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Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 9 Nov 1993 09:17:00 CST
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        Submitted by Terry Dahms - President
        East Central Iowa Beekeepers
        internet: [log in to unmask]
 
        -----------------------------------------------------------------
                   THE BUZZ                     NOVEMBER, 1993
        -----------------------------------------------------------------
        A  newsletter  published monthly as a cooperative effort  by  The
        Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and The  Iowa
        Honey  Producers Association (IHPA),  an affiliate member of  the
        Iowa  Horticultural Society.   Copy deadline is the 20th of  each
        month.   Your  ideas,  comments  and  letters  are  welcomed  and
        encouraged.   EDITOR:   Bob Cox,  State Apiarist,  Iowa Dept.  of
        Agriculture, Wallace Building, Des Monies, IA.  50319
        phone:  (515) 281-5736
        IHPA  MEMBERSHIP:   Membership dues in the Iowa  Honey  Producers
        Assn. are $5.00/year.  Send to Robert Shepherd, IHPA Treasurer.
        -----------------------------------------------------------------
       PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
            It's state meeting time again.  Be there!  Friday and Saturday
       November  5th and 6th are the dates and the Starlight Best  Western
       Motel in Ames is the place.  The motel is located just west of I-35
       at  the  1st St.  Exit on the North side of the  street.   All  the
       details are printed on page 7 of this newsletter. We have planned a
       good program of speakers covering such topics as crop  pollination,
       queen  management,  spring management of  colonies,  beekeeping  in
       Mexico, Egypt and Eastern Europe, controlling honeybee emergencies,
       the  honey queen program and other topics.   Our  two  out-of-state
       speakers  are:  Dr.  Gloria Hoffman from the  Tuscon  Bee  Research
       Laboratory  and Mr.  Phil May,  commercial beekeeper from  Harvard,
       Illinois.
 
       USDA DISCOVERS NEW CONTROL FOR FOULBROOD
            Recently  a  new chemical has been  identified  that  controls
       American  Foulbrood  (AFB) Disease according to an article  by  Dr.
       Shimanuki in the October American Bee Journal.   It is  interesting
       to  note that the discovery was based on the  relationship  between
       chalkbrood  and AFB.   In studies conducted in the 60's,  70's  and
       80's  by  the  USDA Beltsville Bee Lab  they noticed  that  as  the
       incidence  of  chalkbrood  increased  the  incidence  of   European
       Foulbrood decreased.
            Later,  scientists isolated a substance from  chalkbrood  that
       inhibited  the  growth  of both  American  and  European  Foulbrood
       bacteria  in laboratory studies.   A chemist at the lab  identified
       the active ingredient as linoleic acid.   Field tests are now being
       conducted to determine the best way to treat colonies of bees.
 
       AFRICANIZED BEES SPREAD
            USDA  reports that Africanized bees (AHB) were found  for  the
       first time in the metropolitan area in Houston,  Texas and near the
       Arizona-California  state line.   According to USDA officials,  the
       bees were found in a trap eight miles south of Orchard in Fort Bend
       County,  Texas.   As  a  result Fort  Bend,  Jackson,  Wharton  and
       Colorado   counties  have  been  added  to  the  quarantined   zone
       regulating the movement of commercial colonies.
            With  this  find  the Africanized bees have  moved  300  miles
       Northeast  in  the  last three years since  first  discovered  near
       Brownsville,  Texas.  At the same time the AHB's have spread to the
       northwest through Texas, Old Mexico, and Arizona.   The westernmost
       swarm  of AHB's was found September 8th in a swarm trap four  miles
       west of Yuma,  Arizona near the Colorado River.   The river at this
       point forms the border between Arizona and California.   There  are
       now twelve confirmed AHB finds in the state of Arizona.
 
       HAVE A HONEY OF A HOLIDAY BREAKFAST
            If you're in charge of feeding family and friends on Christmas
       morning,  honey can help transform a basic breakfast into  a  jolly
       holiday fare.
            Honey  can create a festive breakfast.   Try  drizzling  honey
       over a mixture of granola and fruit or oatmeal.  Top toasted bagels
       with cream cheese and honey.  For the gourmets in your family,  try
       this  version  of Bananas Foster (made famous by Brennan's  in  New
       Orleans) -- halve a banana (still in its peel), drizzle each banana
       half with honey, top with sliced almonds and broil for five minutes
       (about four to five inches from the source of heat.)
            Or,  you  can try a quick mix of honey with orange  and  lemon
       juice,  orange peel and ground ginger tops apples for Honey Roasted
       Apples -- a special breakfast for a cozy holiday morning.
 
       HONEY ROASTED APPLES
 
                                 4  medium baking apples
                               1/2  cup honey
                               1/4  cup orange juice
                                 1  tablespoon lemon juice
                                 1  teaspoon grated orange peel
                               1/2  teaspoon ground ginger*
                               1/3  cup hot water
 
       Pare top 1/3 of apples and remove core leaving 1/2-inch of core  on
       bottom.  Place apples in oiled baking dish.  Combine honey,  orange
       juice,  orange  peel,  and ginger; mix  well.   Spoon  over  apples
       allowing  mixture  to fill centers and coat entire  surface.   Pour
       water  into  baking dish.   Bake, covered,  at  400oF  15  minutes.
       Remove cover and bake 30 minutes longer or until apples are  glazed
       and  tender;  baste with liquid from baking dish every 15  minutes.
       Makes 4 servings.
 
       Microwave Method:   Pare and core apples and mix glaze  ingredients
       following directions above; omit water in dish.   Arrange apples in
       a circle, 1/2-inch apart, in a microwave-safe dish.   Cover tightly
       with  plastic  wrap.   Microwave at HIGH (100%)  8  to  10  minutes
       (depending on size of apples) until apples are tender; baste apples
       and  rotate dish every 2 to 3 minutes.   Let stand 3 to  5  minutes
       before serving.
 
       Serving Tip:   If desired, serve Honey Roasted Apples with plain or
       vanilla yogurt and granola.
       *One  teaspoon  fresh  grated  or chopped  candied  ginger  may  be
       substituted.
       STATE APIARISTS REPORT
            If you haven't prepared your bees for winter yet,  this is the
       time to do it.   Colonies should be medicated with Terramycin --and
       Apistan strips if you have Varroa,  entrance reducers put in place,
       colonies  insulated and/or wrapped against the cold and have  ample
       honey (60-80 lbs.) stored for the winter.
            If you are moving bees or equipment out of state,  contact the
       state  apiarist's  office  soon.   The days  of  good  weather  for
       inspecting are few and far between this time of year.   I know some
       of  you  are planning on moving south and I hate getting  calls  in
       December to inspect your bees.
            There  have been many questions about Varroa mite  treatments.
       If  you  have Varroa,  don't wait to treat;  do it  now!   Infested
       colonies   left  untreated  will  die  and  cause  a  nuisance   to
       neighboring  beekeepers.   The only control  product  available  is
       Apistan strips.   They are to be left in for four to six weeks  and
       then  removed.    People have asked me if they can be left  in  the
       hives  all winter.   The label says only six weeks and so  I  don't
       know what will happen if left in all winter.  However, when Miticur
       strips  were  left  in  all winter during  a  research  project  in
       Nebraska  it  seemed  to hurt the  colonies  (i.e.  Miticur-treated
       colonies  had fewer frames of brood and adult bees  than  untreated
       colonies).   That is a different chemical, so it may not relate  to
       Apistan.    The  other  concern  would  be  an  increased  risk  of
       contamination  of  hive  products with pesticide  residues  if  not
       removed.
            Don't  give  up on your bees because you've had  several  poor
       honey crops.  You have a large investment in equipment;  so protect
       it and utilize it.   If you stick with the bees,  we will have good
       honey crops again.   If you neglect your equipment and bees because
       you  are discouraged,  you will never be able to take advantage  of
       the honey crops when they can be made.
 
       CALENDAR OF EVENTS
 
       November
       5 & 6      Iowa Honey Producers Annual Meeting, Starlight Best
                  Western  Motel at I-35 and 1st Street Exit in Ames  (see
                  program on page 7)
 
       December
       2-4        1st  Upper  Midwest  Regional  Beekeepers  Meeting   and
                  Minnesota Honey Producers Meeting, Comfort Inn-Airport
                  Hotel   in  Bloomington,   Minnesota  (just   south   of
                  Minneapolis)
 
       January, 1994
       12-15      The 25th Annual Convention of the American Honey
                  Producers Association at Holiday Inn Palo Verde in
                  Tuscon, Arizona.  National Honey Board Mtg. following.
 
       18-23      The American Beekeepers Federation Meeting at the
                  Sheraton World Resort Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       MARKETING  HONEY  (reprinted from July/August  1986  Missouri  Farm
       Magazine)
            In  many  ways,  selling honey is  similar  to  selling  other
       products,  but there are some differences,  too.   Being the  first
       vendor  at  the  farmers'   market  with  sweet  corn  or  tomatoes
       absolutely  guarantees initial sales.   Be the first at the  market
       with  a new crop of honey,  though and it generates about  as  much
       excitement as snowballs in Alaska.
       Differences
            Honey  is  a popular item with some people,  but since  it  is
       non-perishable,  the first honey of the summer sells about as  fast
       as  the last.   It is available year-round and doesn't need  to  be
       purchased the day it was harvested, so customers won't beat a  path
       to  your  door  like they will for strawberries or  corn  or  other
       seasonal items.  It is also a relatively low-use item.  The average
       American  consumes about 120 pounds of sugar in a year's time,  but
       only  one pound of honey.   Most people buy three pounds or less  a
       time, but may do this several times a year.
            This  all-season  availability  can work  to  your  advantage.
       Although  honey sales are almost constantly slow,  they are  fairly
       steady throughout the year.   It is not necessary to have the whole
       crop contracted for before it is produced; however,  markets should
       be  researched  before  jumping  into  full-time  beekeeping.   The
       existence  of  other honey producers in your  area  can  definitely
       affect  your potential sales.  Certain seasons offer  opportunities
       that can't be had with other forms of produce.   Smaller containers
       can make nice stocking-stuffers a Christmas time.   Attractive gift
       boxes  can  also  generate sales for gift  giving.   Honey  can  be
       combined  with other products for giving at Christmas.   Many  meat
       markets put together baskets of sausage, cheese,  jams and jellies,
       tea,  crackers,  and why not honey, too?  Honey and bears are often
       associated with each other and a fairly standard honey package is a
       twelve-ounce  plastic squeeze bottle in the shape of a  popular  in
       recent  years and a bear full of honey could make a good  companion
       for a toy bear as a promotional item.
            Most  produce is sold strictly by the pound or bushel  in  the
       fresh  raw  state.   Honey's several different  forms  add  to  its
       marketability.  Some people prefer comb honey, some extracted, some
       creamed or spun honey.   Most people like light colored honey,  but
       some prefer dark,  and the amount a person buys depends on how much
       they  use.   A variety of container sizes and forms  of  honey  are
       necessary to create the most sales of your honey.
            Another  big difference is pick-your-own sales.   With  honey,
       this is definitely out!
       Similarities
            Marketing  honey  also  shares similarities  with  other  farm
       products.  The work does not end with the production, but continues
       into the marketing phase.  Markets have to be found and maintained,
       and marketing can be as much work as production.
            Whether  you  are  selling green beans,  Christmas  trees,  or
       honey,  the  first requirement is to have a  top  quality  product.
       Although  honey is not perishable, it requires careful handling  to
       prevent  overheating,  contamination  with  dust  or  debris,   and
       absorption  of  atmospheric moisture.   All these  can  affect  the
       flavor, appearance, and acceptability of your honey.
            Honey  containers can convince people to buy your honey or  to
       pass it by.   I have seen honey packed in tin containers that don't
       allow  any visual inspection.   I feel that clear glass or  plastic
       are  much  more attractive and let the customer see the  color  and
       clarity of the honey.  Jars may be new or used, but if used, should
       only have contained a food product.  (Editors note:   However,  not
       all  food jars are acceptable--such as pickle jars and jars  should
       be  uniform  in  size  and style).  In any  case,  they  should  be
       absolutely clean.  Jar lids also need to be neat and attractive.  A
       dented,  rusty lid can turn people off,  as can one advertising the
       jar's  former contents.   I was at a market one time where  another
       beekeeper  was  also selling honey.  After several people  told  me
       they chose my honey because I had used new jars,  I decided I would
       never  try  to  cut  expenses by using  lids  labeled  for  another
       product.
            When selling honey to the public, federal law requires that it
       carry a label.  The label can be as plain or fancy as you like, but
       must contain certain information by law,  and should be  attractive
       to  the customer.   The law requires the label to show the name  of
       the product,  name and address of the producer, and net contents of
       the package.   Even though the label is a requirement and may  seem
       like  an unnecessary expense,  it is a good form of  advertisement.
       Anyone who uses that honey will see your name and think about  when
       the jar gets empty.
            As with other products, you should convince people to buy your
       honey specifically.   Stress its local origin.   As a beekeeper you
       are somewhat an oddity to many people.   Many customers have had  a
       relative who kept bees at some time.  This is a good opportunity to
       share  experiences.    Remember,   however,   listen  politely  and
       respectfully to your potential customers'  stories,  no matter  how
       outlandish  they might be.   Recollections of long-ago  events  may
       become muddled.
            Competition  from other beekeepers in your area will  have  an
       effect on your sales and marketing strategies.  It may be necessary
       to  find  your own niche and work on expanding and filling  it.   A
       beekeeper  with  20 hives won't need as large a market as  one  300
       hives.   I market most of my honey directly to the consumer through
       fairs, a farmer's market, and sales from my home.  I also sell some
       wholesale  in jars for direct resale.   There are  advantages   and
       disadvantages to both.
 
       HONEY COOKING CONTEST
            Once  again  this  year we will hold a  "Cooking  with  Honey"
       Contest at our Annual Meeting in Ames.  Enter your favorite dish in
       the following categories:  drinks, desserts,  main dishes,  salads,
       cookies and snacks.
            Please  provide  a copy of the recipe and your name  for  each
       item entered on a 3x5"  or 4x6" index card.   These cards should be
       turned  into the judges by 9:00 a.m.  Friday November 5th.   Please
       type or print clearly so others can understand how you made such  a
       delicious food item.
       *****************************************************************
       DADANT BEE SUPPLY DEALER specializing in providing supplies for the
       hobbyist and small sideline beekeeper.
 
       AUTUMN APIARIES, INC. - GORDON & BEVERLY POWELL
       4012 - 54TH STREET
       DES MOINES, IA. 50310
       PHONE (515) 278-1762
       *****************************************************************
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       FIRST UPPER MIDWEST REGIONAL
       BEEKEEPERS MEETING
            Come to the Bloomington, MN
       Dec. 2-4 for this regional meeting
       of beekeepers.  Featured speakers
       are Dr. Shimanuki, Sue Cobey &
       Dr. Marla Spivak. Advance reg-
       istration $10.00  For more info.
       CONTACT: Marla Spivak at
       (612) 624-4798.
 
       A HONEY OF A VERSE
 
       The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
       The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
       More to be desired are they than gold,
       Yea, than much fine gold;
       Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
                                           (Psalm 19:9-10)

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