Burke County Beekeepers Association, Morganton, North Carolina

MINUTES OF BURKE COUNTY BEEKEEPERS

Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC  28655
 
                  Linda Knowlton – President                              Michael Buckner – Vice President
                  Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                                 Hilda  York – Program Coordinator                       
    
Meeting Date:  03/09/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton
Total Attendance:  43
 Guests:  3
  • Opening- welcome
  • Feedback after meeting- members liked to know the agenda ahead of time so they can plan accordingly & likes the email follow up after events/meetings. 
  • Treasurer's Report
  • State meeting follow up- will be next month when Robert can speak about executive meeting results.  Willie and Linda attended as well - there were lots of vendors and very good speakers. 
  • Hive split- field trip to our hives tentatively scheduled for Saturday 3/21. Time tbd
  • George McAllister - Presentation on Queen Raring which everyone enjoyed. 
 
  • Meeting Adjourned.
  •  Next Scheduled Meeting will be 04/13/20 at 6:30.
  • Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary



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Scheduled Speakers and Activities for Upcoming Meetings
April- Varroa Mites and a Beekeepers Calendar (presenter Lewis Cauble)
May- Hive Management/Making a Split- (outside at the BCBA Apiary) please note that we will be doing this sooner rather than later, most likely a Saturday in March- date TBD
June- Honey Harvesting & Extracting and Certified Honey Production Program
July- A Beekeepers Calendar/ Preparing for Fall & Winter
August- Field Trip to McDowell County Bee House to observe honey harvest on their automated equipment
Sept- Annual Cookout
Oct- Focus on Craft & BCBA Honey Contest
Nov- TBD
Dec- Christmas Dinner
 

*****************************************************************************************************Beekeeping School
2/15/20, 2/22/20, 2/29/20
13 students


****************************************************************************************************Open House
2/10/20
Over 22 attendees
8 booths

*****************************************************************************************************Burke County Beekeepers Association
           130 Ammons Drive
           Morganton, NC  28655
 
                  Linda Knowlton – President                              Michael Buckner – Vice President
                  Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                                 Hilda  York – Program Coordinator                       
    
Meeting Date:  01/13/20
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Total Attendance:  35
             Members:  33
             Guests:  2
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome by 2019 President, Drew Laningham.
 
  • Drew announced BCBA Officers for 2020.  Linda Knowlton, BCBA President for 2020, was unable to preside due to illness.
 
  • Drew recognized two visitors and welcomed them to the meeting.
 
  • If you have not paid your dues for 2020, please see Charles Wilson asap.
 
  • Charles Wilson gave Treasurer’s Report.
 
  • Announcement of Open House… being held on 2-10-20 at 6:00.  There will be about nine booths set up for anyone who wants to learn more about the association and beekeeping.  Spread the word.
 
  • Announcement of Bee School… “Introduction to Beekeeping.”  It will be held at the Burke County Agricultural Building, 130 Ammons Drive, Morganton.  The cost is $50 per person.
 
  • February 15th & 22nd … 9:00am - 3:00pm (Bee School)
  • February 29th … 9:00am – 2:00pm (Cookout and Certificates)
 
  • BCBA Apiary Report.
 
  • Red Maple already blooming in Raleigh. 
 
  • The spring season may arrive early due to the warm weather.
 
  • State Spring Meeting… March  5th – 7th is in New Bern.  Registration is online.  Accommodations are limited so it’s suggested to register asap.
 
 
 

  • Introduction of moderator, Willie Pascal, who introduced the panel:
 
  • Lewis Cauble – NC State Apiary Inspector
  • Robert Smith- NCSBA Regional Representative
  • Cameron Johnson-226 Bee Supply
 
  • Willie accepted questions from members to present to the panel:
  • Should we be feeding colonies now?  If so… what?
    • Robert:  Yes…feeds all the way through March and uses sugar water.  He feeds every three weeks, but not too much.  One jar every three weeks.
    • Cameron:  Yes… has had good results with sugar water and sometimes candy board.
    • Lewis:  Yes… uses sugar water if he feels it’s needed.  If hive box is still heavy, they may not need to be fed.  Feeding is an issue that requires balancing… can’t feed too much so there won’t be a lot of brood.
 
  • Fondant vs.  Sugar Water
    • Robert has found sugar water is easier.
    • Cameron uses sugar water.
    • Lewis stated sugar water is easier, but the beekeeper needs to be careful because sugar water can over stimulate.
 
  • Is fresh water needed for the bees in the winter?
    • Robert:  Yes.  Bees can’t fly as far in the winter.
    • Cameron:  Hasn’t found the need to set up water source.  He has a creek close by.
    • Lewis:  Hasn’t found the need to set up a water source.
    • Willie:  Has a water fountain that his bees like.  Now is the time to buy a fountain.  He has a gold fish in the fountain that prevents mosquitos.
 
  • How do I keep my honey from crystallizing?
    • Robert:  The source of the honey determines if or when it crystallizes.  There is no way to keep it from happening. 
    • Cameron:  The storing temperature is what he focuses on… uses a warmer.
    • Lewis:  The water ratio in the honey determines how quickly the honey crystallizes. 
 
  • How much insulation should I put around my hives?
    • Robert:  If there is too much insulation, there may be a water issue.  He doesn’t use insulation.
    • Cameron:  Does not insulate… more concerned about ventilation than insulation.
    • Lewis:  Does not insulate.  Need to concentrate on having healthy bees going into the winter.
    • Willie:  Does not insulate…don’t forget to put something on top of your hives due to wind.
 
  • Should I open my hive in the winter?
    • Robert:  You can go in, but it needs to be very warm and needs to be brief.
    • Cameron:  There has to be a purpose to open a hive in the winter.  Don’t pull out every frame for full inspection.
    • Lewis:  Agreed with above.
 
  • When can I order bees and from whom?
    • Robert:  Sells bees… in April… mentioned other suppliers.
    • Cameron:  Need to order bees asap.  Some package dealers have already sold out.
    • Lewis:  You can go to the state web site for a list of NC Licensed Bee Suppliers.  The goal is to make splits and not have to buy bees.  It’s really important to deal with a local beekeeper when buying packages.
 
  • How can I tell if the bees around my hives are robbers?
    • Robert: There isn’t a great deal of robbing going on this time of year.  Robert uses entrance reducers year round.
    • Cameron: Robbers are usually fighting other bees and rolling around on the ground in front of the hive.  Also, lots of wax shavings can be seen near the hive entrance.  Uses screens and reducers.
 
  • George McCalister from Mecklenburg Bee Association will be doing presentation on queen castles and splitting hives in March.
 
  • Now is the time to get ready for the season!  Get your equipment and bee yard ready!
 
  • Empty hives set up in your bee yard is sometimes very successful in attracting swarms.
 
  • Meeting Adjourned.
  • Next Scheduled Meeting will be the Open House on 2/10/20 at 6:00.
  • Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary



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Burke County Beekeepers Association
         130 Ammons Drive
       Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       
Meeting Date:  12/09/19 - Christmas Party
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Total Attendance:  23
             Proposed Officers for 2020
                           Linda Knowlton - President
                           Michael Buckner- Vice President
                           Charles Wilson - Treasurer
                           Hilda York - Program Director
                           Lisa Miller - Secretary
      **Willie Pascal proposed to accept officers as presented**
      **Ken Yates second the motion**

Officers Approved

Meeting ended with Christmas Party

Next Meeting- January 13, 2020

Minutes submitted by Lisa Miller - Secretary
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Burke County Beekeepers Association
         130 Ammons Drive
       Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       
Meeting Date:  11/11/19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Total Attendance:  21
             Members:  20
             Guests:  1
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • Drew recognized guest
 
  • Drew stated the Christmas Party will be in the place of next month’s meeting starting at 6:00.  Everyone is asked to bring a dish.  A sign-up sheet was circulated and given back to Drew who will be sending out an e-mail with the list before next month’s meeting.
 
  • Willie Pascal made a motion to donate $100 to the Master Gardener Club to help with Christmas decorations they are sharing for our Christmas party.  Ken Yates seconded the motion and motion carried.
 
  • Willie Pascal announced Master Gardeners were awarded $5,000 grant from the Carolina Farm Bureau.  Master Gardeners are donating $500 towards Burke County Beekeepers Association’s Bee School and $1000 towards the 4H Beekeeping Program.  The balance of the grant will be used throughout the community for schools, scholarships and various programs.  Willie made a motion to donate $100 to Master Gardeners to support the Carolina Farm Credit.  Robert Smith seconded the motion and motion carried.
 
  • Drew presented nominating committee selections for 2020 BCBA Officers:
    • President:  Linda Knowlton
    • Vice President:  Michael Buckner
    • Treasurer:  Charles Wilson
    • Secretary:  Lisa Miller
Willie Pascal made a motion to accept officers as presented.  Peggy Clapper seconded the motion and motion carried.

  • Presentation:  Robert Smith – Making Mead
    • Sugar Source + Yeast = C02 + Alcohol
    • Type of honey and type of yeast determines the taste
    • Things to remember:
      • Cleanliness… all equipment must be clean to kill the bad yeast/bacteria
      • Must – 3 parts water(bottled) to 1 part of honey
      • Yeast – suggestion – D47
      • Temperature has to support the yeast…best temperature is around room temperature
      • Yeast grows into primary fermentation
      • Racking is ciphering dead yeast from the bottom of first container into another container
      • Leads into secondary fermentation
      • Additives can be added to do various things such as help make mead clear and almost anything to create different tastes 
      • Level of alcohol can be tested with an hydrometer
      • After fermentation, mead can be stored in a place around 60 degrees out of direct sun
      • Can legally make as much as you want for personal use.  Must have license to sell to the public
      • Book – “Make Mead Like a Viking”
 
  • Encouraged mite treatments to be completed now
  • Dues need to be paid by December to Charles Wilson
  • Send in state registration… can be done online
  • BCBA Apiary Report
    • Larry Carswell gave report.  Drew and Larry to work out arrangements for treating for mites.
  • Meeting Adjourned.
  •  Next Scheduled Meeting will be the Christmas Party on 12/09/19 at 6:00 .
  • Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary

***************************************************************************************************
Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       
Meeting Date:  10/14/19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Total Attendance:  31
             Members:  27
             Guests:  4
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • Drew recognized Ron Scoggin, an original founding member of the Burke County Beekeeper’s Association, who had recently passed away.  Mr. Scoggin was an accomplished beekeeper who will be missed.  Prayers for the family.
 
  • Drew requested mentors for the 4H program.  If interested, please contact Drew asap.
 
  • Next Program will be on how to make mead.
  • Nomination of BCBA Officers
    • Willie made a motion that the present officers form a committee to discuss officer nominations for the upcoming year.  The motion was second by John Waters.  Willie volunteered to be a part of the committee.  A meeting will be set up to discuss nominations before the next meeting.
  • Minutes from last meeting.  Lisa Miller stated no minutes were taken due to the meeting being the association’s annual picnic.
  • Treasurer’s Report: Charles Wilson gave update.
  • BCBA Apiary Report
    • Larry Carswell gave report.  Hives appear to be doing well.  One hive had a few hive beetles.  A couple of members discussed their experience in using formic acid to control hive beetles.  It is a treatment that should only be done in the spring.
 
  • Drew recognized visitors. Encouraged them to come again and commented on the members being a great resource to new beekeepers.

  • Tonight’s Program:  Winterizing your hives.
    • Drew described repositioning frames to help keep heat inside the hive box.
    • Discussion about this year’s extraordinary dearth season.
    • The use of an inferred camera can be useful to show heat within your hive during the cold weather.
    • One problem can be mice. Learning to make things can save money.  #8 hardware cloth from ACE Hardware can be used to prevent rodents from entering the hive box.  Another example could be nails or screws at the entrance.
    • Moisture – Extra boxes can be used to assist in moisture control.  Drill holes in the bottom of a spare box for ventilation and place #8 hardware cloth above the holes.  Absorbent material such as paper, wood shavings, cedar chips or maple leaves can be placed on top of the cloth.  Wait for a sunny day above 50 degrees before changing out the material.  
    • Food-Pollen Paddies/Fondant.  Be careful in feeding with these items too early.  You can make your own feed and Drew can share his recipe with you.  In regards to sugar water feeding, a 2 to 1 combination should be used during this time of year because it promotes food storage.  Rural King has good prices for cane sugar.  Some use Honey-Be-Healthy, but it can be overused.  The subject of feeding would be a good future program. 
  • Question asked by member:  Is it safe to keep screened bottom boards in the hives throughout the winter?  The vote of the attendees was half and half.  It’s best to experiment because every location is different.  Wind breakers can be used to help with keeping a hive warm, but be prepared to feed more because the bees will be more active.  Wind breakers can be anything… bales of hay, shrubbery, boards or anything else to break the wind on cold winter days.
  • Willie mentioned article reducing size of hive boxes such us removing extra supers.  Also, the use of reducers to help control robbing.  Be aware that bees are sealing their hives with propolis this time of year and it serves a purpose.  It’s probably a good idea to not destroy what they have built this close to winter.
  • Drew offered to help treating mites with oxalic acid.  Please contact him after the meeting.
  • Drew suggested being diligent in checking the outside and surrounding areas around hives.  You may see signs of rodents or other things that require action.
 
  • Honey Tasting Contest… there were 13 entries and the winners were:
    • 1st Place – Hilda York
    • 2nd Place – Linda Knowlton
    • 3rd Place – Michael Buckner
 
  • Meeting Adjourned.
  •  Next Scheduled Meeting will be 11/11/19 at 6:30.
  • Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary




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September 9th, 2019 Annual Picnic
27 Attendees

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       Burke County Beekeepers Association
       130 Ammons Drive
       Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       
Meeting Date:  08/12/19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Total Attendance:  27
             Members:  23
             Guests:  4
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • Drew recognized guests
 
  • Discussed BCBA Apiary  
    • Status: Everything is going well…many thanks to everyone who has been helping maintain the hives and grounds.
  • Robert Smith – Gave report from the Summer Conference in Hickory
    • BCBA donated custom painted hive box painted by BCBA member, Karen Swenson, to the silent auction at the conference.  Willie delivered the box to the conference.  Catawba Valley Bee Club bought the hive box and it will be in their honey house at the Hickory fair.  Robert stated the hive box “made” the silent auction.
    • State meeting was held at the conference.  A letter was sent out previously to all state members with proposed changes to the state constitution.  All proposed changes were approved.  Some of the highlights:
      • Notifications to members will now be sent electronically instead of mailings. 
      • Some of the officer’s terms of service have changed.
      • In order to receive Master Craftsman certification, a person has to serve a certain number of volunteer hours which could only be done at the NC State Fair in Raleigh.  Now, volunteer hours can also be accepted from the Mt. State Fair.
    • Willie Pascal stated several beekeepers expressed to him that they could only attend the conference during the weekend.  There will be a NC State Board meeting in November and Robert plans to make this suggestion.  Also, he plans to ask if there could be family memberships at a lower cost because more children are now beekeeping with their parents.
 
  • The yearly picnic will be held at next month’s meeting which will be on 9/9/19 at 6:00.  John Waters notified Drew that he will bring the meat, buns and condiments.  Everyone else will be responsible for sides and contact will be made in the next week or so to see what everyone plans to bring to the picnic.
  • Willie Pascal gave presentation on the different levels in the Master Beekeeper Program:
    • Certified
    • Journeyman
    • Master
    • Master Craftsman
  • The exams are through the NC State Beekeeper Association.  You can access quizzes : https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/
    • Sign in as Burke County Beekeeper Association or leave blank
    • The quizzes change every month.
  • Willie went through this month’s  quiz. 
  • The quizzes help you prepare for each level’s written exam.
  • Willie suggested having a meeting on how to pass the Certified Beekeeping level for new beekeepers. 
  • It’s great to do quizzes for all levels to gain more knowledge.
  • A signup sheet was passed around for signatures from anyone who was interested in preparing for the certified exam.
  • A written exam has to be passed and then a practical before becoming a Certified Beekeeper.
  • Group proceeded out to BCBA apiary site.
    • Robert Smith demonstrated what was needed to complete the practical portion of the exam.
 
  • Meeting Adjourned.
  •  Next Scheduled Meeting will be 9/9/19 at 6:00 and this will be the BCBA picnic.
  • Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary


**************************************************************************************************
Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       Dr. John Spiggle – Program Chairman
 
Meeting Date:  07/08/19
Officer Presiding:  John Waters
Total Attendance:  35
             Members:  30
             Guests:  5
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • John recognized guests – 8 raised their hands – 5 signed in
 
  • Charles Wilson gave Treasurer’s Report and encouraged everyone to review membership list and contact him if there were any corrections that need to be made.
 
  • The North Carolina State Beekeepers Association’s fall meeting will be held in Hickory, NC on August 18, 2019.  To find out more information or register, go to https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/.  It promises to be a great conference.
 

  • Donna Teasley – If there is anyone interested in having their honey at the Drexel Fair, please contact the Burke County Cooperative Extension office.  More information can also be found on the BCBA web site.  The fair will be held on August 11th at 2:00.
 
  • No other business to discuss.
 
  •  John started the program… “Harvesting Your Honey.”
 
  • Willie Pascal recognized visitors.
 
  • Willie presented PowerPoint presentation on equipment needed or used to harvest honey.
 
  • Most important… Dress Appropriately.
 

  • Methods of bringing in the honey to be harvested.
    • Honey Bee-Gone can be used to make the bees go down into the brood chamber while removing or clearing out the super.  There are other similar products on the market.
    • Blowers can be used, but make sure you have researched the method.
    • If you use smoke to make your bees go down into the brood chamber from the frames being harvested, keep in mind that too much smoke may change the taste of your honey.
    • Supers are very heavy when full of honey.  It may be helpful to take out a few frames at a time.  You can use an extra hive box to carry the frames.  Keep them covered to prevent robbers.
    • Consider the distance between your hives and extraction location.
    • Beekeepers use different tools for decapping frames such as a wire pronged decapping hand tool, a hot knife or a simple carving knife.  It’s all trial and error to find what works best for you.
    • Use a basin to catch decappings and honey that drips out before putting the frames in the extractor.  The use of a piece of wood over the basin is helpful because the decappings will collect under the frames.
    • After the honey is extracted, let your bucket(s) sit for a few days so the wax/debris will float to the top.  One can also use a heating pad to speed up the process.
    • The basin that was used to catch decappings can be put outside for the bees to clean up. 
    • The extractor can also be put outside for the bees to cleanup.  Get as much honey out as possible to prevent drowning.  You can put a cheesecloth inside so the bees don’t have as much difficulty in flying out.
    • There are several sizes and types of containers for honey.
 
  • Robert demonstrated different tools for the removal of cappings.
 
  • Robert and Willie demonstrated the use of the BCBA’s extractor.  The BCBA has two extractors available for members to check out.  Contact Glenda at the Burke County Cooperative Extension office to make arrangements.
 

  • Willie mentioned placing a cheesecloth in the bottom of his collection basin for cappings.  He purchases cheesecloth from Robey’s Fabric in Rutherford College.
 
  • Karen Clark won the door prize which was a decapping tool.
 

  • Meeting Adjourned.
  • Next Scheduled Meeting will be August 12, 2019 at 6:30.
  • Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary



*****************************************************************************************************
Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       Dr. John Spiggle – Program Chairman
 
Meeting Date:  06/10/19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Total Attendance:  40
             Members:  27
             Guests:  13
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • Drew recognized guests
 
  • This month’s meeting will follow the same format as last month’s meeting since it was so well received.  Questions were sent to Willie Pascal to present to a panel of experienced beekeepers.
 
  • Drew recognized NCSBA Bee Buzz Magazine …. The NC women’s team won the 2019 Spring Conference Bee Bowl with this question:
                             “Which honey bee gland produces the invertase enzyme?” Answer:  Some legitimate references say hypopharyngeal gland, others say salivary glands.The NC team responded by citing both answers and references, but lost the question when told to pick only one.The NCSBA Master Beekeeper Committee subsequently investigated and determined that both answers were correct and has retired all questions regarding this topic from Master Beekeeper Exams and Bee Bowls until further conclusive research is available.

       
  • Happy Birthday celebration for Donna Tensley!  Chocolate Cake!!                 
 
  • Drew encouraged group to continue good hive management.
 
  • Members voted unanimously to purchase a used extractor for $150. The extractor will be added as an additional extractor for use of BCBA members.  It can be reserved and picked up at the BC Cooperative Extension Office.
 
  • Drew gave progress report on the new BCBA Apiary – stands were constructed and plans are being made to move the existing BCBA hives to the new yard behind the Cooperative Extension office building.  The work will continue and progress reports will be given at each monthly meeting.
 

 
  • Willie Pascal, as moderator, presented questions he had received to be addressed by a panel of experienced beekeepers:  Lewis Cauble, Robert Smith, Cameron Johnson
 
  • Questions and Discussions:
    • I have looked at my hive and cannot find my queen.  What do I do?
      • It’s not as important to see the queen if you see good brood and eggs.  There is a possibility that a new queen is on her mating flight.  Keep in mind it could take up to a month for a new queen to start laying eggs.  If you think the hive is queenless… it’s not too late to introduce a new queen.  You can also boost the colony by combining with another hive using the newspaper method.  There could be all sorts of queen events and it’s important to stay on a routine hive inspection schedule.  This could prevent having to salvage a hive later.  Lewis brought several “uninsured” spare queens from his bee yard to give away if any of the members were in need of a queen.  In regards to boosting a weak hive with the newspaper method, the beekeeper takes the inner cover off of a strong hive and places newspaper on top.  Then make slits in the newspaper and places the weaker colony on top of that with the inner cover on top.  The stronger colony will eat their way through the newspaper and unite with the weaker colony.  Once they become established, the hive can be split back into two different hives.  When considering this situation and time of year, the hive boost with newspaper may be the best option.  When there are laying workers, it’s difficult to salvage the colony.  A beekeeper may be able to take the frames out…shake off the bees… put back in the hive box and then re-queen to try and save the colony.    
    • Is it too late to re-queen a colony?
      • No, it is not too late.  A beekeeper can re-queen up in to the month of August, but it’s almost too late to do splits and then allowing the hive to make a new queen.
 

  •  When I can extract my honey?
    • When a super is 75% capped it can be extracted.  Some beekeepers take a full super and extract all at one time and others take individual frames.  In regards to first year hives, it’s probably best to not extract honey until the following year.  One needs to leave a shallow or medium full of honey on top of the brood box to sustain the hive through the winter.  Some beekeepers do not leave supers full of honey through the winter, they simply feed them with sugar syrup.  After extracting, there is a concern for wax moths so precautions need to be taken either by treatment or placement of equipment in storage.  During extraction, use filters and cheese cloth to get out the debris.  One trick… after using the normal filters and cheese cloth, leave the bucket for a week and let the debris float to the top.  A piece of saran wrap can be lightly placed on top and then simply lift off the debris.
    • Can I move a swarm right into the bee yard or should I wait? What is the recommended distance for moving a colony?
      • It’s best to move the swarm into your bee yard the hour you capture the swarm.
      • In moving a colony on the same property… it can be tricky.  A good method can be is to move the colony to another location and let the bees orient themselves there for a couple of days and then bring them back to where you want the colony to be located.  They’ll reorient themselves at the preferred location.
      • Do you use entrance reducers year round?
      • Some beekeepers use reducers year round.  If there is a time when the bees can’t get in… open it up.  During the winter, use a reducer with the smallest entrance space.
  • Do you use a vacuum to collect swarms?
    • This can only be done with a modified vacuum to prevent injuries to the bees… DYI instructions can be found on YouTube.
  • Are Russian bees more aggressive and prevent mites?
    • They can sometimes be more aggressive, but they still need to be monitored as usual for mites.
  • Is there anyone having issues with the hot weather?
    • Bees are good at doing their own ventilation.  Screen bottoms are great.  When the weather is dry, it’s important for the bees to have some type of water source. 
  • Are there any issues with moisture?
    • Yes, there can be issues.  Ventilation is key to keeping moisture under control. 
 

  • Door Prizes – Hive Tool, Screened Inner Cover
 
  • BCBA members can check out the extractor for their personal use through the Coop office.  Please be mindful to clean the extractor and return all parts for fellow chapter members.
 
  • Minutes from May meeting approved.
 
  • Willie thanked panelists and encouraged attendees to keep sending questions.
 
  • Drew will be conducting Summer Beekeeping Camp for elementary and high school students  June 26-27.  Please contact him if you have anyone interested. 
  • Meeting Adjourned.
  • Next Scheduled Meeting will be July 8th, 2019 at 6:30.
  • Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary
**************************************************************************************************
 Burke County Beekeepers Association
 130 Ammons Drive
 Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       Dr. John Spiggle – Program Chairman
 
Meeting Date:  05/13/19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Members Attending:  34
Guest(s): 1 (Skyler Ramsey)
4H Students: 1
 
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • Drew thanked Christy Truitt for starting BCBA’s Facebook page
 
  •  Drew recognized bee school students attending the meeting
 
  • Minutes from April meeting approved
 
  • Drew discussed what we should we be doing in our hives at this time of year
 
  • Willie addressed the benefits of participating in the Burke County Beekeepers Association
 
  • Drew recognized local vendors: 
 
  • Keith Fairchild from Nebo
 
  •  Jeff King of King Bee.  Attendees received flyers… phone number 828-443-5375  
 
  • 226 Bee Supply – Cameron Johnson
 
  • Announcement … A new apiary is being developed on the Cooperation Extension office grounds.  This will be used for educational purposes, field practical exams and display for visitors.  The BCBA will control and maintain the apiary.  The maintenance committee (Larry Carswell, Kim Johnson, Michael Buckner and Kathy Yates) have been appointed and will report to the BCBA members each month.  The apiary cannot be used for personal reasons.
 
 
  • President, Drew Laningham, introduced Willie Pascal and the subject of this month’s meeting “What is in Your Hive.”
Willie, as moderator, presented questions he had received to be addressed by a panel of experts:John Waters, Robert Smith, Charles Wilson, Cameron Johnson
  • Questions and Discussions:
    • Mite Treatments – Apivar, Oxalic Acid, Mite Away Strips, Formic Pro and a new heat treatment is being used to kill mites because they die at a certain temperature that bees can tolerate.  Marion Beekeepers have been experimenting with the heat method.  The Formic Pro is sold by Dadant and the cost is around $50 and Apivar is about the same price.  There are natural ways of treating mites; screen bottom boards, splitting hives with a new queen and essential oils.
 
  • What to do if you have a queen or swarm cell in an existing hive?  Removing a swarm cell does not prevent swarming.  It sometimes helps to remove frames and move them to another hive.  You can put a queen cell in a split hive.  One can also start a queen castle to utilize queen cells. 
 
  • Facebook Pages to reference- “Women in Beekeeping.”
 
  • I caught a swarm, but I can’t find the queen…what do I do? Sometimes you can put a frame of brood in the hive box to lure the queen.  Swarm Commander can help to lure in swarm/queen into hive box.
 
  • I saw a swarm leave my hive… what do I do? Consider safety issues if you follow the swarm.  Be patient.  Other ideas:  beating on a washtub directing swarm to a hive box, but it has to be done during a swarm flight.
 
  • My bees have gathered at the entrance of my hive… I’m afraid they are going to swarm.  The bees may be hanging on the outside of the hive due to temperature or space constraints and could be what is called “bearding.”  No need to worry.  Screen bottom boards and also screen inner covers can help with temperature issues.
 
  • Moisture issues… Some beekeepers have used straw on top which draws out moisture.  Be mindful of composite covers due to low water resistance.
 
  • Should I mark queen? What color?  Marking the queen makes her easier to locate.  In regards to color, this year is green, but you can mark her any color. 
  • Keep a notebook for your reference.  Include everything you see, do and plan to do with your hive.  All information will be helpful including the weather.
 
  • How often do you inspect your hives?  Remember it takes 14 days for a queen to hatch.  After an inspection is done this may determine when you go back.  It’s recommended to inspect on a regular basis…every week or every other week.  It may be good to do “checks” and “inspections”… Try not to disturb everything because it takes longer for the bees to recuperate.   Take your time when you are in a hive and be patient.  You don’t have to find a queen to know she is still in the hive.  The queen is still there if there are eggs.  Screen inner covers are good to do quick simple checks without having to pull out frames.  Panel and attendees discussed items to keep hive beetles and ants out of hives.  A few natural treatment suggestions: pool salt or Epsom salt with vinegar… sand… cinnamon.
 
  • Do I need to put on an excluder?  It may not be necessary, but they are often used to make it easier to extract. You can use metal or plastic excluders, but pay attention to the amount of space between the grooves.  It’s basically your personal preference. 
 
  • When do you take away or leave the entrance reducer?  Some leave them year round to prevent robbing.  Entrance reducers can also prevent mice invading a hive during the winter.
 
  • At one point do you go into a hive after winter?  Most people do not go into their hive when the temperature is below 50 or 60 degrees.  Also, it depends on the weather.  You do not want to go into your hive on a cloudy day.
 
 
  • Willie encouraged members to assist 4H students
 
  • Willie thanked Dr. Kirchoff for the Epipen prescriptions
 
  •  Door prize… Steve Henson
 
  • Meeting adjourned.  The next meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2019
 
  • Submitted By:  Lisa Miller, Secretary
 
 

*****************************************************************************************************Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC  28655
 
        Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
        Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       Dr. John Spiggle – Program Chairman
 
Meeting Date:  04/08/19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Members Attending:  17
Guest(s): 3
 
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • No Old Business
 
  • Minutes from March meeting approved.
 
  • Announced there were 20 students at last month’s beekeeping school and everything went very well.  Drew Lanningham, President of Burke County Beekeepers Association, thanked everyone who assisted with the event.
 
  • Drew emphasized the importance of hive inspections and they are easier with a buddy or mentor.  Distributed hive inspection lists and discussed some of the items on the lists.  Discussed tasks that need to be done this time of year.
 
  • Welcomed back Mr. and Mrs. Ken Yates.
 
  • Burke County Beekeepers Association’s Treasurer Charles Wilson gave his report.
 
  • Four attendees were students from the bee school and were recognized.
 
  • President, Drew Lanningham, introduced guest speaker Dr. Patrice Kirchoff.
 
  • Presentation: Medical Management of Anaphylaxis which is a total body reaction due to a specific allergen.
  • Dr. Kirchoff offered to send the necessary State of NC documentation for each attendee completing the course to be authorized to administer Epinephrine to a person experiencing anaphylaxis if no other medical assistance is available.  With this authorization the person will be protected by law to prevent legal action from other parties.  After the authorizations come back, Dr. Kirchoff said she would write a prescription for an Epipen.
  • Dr. Kirchoff’s power point presentation reviewed the signs of anaphylaxis and the importance of administering epinephrine as quickly as possible to prevent severity or loss of life.
  • The presentation included specific points as to what happens in a person’s body when there is a reaction.
  • Different causes were identified.
  • Discussed the appropriate and needed action by the person who is attending to the person suffering from Anaphylaxis.
  • Examples of different forms of Epinephrine were displayed on screen and kit from BCBA member Willie Pascal.
  • How to administer Epinephrine (Epipen) was demonstrated.
  • Rule of thumb… if a reaction goes past the skin… then administer Epinephrine
  • ***Most important… if ever in doubt… administer Epinephrine***
  • Shop around for best prices and coupons are available.
  • Closed with questions from attendees.
 
  • Drew thanked Dr. Kirchoff for her presentation.
 
  • Drew is working to make BCBA an 501(3)(c) non-profit organization.
 
  • Drew closed the meeting… next meeting scheduled for May 13, 2019.
 
  • Dr. Kirchoff became a member of the Burke County Beekeepers Association!
 
  • Submitted By:  Lisa Miller, Secretary
 
 
​



****************************************************************************************************
Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
 Morganton, NC  28655

       Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
       Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                      Dr. John Spiggle – Program Chairman
Meeting Date:  03/11/19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Members Attending:  15
Guest(s): 8
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
  • January Minutes were approved with one correction.  The Open House was held on February 11 instead of March 11, 2019
  • Burke County Beekeepers Association member, Willie Pascal, attended the 2019 Spring NCSBA conference in Monroe, NC on 3/1 and 3/2/2019.  Mr. Pascal reviewed speakers and briefly described their subjects of interest.
  • Mr. Pascal stated the Eastern Apicultural Society 2019 Conference will be July 15 – July 19, 2019 in Greenville, SC.  https://www.easternapiculture.org/
  • President, Drew Lanningham, introduced guest speaker Karen Speer of Sweet Betsy Farm.
  • Ms. Speer, along with her husband Ed, are owners and operators of “The Honey House at Sweet Betsy Farm” in Marion NC. https://www.sweetbetsyfarm.com/
  • Ms. Speer’s presentation regarding how to sell honey commercially can be found on her web site:  https://www.sweetbetsyfarm.com/small_business.
  • The presentation includes the steps in starting a business, the resources that are available, and how to grow and capitalize on your work.  Branding… “Know Your Beekeeper; Trust Your Honey”
  • Another great resource: https://www.mcdowellcountyhoneytrail.org/
  • Additional resource… NC Agritourism Networking Association: http://www.nc-ana.org/
  • Bee School will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 9:00 – 3:30 with an additional field day on Saturday, March 30 from 9:00 – 2:00 at the Burke County Agricultural Building.
    • The cost of the school is $50 per person which includes 1-year membership to the Burke County Beekeeper’s Association, a reference notebook, and lunch.  There will also be door prizes and bees available for purchase.
    • Please contact President, Drew Laningham, if you would like to attend or have additional questions… drewlaningham@yahoo.com
  • No other items of interest
  • Next scheduled meeting: April 8th at 6:30    
  • Meeting Adjourned
    Submitted By:  Lisa Miller, Secretary

***************************************************************************************************
​ Burke County Beekeepers Association
 130 Ammons Drive
 Morganton, NC  28655
 
             Drew Laningham – President                              John Waters – Vice President
             Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                  Lisa Miller – Secretary
                                       Dr. John Spiggle – Program Chairman
 
Meeting Date:  01-14-19
Officer Presiding:  Drew Laningham
Members Attending:  27
Guest(s): 1 – Candace Pryor
 
Treasurer Report:  Charles Wilson distributed copies of the report
 
Business & Announcements:
  • Welcome
 
  • Introduction of 2019 Officers
 
  • October Minutes were approved – no minutes after October
 
  • Open House will be held on March 11, 2019 at the Burke County Cooperative Extension Center at 6:00.
                    Booth Subjects and Assigned Members
            1. Training Hive- John Waters
            2. Top Bar Hive- Rusty Jones
            3. Honeybee Life Cycle- (not yet assigned)
            4. Apparel- Kathy Yates
            5. Tools- Ken Yates
            6. Youth Recruitment- East Burke High School Bee Club members
            7. All-In-One Beekeeping Kit for Beginners- (not yet assigned)
                             Please contact Drew if you have any additional suggestions for booth topics:
                             drewlaningham@yahoo.com
                             The Yates have agreed to help with refreshments along with other members.
                             All plans must be finalized at the February meeting on 2-11-19. 

  • Bee School will be held at the Burke County Cooperative Extension Center on:                             
                                                              March 23rd 9:00 – 3:30 – Guest Speakers
                                                              March 30th 9:00 – 2:00 - Practical Activities
More discussion at the February Meeting.

  • Dadant will have their 2019 catalog out next month.
 

  • Randy James notified the association that the Morganton Farmer’s Market is starting an online market.  They will be meeting at the Burke County Cooperative Extension Center on January 17th at 6:00.  The participants first year’s fees will be covered by a grant.  If you are interested in selling your honey, bring your computer to the meeting to complete an application.  Members can also contact Randy for more information:  rdjamesrdj@aol.com.
 
  • Drew proposed a study group for certifications.  If interested, please contact Drew or Charles Wilson who is the proctor.
Actual testing will be at the Burke County Cooperative Extension Center.  Some testing certifications will be on 4-27 and other dates are being set up.

  • Willie proposed Epipen as a subject for a future presentation.
 
  • Willie asked members to let him know if they had honey to sell.  He is receiving phone calls asking for local honey.
 
Program Presentation
               Willie Pascal
               Creamed Honey using the Dyce Method
 
Other Items of Interest
Do you have your “To Do” list completed for the winter?  Get ready for the Red Maple in mid-    February!  Spring is coming!
 
Next Meeting:  February 11th, 2019
 
Submitted By:  Lisa Miller, Secretary
Burke County Beekeepers Association, Morganton, North Carolina