At our November meeting we had our annual election of officers.  Competition was intense but after several recounts and analysis of voter eligibility, we finally achieved a certified result.  See the results below, effective in January.

New Officers:.

President: Jerry Robnett
VicePres: Jim Tunnell
Treasurer: John Bryant
Secretary: Glenn Engel
1st year Board: Lawrence Oberholtzer
2nd year board: Cindy White
3rd year board: Jim Ullman

The Mt Vernon regional dinner went very well and the speaker (George Hanson) was quite good and thoroughly entertaining.  Anyone who wasn't there missed out!

 

Reports are the state conference went well.  Lawrence gave us an update on the Hive Beetle.   They multiply very quickly and eat the pollen, honey, and wax in the hive, essentially destroying the hive in the process.   They are starting to show up in Washington State due to migratory beekeeping.  So far it has not been an economic problem due to the northwest climate.  They prefer sandy soil as well which is not as common here.   As with all pests, they seem to infest the weaker hives much easier than strong hives.  Fluvalinate is not effective against them but coumaphous is effective.   But, who wants to use coumaphous…   A good IPM solution seems to be chickens.  The chickens chow down on any larvae that are in the ground.

 

There are reports of a fungus that seems to be effective against the varroa mite.  It's still in early development/testing but is being used commercially for termites.

 

A new antibiotic 'Tylosin' used to treat for AFB is recommended only in powder form.  In liquid form it can stay active for 12 months in honey so beware of potential contamination.

 

Ron regaled us with bee stories involving bears, darkness, guns, and beady eyes in the darkness.   Fortunately, his trigger finger was not too fast or a certain horse might have had a shorter life.

December will be our Holiday Party.   Discussion ensued on whether to do a pot luck or to meet at a restaurant.   Decision was to do a potluck after much arm wrestling.  The potluck will be Dec 13 at our usual meeting place at Christ the King Church.  7PM Bring something for a door prize.  

 

Moved and seconded for Cindy to send out post cards for the December meeting.

 

It was also suggested to general agreement that we evaluate the beekeeping calendar in the newsletter at each meeting so we can 'modernize' it with IPM methods.