NEW RIVER VALLEY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION MEETING, 6/14/2012
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mark Chorba.
Mark called attention to an article in his recent newsletter regarding huge, bee-killing hornets.
Everette Harrell advised a bee supplies source is now available in Pearisburg, VA.
New members were introduced:
Luke and Kelly McCoy ~ son Morgan
Tim Service ~ Tim has supplied queens for years, has Carniolan and Strachan queens available. He lives in Meadows of Dan.
Mites: Mites weaken honeybees. If you think your hives are infested with mites, test with a sticky board beneath the hive. If the board collects 40-50 mites over 24 hours, the hive should be treated. Treatment is best done when minimal brood is present. Mites transmit a virus that causes deformed wings.
Sources for Queens: Mark Chorba, Richard Reid, Tim Service
Jerry Borger described a location with bees in need of extraction on Plum Creek Road. Job requires cut-out, on second floor. Jerry will help extract the bees, but needs an assistant. A cut-out will be required, on a second floor. Bring a hive body with six empty frames along and you can have the bees.
Old News:
Dublin Fair: There has been no response to attend or participate in the this event. A motion was made that we pass on this opportunity, was seconded and the motion carried. NRVBA will not participate due to lack of interest.
Glenn Buss announced that a town about an hour west of Christiansburg has an event planned for Labor Day. Dave Knight will respond to the invitation.
Bee Ball: Everette and Ricky can get park. Mark motioned to accept Everette’s plan; 2nd by Jerry B. 11 or 18 August, Time: 2-7. Volunteers will be needed. There will be a raffle. A committee of Everette Harrell, Mark Priest and Jack Price was formed to plan this event.
Michael Bush – Bush Apiaries: Richard contacted Michael to speak on Aug 2nd; fee is $250. It was proposed Holly would cosponsor (Hahn Horticultural Garden). See Michael Bush’s website: www.bushfarms.com
Allison Reeves, our speaker for the evening, was introduced. Allison is a first year graduate student at Virginia Tech and UNC Asheville. She works in the toxicology lab in collaboration with Dr. Fell and Dr. Anderson – an inside/outside team, studying the effects of pesticides on bee colonies. Bees require carbohydrates (nectar and honey) for energy – flight takes lots of energy. Protein (pollen) is essential for brood, a lack of which causes a decrease of worker bees population. Penn State studied 800 hives for contamination by pesticides — Chlorothalinol, Fluvalinate, etc. Study revealed these to be among the five most prevalent found in hives, wax, foundation, etc. The goal is to create a model of honeybee health. A lab in Illinois tests new foundation for contamination before it is used in hives.
Tonight’s raffle yielded $139. Raffle items included three queens donated by Arnold Rampey, eight frame woodware, smoker, lip balm kit, and a book on queens.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30
~ Sam Price, Secretary, NRVBA
