Author Archives: Carl Fisher

What to Expect in Northeast WI in January

Here is what to expect in and around the hive in January.

Tom Cashman Research Grant

The Tom Cashman Research Grant honors the extraordinary legacy of Tom Cashman, a dedicated member of the Brown County Beekeeping Association for 52 years. His family’s involvement in the club spans an incredible 80 years, representing nearly a century of commitment to the art and science of beekeeping.

Over his five decades of membership, Tom witnessed remarkable changes and innovations in beekeeping. In his spirit of curiosity, learning, and community sharing, this annual grant seeks to accelerate discovery and encourage exploration of new developments in beekeeping, to dispel myths, or to prove theories that may not be fully explored.

Eligibility

Open to all club members whose dues are current for the year in which the research grant is requested, have been a member for at least 12 months, and have attended at least 2 meetings. Grant awardees must remain members in good standing for the duration of the project.

Individual or team applications are welcome.

Expectations of Recipients

Use the funds to explore or test new ideas in beekeepings

Share their findings with the club through a brief presentation, demonstration, or written report within six months of completion of the project

Selection Process

A three person selection panel will review all applications submitted in writing prior to or at the February BCBA monthly meeting. The recipients(s) will be selected based upon:

Creativity and relevance of the proposed project
Potential benefit to the club or wider beekeeping community
Feasibility and clarity of the project plan

Application Requirements

Interested members must submit a proposal (1-3 pages) including:

Project Title and summary
Objectives of the project in include a hypothesis and expected outcome and significance to the furtherance of beekeeping knowledge
Plan of work and itemized budget with amounts explaining how funds are expected to be expended
Timeline including the beginning and end of the project
How results will be shared with the club and, if appropriate, with the wider beekeeping community.

Applications are due by the February monthly BCBA meeting. Please send to the Club President at grothchris1@gmail.com. The award(s) will be announced at the April monthly BCBA club meeting.

BCBA member Dave Elsen published article in American Bee Journal

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Former BCBA President and current education chairperson, Dave Elsen, recently submitted an article to American Bee Journal which was accepted and published.

The article, entitled “How to Attract New Members and Retain Experienced Beekeepers: The Story of Brown County Beekeepers“, shares Dave’s experiences during his ten years of beekeeping and as a club member.

“There’s no instruction manual, no “one right way.” But after more than a century of supporting beekeepers in Northeast Wisconsin, we’ve learned a few things about creating a club that people want to join and stay with.”

If you would like to know more – download and read the complete article here.

Honey Show Nov 19, 2025

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BCBA Honey, Wax and Crafts Contest Update

The Club Contest will be at the November meeting. All entries must be submitted between 5:00-5:30.

You are strongly encouraged to read the content rules / criteria.

There are many categories to choose from this year to include three new categories: photography, arts and crafts and black jar honey.

If you are entering honey in the light, amber and dark honey categories the club does provide jars. (Note: We exchanged the jars that had some bubbles in the glass for new jars. They will be at the October meeting or just reach out to Dave Elsen). The Club retains the honey entries and uses for future events or donations.

Read The Rules