[ocba] Minutes of 5-11-06 OCBA Meeting
G. Blake Alexander, O.D.
baiiii at bellsouth.net
Sat May 13 00:15:43 EDT 2006
Our meeting was called to order promptly at 7:30 pm by president Eva Hoke.
Blake Alexander introduced a new beekeeper to the group: Donald Cornish
of Chapel Hill joined the OCBA and recently finished the Alamance
Beekeeping Course taught by Don Moore and Ken Pipes. Some of our other
members also took the course this time. Mr. Cornish has two new hives
that are doing well.
Members introduced themselves and spoke of their honey production. We
also had a visitor from Rockingham who has at least 45 hives. He turned
out to be our speaker for the evening.
Attendance sheet showed 26 people present.
Treasurers Report indicated $1,960.50 in our account.
Reminders told us that there are at least two extractors available for
loan: One from Jack Tapp and the other from Tom Wright.
Sleigh Open House scheduled for 6-10-2006 at a Lavender Farm has offered
us space at the event to set up and sell honey and/or other bee
products--contact Eva Hoke (president) for details.
A committee was formed to make up a brochure to tell others about our
organization. Tom Wright volunteered and would welcome others to assist
in this project.
The ZOO project was discussed, led by Gayle Young urging us to get out
and sell more chances on the drawing for the "Gator"--name to be drawn
at the State Fair this year.
Charles Fleckenstein was presented with a 50,000 T-SHIRT for his recent
contribution
Zack and Eli Lamb volunteered to take several tickets for the Gator prize.
Photos for the calender were discussed.
A Saturday Field Trip on 6-17-06 will take the place of our next
regular meeting:
Breakfast at 8:30, followed by visits to Pete Peters and Jeff & Becky
Bolingers yards, and after lunch (paid for by The OCBA) we will visit
Jeff Lees place in Mebane.
Orchard (Blue) Mason Bees were mentioned and a source for nest kits
offered. There are several books out on the subject are available.
Frank Wyatt from Rockingham was the speaker on "Hive Nutrition". For a
productive hive, the bees need Protein (pollen), Carbohydrates
(nectar), and Water. Also amino acids, trace minerals, lipids, salts,
and vitamins. Royal Jelly is fed to the young larvae, the queen, and
young workers. Protein needs decrease when older bees begin
foraging.Yeast and Soy Flour are used to make a pollen substitute but is
not as effective as the real thing.
Brewers Yeast has known to have some benefit however.
Pollen is best given to the hives in very early spring along with extra
food. This can produce a jump-start in hive production plus a possible
three weeks added to the bees life.
Drones in the hive can be a barometer for how well the bees are doing:
If Adult-Pupa-Larva-and Eggs are all present, the bees have sufficient
pollen. If you see Adult-Pupa- and eggs only, there is a shortage of
pollen. If you see Adults only, there has been a pollen shortage for at
least 7 days. I you see none of the stages of the drone, the pollen
shortage has been present for 2 to 4 weeks.
Pest Stress can also affect (lower) pollen levels.
The speakers personal recommendations-year round: Pollen patties as
needed--3 to 5 frames of pollen per hive--and monitor Drone levels as
described above. Mr. Wyatt passed around pictures and informed us that
he represents a Canadian company that sells real "treated" pollen
patties. His e-mail is wytgrp at netpath-rc.net. He also passed out
sheets describing how to apply pollen to the hives.
Nance Fleckenstein and Wilson Lamb won prizes given by the speaker.
Happy provided excellent refreshments.
Best,
Blake Alexander (temporary minutes taker)
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