[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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