Burke County Beekeepers Association, Morganton, North Carolina

MINUTES OF BURKE COUNTY BEEKEEPERS

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