MINUTES OF BURKE COUNTY BEEKEEPERS

Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
 
Linda Knowlton, President                           Tom Dow, Vice President
Charles Wilson, Treasurer                            Secretary, Tammy Greyshock

Meeting Date:  10. May 2021

Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton, BCBA President
 
Meeting Type:  In Person.  Capacity limited to 45 persons with CDC social distancing guidelines in place.
 
Registered for Meeting:  42
Number of Attendees:  34

Linda Knowlton called the meeting to order at 6:35pm

Linda welcomed guests.
 
Linda provided the Treasurer’s Report in Charles Wilson’s absence

Linda asked for updates on Old Business:

• Larry Carswell needs assistance assembling frames for the BCBA apiary.  Please contact him directly or Linda Knowlton.  The BCBA Apiary is doing great and still plans to limit the apiary to four colonies for practical purposes.  Splits and harvesting will be in the near future. Please consider helping Larry with the work that needs to be completed.  
• Tom Dow has five frames available to purchase.

Linda welcomed Regional NC Apiary Inspector Lewis Cauble

Lewis presentation: Varroa Mites

• There are three things that are very important this time of year:
  • Control Mites
  • Manage Queen Events
  • Feed Appropriately
• The most important is monitoring population of varroa mites.
• It is advised to test your hive 4-6 times a year.
• There are several miticides on the market for treatment of varroa mites:
  • Apistan
  • Checkmite
  • Apivar
  • Formic Acid
  • Oxalic Acid
  • Hop Extract
• Some are building resistance in the state.
•  It's important to keep good records of your treatments... what, when and where.  It's also important to treat when needed.  If a beekeeper treats constantly, the colony may build resistance towards the treatment.  
• Pay attention to the type of treatment when considering honey flow. 
• Two ways to treat:
  • Alcohol Wash (most accurate)
  • Powdered Sugar Shake
•  Mites don't go away by themselves. They can get extremely bad in less than a month.  The only way to keep them under control is to monitor, treat and keep good records.  
• Lewis referred to a few of his videos:
  • Collecting Samples:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBfkFdul1BY
  • Processing Samples:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc6-WzBFLQ4
  • Management Plan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZFIBZKS1GM

 

• Lewis can be contacted with any questions or if a home visit is needed:

      Lewis Cauble
      NC Apiary Inspector
      828-230-4544
      lewis.cauble@ncagr.gov

• June meeting will be at the McDowell Honey House - stay tuned for notification from Linda Knowlton
  
  Meeting Adjourned 7:35pm
  
  Minutes Submitted by Lisa Miller

*****************************************************************************************************Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
 
Linda Knowlton, President                           Tom Dow, Vice President
Charles Wilson, Treasurer                            Secretary, Tammy Greyshock
 
Meeting Date:  12. April 2021
 
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton, BCBA President
 
Meeting Type:  In Person.  Capacity limited to 45 persons with CDC social distancing guidelines in place.
 
Number of Attendees:  30
New Memberships:  3 renewals and 2 new
 
Linda Knowlton called the meeting to order at 6:40pm
 
Linda welcomed guests.
 
Linda provided the Treasurer’s Report in Charles Wilson’s absence:

• Provided an update on account balances
• Asked for questions.  There were none.

 
Linda asked for updates on Old Business:

• Mentors should reach out to new Bee School students, if they haven’t already connected.
• No other old business updates.

 
Linda invited Donna Teasley to speak on “Planting a Bee Buffet – All Pollinators Welcome”

• Hard copies of presentation were provided to all in attendance.  Topics covered included below.
• Pollinator types don’t just include flowers, they also include crops, trees, shrubs, herbs, cacti and weeds.
• Bees need pollen for protein and nectar for carbohydrates
• Best types of flowers and petal structure to plant.  Sturdy petals, day flowering, consider colors
• Provided lists of best trees, shrubs, bulbs, herbs and weeds to attract bees
• Limits and challenges to consider when planting perennials.  They are not maintenance free.
• Consider staggered bloom times.  Early, Mid and Late season bloomers are needed.  Honeybees love lavender!
• Perennials vs Annuals.  Pros and cons to consider with both.  Disease, water, insects, color spectrum, ground filler, tall height needs, special care, planting time and cost.
• Bees prefer large blocks of one type of pollinator.  Plant a singular crop rather than assorted crop.
• Provided list of good annual flower choices.
• Be aware of nectar dearth. This is when no nectar is naturally available.  Late winter/early spring, mid to late summer.  Short periods of dearth due to frost, stormy days.  Need to provide supplemental food source during short and longer dearth periods.  Staggering planting to span across full growth season helps prevent nectar dearth.
• Conclusions:  Make sure flowering times overlap, early blooms critical, be diverse in choices, colors are important, don’t discount weeds, plant in groups (pollinators like mass plantings), pay attention to weather conditions and be prepared to supplement food supply.
• Book Recommendation:  “Garden Plants for Honey Bees” by Peter Lindtner available on Amazon for $41.59.

 
Linda invited Robert Smith to present of “Swarms and Splits”

• NOTE:  This information was presented via Zoom at the March 2021 BCBA meeting; however due to technology and sound issues, the material was represented in person at the April 2021 meeting.
• The only way for bees to multiply is to swarm and split.  This is a natural process and one that nature encourages to continue the propagation of bees.
• Splits are not equal 50/50.  When a swarm splits in nature, the size of the swarm is an indication of loyalty to the queen.  The bees that remain in the hive are usually younger nurse bees who remain with the brood and will grow a new queen.  Nature wants both colonies to survive.
• If your hive swarms before you can intervene and split the hive, the honey crop will be reduced, as the remaining colony will be smaller.
• When splitting colony make sure to (1) have a brood frame in the new box.  Normally, bees will not desert a frame of brood and (2) make sure to have drones to make a new queen.
• When doing hive inspections, look for swarm cells.  If there are swam cells, the colony has already made the decision to swarm.  Removing queen cells, won’t stop the process. 
• Bees in hive know they are going to swarm before the queen does.  Two weeks before a swarm, bees will run the queen around the hive to have her lay as many eggs as possible to “lighten her” so she can fly and leave with the swarm.
• How to identify a mid-season food dearth.  Put out a 5 gallon bucket lid with sugar water, if bees move towards it, they are hungry.
• Swarm Traps.
  • Must be 8-10’ off the ground.
  • Bigger than an nuc box (8 frame box)
  • Use Swarm Commander or Lemon Grass Oil
• Summer swarms happen when honey supers are removed and overcrowding in the hive occurs.
• Split
  • Nuc sized box.  Needs to be smaller so that bees can stay warm.
  • 3 frames of brood
  • Must have eggs and queen cell
  • Shake extra nurse bees into box
  • 1-2 frames of food
• Artificial Swarm
  • Move queen to a new box
  • Move frames with brood and bees
  • Move new box away (2-3 miles) for at least 3 weeks.
• Discussion and example of  how a “Double Screen Bottom Board” works
  • Two screens ¾” apart.  Place this screen board between two brood boxes.
  • Only one box will have the queen.
  • Queen pheromone is shared by touch.  Double screen between two brood boxes causes the bees in the brood box without a queen to think they are queenless.
• Key Points for Split:  Move enough bees to keep new colony warm.  Make sure there is enough to eat.
• If you capture a split and don’t have brood, it’s a good time to do a mite treatment when there is no brood. 
• Robert asked for questions.  Several questions were raised and answered.

 
Linda raffled off Door Prizes.
 
Linda shared that there are two copies of “Beekeeping for Dummies” book available.
 
Linda invited Willie Pascal to provide an update on the Ag Center Apiary.

• Split hives at apiary.  Tom Dow is keeping the splits for 2 – 3 weeks.
• Need to replace the queen in the #2 hive, as there was not a good brood pattern.
• Have 4 active hives at the apiary.  Volunteers can maintain 4 hives, but beyond that do not have enough volunteer capacity.
• Linda and Exec Committee will discuss options for split hives.  Selling to members, non-members or 4-Hers.  Linda will provide an update in the newsletter.
• If interested in a split hive, members should let Linda know.

 
Next Meeting:  10. May 2021
 
Meeting Adjourned:  8:15pm
 
Minutes submitted by Tammy Greyshock

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Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
 
Linda Knowlton, President                           Tom Dow, Vice President
Charles Wilson, Treasurer                            Secretary, Tammy Greyshock
 
Meeting Date:  8. March 2021
 
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton, BCBA President
 
Meeting Type:  Virtual Meeting via Zoom
 
Number of Attendees:  24
 
Linda called the meeting to order at 6:35pm
 
Linda invited Charles Wilson to provide the Treasurer’s Report:

• Charles provided an update on account balances
• Mailed out new membership cards to NCSBA
• Mailed new local membership cards and receipts
• Asked for questions.  There were none.

 
Linda invited Donna Teasley to provide updates from Ag Center:

• Likely that April meeting will be in person.
• University provided updated guidelines that include 30% of fire code occupancy.  This would allow 45 people in combined Rooms A & B.
• Participants will still need to register on EventBrite.
• Linda will provide an update in her newsletter regarding in person meeting plans.

 
Linda welcomed Tammy Greyshock as the new 2021 Secretary:

• Samantha Davis had to unexpectedly step down as 2021 Secretary earlier this year. 

• Linda and the Officers of BCBA named Tammy Greyshock as her replacement.
• Lisa Miller, past Secretary, will help Tammy in the transition.
• Linda thanked Lisa for her past service and thanked Tammy for her upcoming service.

 
Linda provided an update on Bee School:

• School concluded in February
• If any new students did not pick up door prizes or Certificates of Completion, please see Linda. 

 
Linda invited Robert Smith to present of “Splits and Swarms”

• Pollen is coming!
• Queen is laying approximately 1,000 eggs per day.
• Continue with hive inspections and also continue feeding, as bees could still starve
  • Winter – 1lb of food per week is needed
  • Spring – 1lb of food a day is needed.  Foraging bees are burning energy
• Control small hive beetles now.
• Continue to monitor for varroa mites.  If you see one, there are a lot more.
• You can slow a swarm, but you can’t stop it.
  • Providing enough room to store pollen, nectar and lay eggs will slow a swarm.
• Improve your chances of keeping a swarm
  • Swarm Traps
  • Must be 8-10’ off the ground
  • Bigger than an nuc box (8 frame box)
  • 1 frame of drawn out comb
  • 1 feeder
  • This lets queen begin to lay eggs
• Do a Swarm Inspection
  • Look for swarm cells
  • Take frame with queen cells and put in nuc box
  • Add another frame with brood, including drone cells and worker cells
  • Shake bees (must see drone bees and workers) from a frame into the box
  • Add a frame of food
• Split Hive
  • Will have 2-3 frames with bees (workers and drones), brood cells (workers and drone) and food.
  • Within 24 hours, the bees will know they don’t have a queen.
  • They will start to grow a queen.  This is why you must have adult drone bees on frame when doing split, not just drone cells.
  • Must move new box away from old box, so bees do not return to the old queen.
• Most Effective Splits
  • Occur when you have a split with a queen and bees don’t need to grow a new one.
• Bee numbers will continue growing in hive and swarm risk will continue until nectar flow slows and the bees turn their focus to honey production.
• Summer Swarm
  • When the hive gets overcrowded because a honey super is removed
• Robert asked for questions.  There was a question on hostile bees and the importance (or not) of using smoke.

 
There were some technology issues with virtual presentation.  Linda asked participants who have questions to directly reach out to Robert.
 
Next Meeting:  12. April 2021
 
Meeting Adjourned:  7:16pm
 
Minutes submitted by Tammy Greyshock
​
*************************************************************************************************

Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC  28655
 
                  Linda Knowlton – President                              Tom Dow– Vice President
                  Charles Wilson - Treasurer

Meeting Date: 02/08/21
 
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton, BCBA President

Virtual Meeting

30 Attendees

Linda Knowlton called meeting to order

Linda gave Treasurer's Report on behalf of Treasurer Charles Wilson

• Update: 51 Members

No Old Business

Introduction of Willie Pascal, Speaker for tonight's program regarding Spring Preparation

• Willie presented slide show. 
  • It's time for Spring growth and Build Up
  • It's important to encourage growth, but be aware that too much stimulation could cause issues such as chilled brood.
  • A concern for this time of year is starvation.  The beekeeper needs to become familiar with the weight of their hive box.  If the weight is light,the bees may need to be fed as soon as possible.  Options may include pollen patties, sugar water, candy boards or possibly a frame of honey left over from previous year.
  • It's best to not open hive box when the temperature is below 50 degrees.
  • Do not disturb bee cluster.
  • Stay aware of approaching hostile weather and prepare hives with weights or other protections.
  • Now is the time to get equipment prepared.  March will be here soon and the beekeeper needs to concentrate growth and swarm prevention.
  • Maple trees have started blooming in some areas.
  • There is a wide variation in weather conditions across Burke County.  It's important to stay aware of what is blooming at the beginnings of Spring.
  • If interested in seeing slide show, please contact association.

Other Discussion:

• Drones determine when to do splits.
• A check for mites needs to be done as soon as possible in the Spring.  Treatments will probably be needed.

Always refer to https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/ for information and educational opportunities.

Bee School will continue to the end of February.

Next scheduled association meeting is 3/8/21.

Meeting Adjourned 7:30PM

Minutes Submitted by Lisa Miller

*************************************************************************************************
Burke County Beekeepers Association
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC  28655
 
                  Linda Knowlton – President                              Tom Dow– Vice President
                  Charles Wilson – Treasurer                                 
                                                                       
    
Meeting Date: 01/10/21
 
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton, BCBA President

Virtual Meeting

22 Registered
16 Attended

Linda Knowlton introduced new attendee, Coley Welch

Charles Wilson submitted Treasurers Report to Linda Knowlton - Report was presented to association

Beekeeping School Logistics
         Drew Laningham - setting up Zoom meetings
         Donna Tensley is working with Linda Knowlton and Willie Pascal regarding presentation set ups
        

2021 Virtual Bee School

• Cost: $50
• Virtual Bee School will be held every Tuesday in the month of February 2021
• Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Cost includes: Local & State Association memberships for the year, materials and courses. Reference materials include 5th Edition of "Beekeeping for Dummies" and "A Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladies." 
• Information has been posted on the web site
• http://www.burkebeekeepers.org/2021-bee-school.html
• Students must call to register, 828-764-9480
• If an existing member would like to attend courses and has already paid dues, please contact Linda Knowlton (burkebeepers@gmail.com) to make arrangements.
• A member can also purchase reference materials in school.  The 5th Edition of "Beekeeping for Dummies" is $20.00 and "A Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladies" is $15.00. 

Linda requested assistance with presentation topics for 2021 Meetings. Topics to include:

• Hive Preparations for Spring
• Splits
• Hive Inspections
• Treatments
• Extracting
• Panel of Experts
• Hive Preparations for Fall & Winter
• Honey Tasting
• Additional subjects to be explored

Linda will be sending out a finalized list of topics via e-mail.

Meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

Association has five hives in apiary that will probably need to be split.  Equipment has already been purchased, but will need to be assembled.  Volunteers will be solicited.  Discussion that this may be an acitivity for students.  All TBD.

Willie Pascal highlighted American Bee Journal.  Recent publication very helpful.
                  https://americanbeejournal.com/

Meeting Adjourned 7:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Lisa Miller



***************************************************************************************************
No December 2020 Chapter Meeting

***************************************************************************************************
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: 11/09/20
 
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton, BCBA President

Virtual Meeting

23 Registered
18 Attended

Charles Wilson submitted Treasurers Report

Best Tasting Honey in Burke County Winner Announcement. 
Judges Ed and Karen Speer from Sweet Betsy Farm (https://www.sweetbetsyfarm.com/)
stated all 11 entries were very good. 
Below are the winners:
1st Place:   Burke County Beekeepers Association
2nd Place:  Linda Knowlton
3rd Place:   Bill Bechtol

Reminder:  It’s time to renew your BCBA membership.  You can mail your $5 BCBA membership to:
Charles Wilson
BCBA Treasurer
130 Ammons Drive
           Morganton, NC  28690

Memberships to the NC State Beekeepers Association can be done through their web site:
https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/membership/join-or-renew-now

Burke County Beekeeper Officer Election Forum held
 
Robert Smith and Willie Pascal presented nominees for officer positions:
                        Linda Knowlton – President
                        Tom Dow – Vice President
                        Treasurer – Charles Wilson
                        Secretary – Samantha Davis
 
BCBA Member Robert Smith made motion to accept all nominees as presented.
Members accepted motion.  None opposed.


Position for Program Chairman for 2021 is open.  Other officers will share the task until a chairman is elected.
 
Each elected officer gave brief biography. 
 
President, Linda Knowlton, talked about her 2020 term and is looking forward to a new year.
Vice President, Tom Dow, has been a beekeeper for a couple of years and is looking forward to serving.
Treasurer, Charles Wilson has been the BCBA Treasurer for many years.
Secretary, Samantha Davis, works with her husband on their farm:  https://www.facebook.com/beeblessedcountryfarm/
 
President, Linda Knowlton, thanked all 2020 officers for their work this year.
 
Other Business:
 
Member Ed McFadden made motion to donate $120 to Heifer International for sponsorship of four hives.
https://www.heifer.org/bees/index.html
Linda Knowlton second motion
Members accepted
 
Linda Knowlton made motion to not have a December Meeting.
Robert Smith second motion. 
Members accepted     
 
Future meetings will be virtual via Zoom until further notice.
 
Member Larry Carswell has been our 2020 volunteer maintaining the BCBA apiary and needs help in the upcoming year. Linda Knowlton encouraged members to give a helping hand.  If interested, please contact Larry or Linda.  There are five active hives and volunteers are needed.
 
Supplies for the apiary have been purchased and are being stored in the BCBA storage building.
 
Chris Davis gave description of their farm and encouraged members to becoming a Certified Honey Producer and being on the registry:
https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/programs/certified-honey-producer/chpp-registry
 
Discussion regarding beekeeping school.  Linda Knowlton would like to put together Bee School Committee.  If interested, please contact Linda or send e-mail to burkebeekeepers@gmail.com.
 
Next meeting to be announced.  No meeting in December.
 
Minutes Submitted by Secretary Lisa Miller





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​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: 10/12/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton

Virtual Meeting

30 Registered
20 Attended

Officer Presiding: Linda Knowlton, BCBA President

Charles submitted Treasurers Report

Storage Building is now organized

Elections will be at the November meeting

Memberships need to be renewed with the Burke County Beekeepers Association and NC State Beekeepers Association

Best Tasting Honey in Burke County Contest

• Honey can be dropped off at the Burke County Extension Office
• Must be at least 8 oz. in plastic and glass jar
• Must be in bag
• Name only on the bag
• Drop Off deadline is 10-30-20
• Judges: Ed and Karen Speer

Congratulations to Donna Teasley, Burke County Extension Agent, for her article featured in "Bee Culture" magazine:
https://www.beeculture.com/catch-the-buzz-homegrown-honey-maybe-maybe-not/

Speakers:  Willie Pascal
                 Robert Smith
                 Max Smart
                 Karl Walden
Open Forum

Pictures were shared of bee yards

Newsletter to be sent out in the next couple of weeks.

Meeting Adjourned

Next Meeting: November 9th, 2020

Submitted by Lisa Miller, Secretary


****************************************************************************************************
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: 09/14/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton

Virtual Meeting

30 Registered
20 Attendees


Officer Presiding: Linda Knowlton, BCBA President

• Charles submitted Treasurers Report
• Charles submitted updated membership list

Speaker: Drew Laningham
Subject:  Fall Management

**Virtual Presentation and Display of Equipment**

• What are you doing with your bees right now?  It's fall/winter management time.
• Need to do mite tests and treat appropriately
  • There are different types of treatments available.  Most beekeepers have a favorite and have experimented to find what works best for them.  Refer to your bee catalogs to see the different types of treatments.  It is important to follow the instructions.  If using Oxalic Acid.. don't forget your PPE
• Feed 2:1
• Honey bee food is also good to include in sugar syrup because it gives the bees more protein
• Some beekeepers use pollen patties.  Drew said he was cautious when using patties.
• A good resource in determining different types of flowers/plants: NC Native Plant Society: https://ncwildflower.org/.  It's good to know what the bees are foraging this time of year.
• The bees are gearing up for the winter and need to be healthy
• The drones are being kicked out to reserve resources
• Most important in preparation for the fall and winter is to make sure there is good ventilation within the hive.  There are different ways in controlling the moisture.  Some beekeepers use quilt boxes with shavings, burlap or newspapers.  Do anything that will pull the moisture away from withing the hive.
• This is the time of year to consider combining weaker hives with strong ones to sustain colonies through the winter.
• Don't forget to remove all queen excluders
• Use reducers to prevent robbing and help bees defend themselves from pests.  Make the entrance as small as possible.  Drew displayed his reducer made of #8 wire screen.  He has found it to be good for ventilation while helping with pest control.
• Beware of mice! 
• In preparation of the winter season, consider the arrangement of your frames. 
• The Farmer's Almanac may be a good resource in predicting the weather
• It's OK for snow to be on your hive boxes.  It can actually act as an insulator, but keep the front entrance open (with the reducer.)
• Drew was asked if he uses screen bottom hives or solid.  He said he has both and doesn't really prefer one over the other.
• Member asked about IPM boards.  Sometimes beekeepers slide in the IPM boards on a screen bottom hive when it's extremely cold, but you don't want to leave it due to creating more moisture.
• Linda thanked Drew for his presentation. 
• Drew stated he could send his presentation to anyone who would like to see it.

      Meeting Adjourned
      Next Virtual Meeting: October 12
      Submitted By Lisa Miller, Secretary      





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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: 08/10/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton

Virtual Meeting

30 Registered
17 Attendees

Officer Presiding: Linda Knowlton, BCBA President

• BCBA apiary doing well with 5 hives and healthy
• Harvested a total 6.5 gallons
• Charles submitted Treasurers Report
• Clarification of September meeting - Drew Laningham will be in charge of the program

Speaker: Willie Pascal
Subject:  Harvesting Honey/Labeling/Certification

• Multiple items to consider when harvesting your honey:
  • Sanitary Work Area
  • Containers - Five gallon bucket easily fits underneath the spout on a regular extractor.  There are other sizes, but maneuvering them may be a little more cumbersome.
  • The containers must be of food grade.
  • The spout needs to be at the bottom. 
  • Use a strainer when harvesting the honey from the extractor into the bucket. 
  • Let the honey sit in the bucket for a few days or longer.  The bubbles will float to the top of the bucket and the honey will be cleaner.  
  • Use the spout to bottle the honey.
  • After removing honey from the frames, they need to be put in a freezer for 48 hours to prevent the growth of wax moths.
  • A five gallon bucket will weigh about 60 lbs.
  • One gallon of honey weighs about 12 lbs.
  • Selling your honey:
    • A permit is required to see honey.
    • Review Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.
      • Labeling: the honey must be identified... such as Wildflower Honey and must also have a weight on the label
        • Honey is exempt from requiring a nutritional label
  • Being a Certified Honey Producer is a plus for a label:
    • NCSBA Certified Honey Producers Program.  The cost is $25 to be certified by the NCSBA.
    • https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/programs/certified-honey-producer
  • Everything that is required for labeling is part of the beekeeper certification exam.
    • https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/resources/labeling
  • Honey Beekeeping Laws: https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/resources/laws

      Meeting Adjourned
      Next Virtual Meeting: September 14
      Submitted By Lisa Miller, Secretary                                                                                                                                                                                   
     


*****************************************************************************************************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: 07/13/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton

Virtual Meeting
 
Speaker: Mary Griffin
               Park Ranger, South Mountains State Park
               NC Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources
               828-433-4772
               Mary.Griffin@ncparks.gov

              South Mountains State Park |  3001 South Mountains State Park Ave  |  Connelly Springs, NC 28612

Subject: NC Black Bear

Participants: 27 Registered, 20 Attendees

• Linda welcomed everyone to meeting
• Briefly discussed virtual meetings… will probably continue throughout the year
• Linda introduced guest speaker, Mary Griffin, South Mountains State Park Ranger
• Ms. Griffin gave a great PowerPoint presentation about the NC Black Bear

 
Presentation included information about electric fencing.  More specifics can be requested through Ms. Griffin or Burke County Beekeepers Association
 
Resource: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Mammals/Black-Bear
 

Meeting Adjourned
Next Virtual Meeting: August 10, 2020
Submitted by Lisa Miller, Secretary


*****************************************************************************************************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: 06/08/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton

Virtual Meeting... Panel of Experts: Cameron Johnson, 226 Bee Supplies; Lewis Cauble, NC State Inspector for Western Counties; Nancy Ruppert, NC State Inspector for Central Counties
 
Zoom Meeting
Participants: 29

• 14 questions were submitted to the panel with subjects varying from queen events, nectar, varroa mite checks, equipment, swarming, pest control to sightings of bears in western North Carolina.  
  • Lewis mentioned good resource http://www.sandhillbees.com. Specifically mentioned chart under "Help, I Need a Queen."

Meeting Adjourned
Next Virtual Meeting: July 13, 2020
Submitted by Lisa Miller, Secretary
*****************************************************************************************************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:  05/11/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton
Guest Presenters via Virtual Meeting: Ed and Karen Speer/ Sweet Betsy Farm
 
Ed is the President of McDowell County Beekeepers Association, Chairman of the NCSBA Certified Honey Program and a Journeyman Beekeeper.
 
Karen is a NCSBA Master Beekeeper in addition to both managing 30 hives and owning Sweet Betsy Farm in Marion.
 
Next Virtual Meeting:  June 08, 2020




*****************************************************************************************************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:  04/13/20
Officer Presiding:  Linda Knowlton
Total Attendance:  24
ZOOM Meeting

• First Zoom Meeting
• Thanks to Donna Teasley, Seth Nagy, Willie Pascal for coordinating the meeting.
• Presentation prepared by Lewis Cauble on “Preparing for Summer” and “The Importance of Robust Mite Monitoring & Management Plan.”
• There are YouTube videos regarding these subjects... they can be found by searching "Lewis Cauble."
• Lewis mentioned podcast from Jim Masucci on "Well Managed Hives" from the American Bee Journal from the December 2019 issue. 
• BCBA Apiary- Larry Carswell made a split a few weeks ago and another one the week of 4-13-20.
• Pictures to be on FB page.  Encouraged everyone to post on the BCBA FB page.
• Asking for volunteers on the BCBA hive committee... let Linda know if interested.
• Plans to meet in the apiary and mark queens, but it may be June before we are able to meet due to the virus.
• Meeting Adjourned.

 Next Scheduled Meeting will be 05/11/20 at 6:30... information regarding meeting will be sent out in the upcoming weeks

• Submitted by:  Lisa Miller, Secretary

****************************************************************************************************

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

*****************************************************************************************************

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

*************************************************************************************************

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
***************************************************************************************************
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

*************************************************************************************************


September 9th, 2019 Annual Picnic
27 Attendees

**************************************************************************************************


       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.

 

• South Carolina EAS 2019 Conference is July 15-19 and will be held in Greenville, SC.   www.easternapiculture.org

 

• 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