NCW Beekeepers Meeting
July 16, 2017
Calendar
August 10 Bee Chat 6 p.m. El Agave
August 20 Business/Education meeting 5 p.m. Douglas County Fire Dept.
September 7-10 Chelan County Fair, a few signups still needed
Educational Presentation
Control of Varroa Mites – Al Zalewski
Expectation that bees will develop resistance to varroa is upset by interbreeding with pollinator and native bees.
Powdered sugar to encourage removal of mites by grooming is not recommended by WSU.
Apivar strips must be left in for 45 days to cover brood and mite cycles, cannot be used with super, need temperature 50-90o, resistance develops slowly but miticides should be rotated.
HopGard II is expensive, very messy, but strips do not have to be removed, and can be used with supers on… although there is some concern about this.
Several other less effective materials were mentioned briefly.
Formic acid, commonly used in Canada, is inexpensive and works on capped brood, but can kill queen and brood if used at too high temperature.
Oxalic acid is probably preferred treatment now. It doesn’t kill in capped brood so must be repeated at 3-5 day intervals x3. Homemade vaporizers can heat too fast/hot and produce formic acid. Al showed several expensive but effective alternatives to vaporizers. A respirator with an acid cartridge is recommended as is a bee suit. Early morning when all bees are in the hive is recommended. The “blue towel method,” with oxalic acid + glycerine on a towel placed between the brood boxes looks promising. The towel can be left in. thus getting both brood and mite cycles, and the bees will eventually destroy it.
Al strongly recommends treating about August 1, then again in December (brood break) if there is adequate temperature.
Old Business
The hive at WV College was re-queened after a slow start and is now doing well.
Reports Treasury: savings $1130.26, checking $3230.96
New Business
Leavenworth Farmers Market: Kristin and Imelka are in charge of our booth. Markets are Thursdays 4-8. We will start July 20 and participate every two weeks. 2-3 volunteers are needed in addition to those wanting to sell honey.
Wayne is planning another bulk equipment order from Western Bee. More information will be available on the website.
No bee chat in September – it’s fair time.
An observation hive is needed for the fair for Friday and Saturday.
A gift basket for the Douglas County Fire Department was approved.
Additions and corrections cheerfully accepted.
Alice Crawford
June 11, 2017
July 6 Bee Chat Potluck, WallaWalla Park Shelter #2
Bring salad or finger food, place setting and drink, maybe a chair
Club will provide dogs, buns and condiments
July 16 Business/Education meeting, Douglas County Fire Station, 5 p.m.
August 20 Business/Education meeting
September 7-10 Chelan County Fair, email with details and signup request
Video of Mike Palmer: Building a Sustainable Apiary, part 2
A progressively more complex and progressively more incomprehensible presentation of a system possibly useful to large-scale operations. Al stopped it before the end; there were no objections from members present.
Questions for discussion: For a presentation of bees in observation hive to scouts, should a waiver of responsibility be obtained? Yes, and an EpiPen available as well. Where to obtain queens for queenless hive? Multiple sources suggested without details. Are slotted frames useful? Maybe. Honey supers off by August 1? Yes, to avoid having to feed over the winter. If planning to feed, can wait until August 15.
Jeff has not purchased insurance or posted minutes of survey to website; he’s overwhelmed.
Our exhibit at the fair will be in the Wilkins building. Mike and Steve O. will do the extraction demonstration; Steve Foley will talk on beginning beekeeping.
The hive at WVCollege is doing well.
Steve O. reported on his WSU trip. Bees fed mushroom extract appear to be resistant to varroa mites. They need volunteers with at least 8 hives in one place to participate in further study.
Peter and Daryn reported on a lively event presenting beekeeping to first-graders.
There appear to be more than usual yellowjackets. A rumor that honeybees attract yellowjackets was denied.
May 21, 2017
NCW Beekeeper Association Business Meeting Minutes
Al opened the meeting with a Michael Palmer video about managing your apiaries to avoid the purchase of bees from costly outside sources with, most often, less desirable and healthy bee populations. The use of nucleus hives was the key part of his management process. The lecture was being given to the British Columbia Beekeepers. It is a series of 3, which you can find on Youtube.com.
There will not be a June Bee Chat, so if you have questions for anyone, just contact them individually. The regular Ed/Biz meeting will be on June 11th. Please remember that all of our business meetings are now held at the Fire Dept on Eastmont Ave just NW of Flowers to the Brim shop (3rd St.).
On July 6th, we will be having a social BBQ at Walla Walla Point Park. It will be held in Shelter 2. This space is at the end of the road and off to the right. If anyone has a gas grill they can bring, please contact Kriss so she knows how many have been offered. More details to follow on this event.
Jeff brought up the subject of the club insurance policy for the second time. Some attendees didn’t feel we needed the insurance, but the fire department that is allowing us to hold our meetings in their room require the insurance. It is also good policy to have at Earth Day, Chelan County Fair and our home apiary tours. A motion was made, seconded and passed. The policy cost is about $300 per year.
No Treasurer’s report at this time.
V/R submitted by Janice Ranne and Kristen Taylor
April 23, 2017
May 11 Bee Chat, El Agave, 6:00 p.m.
May 21 Business/Education Meeting, Douglas Co. Fire Dept., 5:00 p.m.
June 9-10 Basic Beekeeping Course, WSU ($125)
June 11 Queen Rearing Course, WSU ($175)
Reports: Treasurer: checking account $3795.27, savings account $1129.97
Educational Presentation Natalie Boyle, PhD, USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit
Dr. Boyle reported on studies and experiences using both honey bees and blue mason bees in pollinating orchards. Mason bees collect dry pollen on their bellies and collect pollen and nectar simultaneously, so are better at moving pollen around in flowers. These bees overwinter in cocoons with just one generation per year.
Studies involved 400 female mason bees per acre for almonds, 250 per acre for cherries with 1-2 hives of honey bees. There was better cross-pollination and better fruit set with this combination compared to honey bees alone.
However, propagation of mason bees is difficult in orchards. They are more pesticide-susceptible, often just leave, and are quite expensive. Propagation has been fairly successful in 5-10 acre cages planted with an appropriate mix of flowers. They use a “cocoon attractant” to increase nesting. Placing mason bee hives on top of honey bee hives provides the needed temperature (80o) to encourage emergence at the desired time.
Al requested recommendations for local speakers for the bus/ed meetings.
Stan is mentoring the WVC student starting beekeeping with equipment used by FFA last year.
Jeff circulated a proposal for insurance for the club. It would require notification and issuance of a certificate for the insurance to cover off-site events, e.g., fair, earth days. No action was taken.
A survey of hive survival over the winter related to management was requested; this will be considered.
March 12, 2017
March 18 & 25 Apprentice Class, Henry Bldg., Cashmere, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
April 13 Bee Chat 6 p.m. Milepost 111 (in Cashmere)
April 15 Chelan Earth Day 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 23 Leavenworth Earth Day 12 – 4 p.m.
April 23 Education/Business Meeting 5 p.m. Douglas County Fire Dept. (on Eastmont)
Reports: Treasurer: checking account $3430.47, savings account $1129.43
Panel of Al Zalewski, Emilka Fumanczyk, Jeff O’Brien, Craig Genereux, and Stan Peak
Survey of hives surviving the winter showed approximately 2/3 survived
Temperature criteria for doing hive inspection: Above 50-55o with bees actively flying was considered appropriate for a quick look from the top of the hive, done quickly to avoid chilling brood. Full inspection (pulling frames) should wait until 60o.
Need for feeding: Hives with plenty of honey going into winter and being heavy in spring don’t need feeding. Pollen patty was considered. It was noted that fermented honey can cause dysentery, but honey in capped cells cannot ferment.
Rotating boxes and frames: As the queen will likely be in the upper hive body, boxes should be reversed but the brood ball maintained intact and moved into the center of the box. (Reverse the boxes again in the fall to place the queen in the lower box again.) Keep boxes filled with frames to prevent excessive burr comb, and consider an additional spacer. Dirty comb can fairly easily be scraped from plastic frames.
Varroa treatment: Oxalic acid was agreed to be the most effective and least costly. It has been considered that resistance does not occur, although there is some recent question. Higher (5x) concentrations have proved harmless to bees, but the recommended 2 grams is for a two-box ten-frame hive, and doses should be adjusted down for smaller hives.
Volunteers are needed for both Chelan and Leavenworth Earth Days.
It is possible that bee packages will arrive on Chelan’s Day. A net bag is recommended for
transporting and transferring bees.
Daryn reported that progress toward an installation at the tree research center is slow.
A formal mentorship program was judged unnecessary as there is consultation easily available
at bus/ed meetings and bee chats.
Whether the club could purchase and store bulk equipment for easier availability to members
was considered; no decision was made.
Feb 12, 2017
March 2 Bee Chat, El Agave, 6 p.m.
March 12 Bus/Ed Mtg., PUD Auditorium (last time!), 5 p.m..
March 11, 18 & 25 Apprentice Class, Henry Bldg., Cashmere, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Reports: Treasurer: checking account $2548.70, savings account $1129.43
Mike Radford from Northwest Bee Supply spoke on control of varroa mites. All hives in the Northwest have mites. Oxalic acid is the only control measure to which mites do not become resistant. Vaporization is preferred over other applications (which may harm bees). Basic treatment is 3 treatments 7 days apart, but treatment can be repeated as needed. Supers can be removed before treatment, or a sheet placed between hive body and super, but oxalic acid occurs naturally in plants so a small increase of it in honey may not be important. Treatment in late fall may be most efficient to get mites during brood break. It is possible to treat during the winter, but the temperature must be above 40o, preferably above 50o.
Apprentice class fee was discussed. It was agreed that participants must be members of NCWBA and must pay the $30 fee. The “textbook” is available online free. If there is space available, exceptions to the membership requirement may be made for special individuals interested in the class but not planning on keeping bees.
Ordering bee packages was discussed. Deadline for ordering is March 19, but ordering early is recommended to assure that enough bees are available. It was agreed to add Mike’s 4# packages to the club order along with the 3# packages from Charles. Mike’s price will be $125 and includes guaranteed of live queen for 3-4 days. Bus/Ed meetings starting in April will be at the Douglas County fire station at 377 Eastmont. Members are requested to park in the upper part of the lot and to be sure not to block exit of engines. Mentoring for new beekeepers, planned for the hour preceding regular meetings, may have to be adjusted somewhat to accommodate fireman training.
March educational presentation will be a panel of Al, Craig, Emelika and Jeff O’B. on spring preparation.
WSU has not yet scheduled their summer course. Last year it was on Fathers’ Day weekend.
January 15, 2017
Feb. 9 Bee Chat, Bob’s Burgers & Brew, 6 p.m.
Feb.12 Bus/Ed Mtg., PUD Auditorium, 5 p.m.
March Apprentice Class, Saturday mornings, specific dates, time and location TBA
Reports: Treasurer: checking account $1645.77, savings account $1129.06
About $150 in anticipated expenses
Bulk equipment order completed with about $2300 of equipment procured
New website was judged useful and it was MSC to contract for 12 months at $40 per month. Dues for 2017 can be paid online, due March 1, and any not paid by that time will be locked out.
Ordering new bees was discussed. Rubin will have 5-frame nucs for delivery about April 15-16
for $130. Mesh bags for transferring bees were recommended. Charlie will have
packages as previously. Laurie Miller’s queens ($40) were recommended, but picking up
directly (west side) is advised as USPS has been problematic.
Annual Meeting Business
Bylaws amendments were considered. MSC to change Article VII section 4 to read:
If NCWBA ceases to exist, funds and assets of record shall be disbursed to one or several non-profit organizations with the objective and intent that these funds and assets be used for the benefit of beekeeping or pollinator research, education, or outreach. The destination of funds shall be decided by majority vote of the officers of the club prior to disbandment of the organization. MSC to change Article X to read: The bylaws may be altered, amended, added to or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any meeting, provided the text of the changes has been made available to and announced to members at least 60 days before the vote.
Steve presented a budged proposal for 2017; it is made part of these minutes.
Audit/review committee suggested a spreadsheet for following the club’s finances.
The proposed slate of officers for 2017 includes Jeff Hampton, president; Daryn Klinginmith,
vice-president; Kriss Crilly, treasurer; and Alice Crawford, secretary. MSC to approve.
FFA wants to re-start their program. Stan agreed to mentor.
Insurance for club officers was suggested. Al and Mike will find information.
Educational Program
There was a brief discussion of winter hive care. Check top entrances as bottom ones may be snowed in. Scrape snow off the “front porch.” Check to assure adequate ventilation. And a quick peek inside when the temperature is >40 to assure adequate food.
Budget proposal available upon request.
NCWBA Business & Education Meeting Minutes for Dec. 11, 201, PUD Bldg, 5 pm
UPCOMING DATES:
Business &Education Meetings all at the Chelan County PUD auditorium:
Bee Chats:
Apprentice Beekeeping Classes: March 11, 18, 25; time and location to be announced.
Treasurer’s Report: Checking: $1,921.49; Savings: $1,129.06
Education:
Al Zalewski reported on the various research and development topics from the October, 2016, Canadian beekeeping conference in British Columbia, Canada.
Old Business:
Steve Foley, club president reported:
Bulk equipment order:
Wayne Ranne reported that he is waiting for a couple of people to get their money for equipment to the treasurer, Kriss Crilly, so the order can be released for shipping. Approximately $2000 of equipment is on order.
Community Outreach per Kriss:
New Business:
The Chelan County PUD auditorium will be closed for use by the club for 1 ½ years, starting from April 2017. A new location is being sought.
NCWBA website:
Jeff Hampton demonstrated a new website for non-profit groups operated by Wild Apricot. Club members voted to subscribe for 2 months at the rate of $40/month and to decide whether to continue in January. Fees for online processing of membership fees, bulk equipment orders, bee orders, etc. are at a rate of 2.2% plus 30 cents per transaction.
Dec. 11: Business/Education meeting, PUD auditorium, 5 p.m.
Jan. 4: Bee chat, location TBA
Jan. 15: Business/Education meeting, PUD auditorium, 5 p.m., election of officers
Feb. 8: Bee chat, location TBA
Feb. 12: Business/Education meeting, PUD auditorium, 5 p.m.
Mar. 1: Bee chat, location TBA
Mar. 12: Business/Education meeting, PUD auditorium, 5 p.m.
Reports: Treasurer: checking account $1920.14, savings account $1128.69
Al Zalewsky moderated a panel including Kristin Tayler, Steve Foley, and Jeff O’Brien on winter management.
All agreed that varroa treatment is needed but routines varied greatly. Grease patties for tracheal mites are used by some. Oxalic acid may treat for tracheal as well as varroa mites. Nosema appears to be a minimal problem locally.
Ventilation was agreed to be essential, but setups varied widely. Condensation is not a problem per se, but water dripping onto mass of bees is.
Insulation plans also varied widely, probably related to different conditions at different locations.
Wind protection was agreed to be useful.
Entrance reducer use and dimensions also varied (including Steve not being concerned if a mouse gets into the hive).
Feeding regimens also varied, but all agreed that adequate food over the winter is essential.
Amount of honey in a hive is estimated by weight. (Al uses a fisherman’s scale to lift one end of the hive, then multiplies that weight by 2.) Full deep frames weigh about 11 pounds, full super frames about 6. Syrup feeding in the fall is advocated by some, but liquid feed should be removed before winter as it becomes a cold sink. Various sugar preparations are used over winter, including dry sugar sprayed enough to maintain shape, and various cooked fondant-type preparations.
NCW Beekeepers Business/Education Meeting, October 16, 2016
Nov. 12 Mead class – see below
Nov. 13 Business/Education meeting, PUD auditorium, 5 p.m.
Bee chat ??
Reports: None
Mead class Saturday, Nov. 12 @ 1 p.m., Tiera Learning Center, $20 per participant, $15 per kit
(old ones may be used), one quart of honey to one gallon of mead; contact Jeff Hampton to sign up and/or order kit/s
Washington Master Beekeepers has split off from Washington State Beekeepers and is now the strictly education-related organization. Paying the $5 annual membership fee was approved.
Annual meeting in January will include election of officers and voting on proposed bylaws changes. Tell Steve if interested in being an officer.
Bylaw changes must be presented at the December meeting and may include term limits and/or fees for officers, and disposition of funds in the event of dissolution of the organization.
Steve Olsen moderated a panel including Deb Stansbery, Daryn Klinginsmith, Craig Genereux and Emilka Furmanczyk. The general topic were centered around fall mangement. Misc notes are included below:
NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION Is a registered Washington State Non-Proift. UBI 603594512
