The NHBA Fall meeting was another rousing success. The planning sessions conducted by the Executive board proved to create another meeting that was executed well and met with rave reviews. From set up the night before to clean up the day of the event all went smoothly. CC Tomatoes once again out-did themselves in providing a world class meal. A huge thank you to everyone who stepped in to help. Caroline Marshall and Marc Herrmann who collected, labeled and tallied the honey contest winners, Kevin Lefebvre who took pictures, Chris Rallis our T-shirt salesman extraordi- naire, Julie Eaton who stepped in to coordinate set up, Mike Bayko –always a first to arrive and last to leave supporter. For anyone we missed – apologies –

your efforts are definitely appreciated!

Kim Flottum spoke at length about Hon-ey bee Nutrition. He cited one of the most important factors for our bees is to have quality food whenever it is needed. Water too was a top topic as on a hot day a colony of bees require 1 gallon of water and if the water quality is sub- standard or there is a reduction in the availability of water, the bees suffer. Feeding was a discussion point. Since we feed for several reasons, there are some things to keep in mind

When simulating a nectar flow for stimulating brood rearing, Kim pointed out that we are better off to give food more often and less food. It is a closer simulation to nature. Bees that run out of food know they need to hurry because there are finite resources.

When raising queens keep a good supply of light sugar syrup. This produces lots of brood which ill in turn give lots of royal jelly and proteins.

During Pollination to encourage pollen collection
During a summer dearth feed 2 or 3 to 1 syrup which will help in avoiding robbing –bees will consume this

Kim spoke of the importance of feeding both wet and dry pollen as bees store wet pollen in their bodies and dry pollen in cells.

In his separate talk, Kim discussed 10 things every beekeeper should know. Here are a few:
The importance of Good queens –raised in luxury, extremely well mated Healthy beyond belief.

The importance genetics play in the equation –Adapted to your location, suitable to your management, resistant to common problems, efficient producers, well behaved

The need to control swarming, anticipate population growth provide room in advance, reduce population before honey flow.
Ensure good quality food for every bee in the bunch, quality and quantity –consider growing your own

Be sure to protect your bees –winter them well, insulate, wrap, reduce wind, ventilate Control Pests –Varroa must be controlled Maintain the safety of food –prevent harvest contamination, avoid overheat

Provide a safe environment – replace foundation every 3 years, avoid agriculture pesticides, keep good records.
Our write ups simply cannot do justice to Kim’s presentation. We encourage everyone to attend the Spring and Fall meetings and the Summer workshop at Musterfield Farms to hear these great presentations for yourself.