Here is the link for the UPDATEDBCBA 2020 GUIDE TO PURCHASING BEES 2020. We are not endorsing any specific supplier, but giving members the option to see what’s available, do personal research and make educated decisions. This is the start to a GREAT year, please remember to come to club meetings for additional support and valuable information.
During one of the club’s virtual meetings about installing and feeding nucs and packages the question came up about feeding using a zip top bag. No one in the meeting had any feedback so Carl Fisher has done some internet research and come up with the following.
A very cost effective way to feed the bees. No extra equipment to buy except for zip top bags and a sharp knife but you probably already have those.
Most folks use a gallon zip top freezer bag. Don’t see any reason a quart size wouldn’t work.
Mix sugar water just like you would for other types of feeders. One part water to one part sugar (or 2 x 2).
Fill the bag half way with the sugar solution.
Gently lay the bag directly on top of the frames taking care not to smash your bees.
Use a sharp knife to slice several one inch slits in the bag so the bees have access to the mixture. Don’t press too hard when cutting or you will have a sugary mess.
Join Brown County Beekeepers Association President Dave Elsen and Vice President Julie Mazzoleni as they demonstrate how to install a nuc and a package of new honey bees. They also take questions from club members on lots of related topics to include feeding the new bees. The presentation is an hour long but well worth it.
During the April 15, 2020 virtual club meeting the subject of performing a sugar roll to check mite load came up. The Minnesota Bee Squad does a lot of good work in the area of mite testing and controls. The only issue with this video, in the club’s opinion, is the person is only wearing head protection. She is not wearing gloves or arm protection. The club always recommends taking the level of personal protection you are comfortable with.
A survey was taken during the November 2019 club meeting asking members to prioritize the purchase of potential items by ranking up to five items from 1 (highest priority) to 5. There were eleven items suggested for potential purchase. The club also voted to allocate up to $1,000 to purchase the top ranked items.
We then added up all of the “votes” an item received and divided the sum by the number of votes. A combination of votes and average score resulted in the following rankings.
RAnk
Item
Votes
Avg Score
1
Infrared Camera
12
2.08
2
Honey Extracting Kit
11
2.27
3
Bee Education Posters
9
3.33
4
Hive Scale
8
2.25
5
Candle / Wax Molds
8
3.88
6
Frame Assembly Jig
6
4.0
7
Dovetail Jig
5
4.0
8
BCBA Medallions
5
4.4
9
Laptop Computer
1
2.0
10
Printer
1
3.0
11
Polariscope
1
4.0
As of March 2020 the club has purchased the Infrared Camera and the Honey Extracting Kit items. Both are currently available to rent for club members.
Our March meeting was cancelled where the topic for discussion was going to be “Spring Management Before Dandelions Bloom”. Here is a 3 minute video by Dave Elsen on that subject.
We are hopeful this event will be rescheduled, however, at this time it has to be CANCELLED.
The Brown County Library – Denmark Branch, is hosting the Brown County Beekeepers Association in a one hour presentation on BEGINNING BEEKEEPING. The presentation will be on Monday April 13th at 6:00 PM and will cover : equipment, cost and time.
LOCATION: Brown County Library – 450 N Wall St, Denmark, WI 54208
A quick assessment of overall hive health before a full inspection can be done by tilting the hive forward on the bottom board. In this way you get a feel for the weight of the hive, colony size, and a critical look at the bottom board. Read the full article by Bee Informed Partnershiphere
Since Varroa mites were introduced into the United States in 1987 beekeepers have been searching for ways to eliminate them. The more one knows about mites the easier it is for the beekeeper to keep healthy hives. This article in Entomology Today talks about different controls one can use when following an Integrated Pest Management approach.