey M Caron
University of Delaware

The EAS annual conference is proceeded each year by a Short Course (Aug 6-10). Bee colony activities are a prominent feature of the Short Course and the ‘Walk in the Apiary’ workshops are popular features at each conference. Instruction directly in the bee colonies is an excellent way to learn from bee Masters – well worth the registration fee to see and learn from the best mentors available.
The 2007 EAS Short Course will be in a working apiary; most conferences utilize bees moved to the conference site itself. The University of Delaware has had a working apiary since the 1960’s, begun to provide pollination for the varieties of fruit being researched on the University farm. For the last 30 years it has also served as a teaching apiary for the popular undergraduate beekeeping lecture and lab courses.
The UD apiary normally consists of up to 30 colonies and includes a small building that holds smokers and bee items plus empty supers. There is additional storage and extracting facilities in a nearby barn. Each year, the spring beekeeping class establishes package bees, captures a swarm (conveniently hung the night before class in a low hanging black cherry), makes divides as part of swarm control on overwintered colonies and prepares colonies for summer pollination duties.
At the annual Short Course and Conference, EAS has designated Bee Wranglers to be sure colonies are ready for instructors. Wranglers insure all equipment is in place to assist the workshop presenters and to help in “read” of the colonies. This year Bill Troup will be the EAS wrangler, a function he has been doing since the 2000 EAS in Maryland. Bill will have able assistance from DE apiary inspector Bob Mitchell and NC Apiary supervision Don Hopkins.
Bill Troup takes an EAS vacation each summer, now from his half-time MD Apiary Inspector position. Bill is owner/operator of HoneyField Apiaries of western MD. Bill manages 150 colonies in MD with wife Nancy. Both he and Nancy are EAS Master beekeepers, passing the tests at the 1990 Salisbury, MD EAS. Both are very active in training of new beekeepers through the Hagerstown Valley bee club and other county associations in MD. Bill retired from MD Weights and Measures in 2003 and Nancy last year from the Washington County school system, so they can do bees “full time” now.
Bob Mitchell will also be a DE EAS Bee Wrangler this season. Bob started bees in 1972 when he was working alongside his dad on the family farm in Lewes, DE (alongside coastal DE). The farm produced vegetables and pollination was considered necessary, so when Bob found bees available from a recently deceased beekeeper he took them over. He split those colonies which allowed for expansion of their fresh vegetable production. Honey was sold at the farm market, alongside other farm produce.
The second state apiary inspector, who will help wrangle the bees in the University apiary and the hives moved to the EAS Convention site at the University of Delaware Clayton Hall conference center this year, will be Don Hopkins. Don is state apiarist of North Carolina. He supervises a staff of 6 full-time inspectors in North Carolina and is a very active manager, more often in the field performing inspections than supervising from his office. He, like Bill and Bob, brings lots of teaching and beekeeper experience to the EAS attendees.
Both Don and Bob have been active with Partners of Americas in beekeeping development projects. Bob experienced his first Africanized bees in Panama with the award-winning DE-PNA beekeeping project. Don has participated in Partner projects in Haiti and Bolivia, as well as Kazakhstan, with 11 overseas assignments focusing largely on diseases and varroa mites.
Like Bill Troup, both Don and Bob are very active with in-state Short courses and workshops. In addition to their skills in diseases and mites, all three wranglers bring a practical, down-to-earth approach to bee colony management. All are masters at hive inspection. It is a pleasure to merely watch them manipulate a colony and “read” the bees so effortlessly. All three are real beekeeping artists.
These three EAS Bee Wranglers are a great resource to assist EAS Short Course and Conference attendees learn how and why to inspect bee colonies. The extensive bee sessions during the short course and our ‘walk in the apiary” arranged for every workshop period utilizes different experts, who with the assistance of EAS Bee Wranglers, make each bee colony visit an invaluable training experience. EAS is fortunate to have such skilled and highly effective bee wranglers. I and the three Bee Wranglers invite you to come and experience colony inspection from/with the best. EAS will be held August 6-10 at the University of Delaware. See easternapiculture.org website for program details, registration forms and details on the conference and short course.