| PRESIDENTS LETTER April 1, 2010 Kerry Owen Finally we have some weather that is suitable for the bees. After inspecting the colonies here in Pickens I found plenty of brood for making splits or increases as some may call it. And I came through the winter with mostly strong colonies. I can tell you now that I am a fan of homemade pollen patties. I haven’t had to feed syrup to any bees at all, they have maintained and thrived on just the pollen patty made with honey and it was a lot less work and money, but I did feed heavy syrup in the fall. Oh well enough about my stuff. The next Pickens County Beekeepers Association meeting will be held in the Farm Bureau building on Hwy 178 April 8th starting at 6:30 with refreshments and the meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. Robert Bellew from the Oconee Beekeepers Association will be our special guest speaker covering a variety of topics, one of which covers the installation of bee packages. I also understand he has quite a selection of pictures to share with the group. We can tell the hustle and bustle has started and everyone is scrambling to have everything perfect for the honey flow. The bees are making a little honey now but it will still be touch and go for the next few weeks until we reach the heavy flow. Most beekeepers are replacing dead colonies and making increases and they can easily find a place for a frame of honey. Folks are talking about the prospects of this years honeycrop like they were prospecting for gold, and I suppose it’s about the same thing. I don’t know anyone who made enough honey last year to fill all their orders, I know I could have used a little more. After last years failed honey crop beekeepers all over are sharing honey, borrowing honey trading honey in an effort to keep everyone happy and to pay the bills. The world of beekeeping is wonderful in the fact that the beekeepers that really love bees also respect other beekeepers and if one needs a hand, it will be there. This has truly been one of those years when those of us who always won’t to say yes have had to say no, that in itself has been challenging. Fortunately those same beekeepers build a support group among themselves and they are the lifeline that keeps the industry going. If we all gave up there would be no more bees and that’s not acceptable. I suppose that’s why we have beekeeping association also. During this Spring let’s make an extra effort to help someone else with their bees, it makes for a nice friendship and is rewarding on all levels. Let someone borrow a piece of equipment or just lend a helping hand. Special Thanks is also in order to Dr. Mike Hood and Barbara Tate for their speedy and prompt service of grading the tests from the beekeeping class, their work is greatly appreciated and if you see them say thanks or send them a nice email to show we appreciate their service and all they do for the beekeeping industry. There are many other associations that offer the class as well so this is quite an undertaking to say the least. I had to dig deep to fill the page this time hope this email finds you well and see you at the next meeting. Who is bringing the food? Beewell. Kerry |
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