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Dates to Remember
Feb 14: February NWDBA Meeting
Mar 9: NWDBA Board Meeting, 6PM IXTAPA
Mar 14: NWDBA Meeting
October: State Convention hosted
by Mt Baker
March Program
The March program will discuss preparing hives for spring.
I'm sure Ron will tell us preparation really started in the fall for
spring but for those playing catch-up plan on learning what to do!
Also, rosters of members will be available for pickup at the meeting.
January Meeting
At our January meeting we talked about marketing specialty
honey. For example, knotweed is easily sold for $9 per pound and
has been shown to be high in anti-oxidents. The National Honey
Board is currently doing testing of various varieties as well.
We talked about the fair and the
association dropping the ball on the tent last year. There seemed
to be agreement that we need someone 'in charge' rather than just hoping
someone will get it done. More discussion at the February meeting.
Master Beekeeper Class
Tim Bueler is teaching a Master
Beekeeper class this year with meetings on Feb 11, 25, Mar 11, 25 from
9-1pm. The cost is $0 and incudes all materials as well as a 1
year association membership and Connie's famous treats. [ editor:
sorry this is getting to folks after the first class, perhaps Tim can do
a makeup if enough are interested? ]
Regional Dinner
Mt Baker is hosting the state convention this year in October
and is also on the hook for hosting the regional meeting. They
have requested NWDBA swap with them so they don't have to do both in one
year. NWDBA will do the swap and plan for the regional dinner
before the state convention. Any volunteers to make the
arrangements?
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2006 Dues
Please bring a check to the January meeting or send dues to our
treasurer payable to NWDBA.
John Bryant
9824 38th Pl SE
Everett, WA 98205
| Individual Membership |
$7.50 |
| Family Membership |
$10.00 |
| WSBA
Member Credit |
($1)
individual, ($2) family |
| ABJ |
?? |
| Bee Culture |
?? |
Thanks to Cindy White, Jerry Robnett, Stan Pallo, Tim &Connie Bueler, Jim Ullman,
Jim Tunnell, Pete & Bonnie Wolcott, and Glenn Engel for paying dues in January.
January
Beekeeping
Make or order spare hives and
other equipment required for the coming season. See that hive entrances
are kept clear of dead bees. Note the amount of bee loss in your apiary
notebook. Order queens and package bees now to avoid the last minute rush.
February
Beekeeping
See that hive entrances are
kept clear of dead bees. If you have not done so already, order your
package bees or queens. Lift the hives from the front to determine an
estimate of colony honey stores – you should be lifting 45 to 50 pounds.
If they are light (or near starving), place two cups drivert sugar on the back
end of the top bars above the bee cluster, or feed 2-4 quarts syrup in a
four-hole top-feeder a using two parts sugar to one part water.
March
Beekeeping
Register
your hives with the Department of Agriculture. March 1 –15, open hive and
check honey stores to be sure there are at least four combs of honey in the
hive. Feed syrup if there is less than two combs. Clean the hive
bottom board. Mouse guards may be removed about mid month. If
colonies are 10 to 12 combs of bees, begin comb rotation – two or three combs
with young brood and eggs to center of bottom box and empty combs to sides of
brood (next to honey) in second box. If colony is 12 to 15 frames of bees
with four to six combs of brood, add the first honey super over a queen
excluder.
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