Bee Tidings is a cooperative publication of the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension and the Nebraska Beekeepers Association. The newsletter announces events of interest to beekeepers, provides timely advice, and summarizes current research that beekeepers can use.
The Nebraska Beekeepers Association will hold their annual convention on November 15 and 16 beginning at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 15 and ending Saturday, November 16 at 4:00 PM. The convention will be held at the Howard Johnson Inn located at 5250 Cornhusker Highway in Lincoln, Nebraska. For motel reservations call 402-464-3171. Speakers will include John Gruzska, Saskatchewan Provincial Apiarist, Dr. Robert Danka, USDA Honey Bee Breeding Laboratory, Lee Hiene, Wisconsin Honey Producers Association, Nick Aliano and Marion Ellis, University of Nebraska Department of Entomology. There will be a banquet Friday evening. For more information contact Warren Nelson, President (402-466-8173 or wnelson193@aol.com).
John Gruzska will speak about wintering bees in the bitter cold winters of Saskatchewan and managing bees for honey production in the intense honey flows that characterize his Province. Dr. Danka will talk about genetic stocks developed and released by the Baton Rouge USDA Honey Bee Breeding Laboratory and his research on tracheal mites. Lee Hiene will present a report from the National Honey Board, and he will talk about the activities of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association. Nick Aliano will speak about his research on controlling varroa mites with inert dusts. Dr. Ellis will review teaching, research and extension programs in Apiculture at the University of Nebraska.
There will be a silent auction, and participants are encouraged to bring items to contribute. Beekeeping supply dealers will be there to tempt you with their wares. This is a great opportunity to learn what's happening in the world of bees and beekeeping. The Association officers have done a great job of organizing an informative and fun program. Be sure to invite a beekeeping neighbor or new beekeeper to come with you.
After 20 years without a significant increase, honey prices have made up for lost time. In the past 2 months, wholesale prices paid to beekeepers have doubled and are still increasing with some lots of honey selling for over $1.50 per pound. What is driving this much needed price increase? The anti dumping legislation certainly started the ball rolling, but the change is being driven by supply and demand. The widespread drought in the U.S. greatly reduced production in many areas. Another contributing factor has been the discovery of antibiotics that are not approved for use in honey bee colonies in honey shipped from China. This has resulted in reluctance by packers to buy honey from China at any price.
Any thinking beekeeper must be asking if this is a temporary spike in the market or a sustainable increase. I, for one, think it is sustainable, and I do not think the market will recover from the drop in supply quickly. Invariably, markets for bakery grade honey will be lost, especially those that require a price below the cost of production to exist. These are markets that beekeepers do not need, and they do beekeepers more harm than good by encouraging the importation of low-quality product at a low price. I have never felt that honey should be marketed as an "alternative" sweetener. Beekeeper's competition should not be other sweeteners, but rather other high-value specialty products.
These prices suggest that retail sales of honey should be at least $2.00 per pound plus the cost of the container, label and delivery. These are fair prices that accurately reflect the cost of producing honey. Most consumers do not purchase large amounts of honey and are more concerned with premium quality than low price. Those who buy larger amounts should be told that until this year the wholesale price of honey was basically unchanged from 1978 to 2002. A large increase in a short time frame is hard for some consumers to accept, but in the perspective of the last 25 years, the honey market is just catching up for decades of stagnant prices.
In this climate of unprecedented price growth, the National Honey Board will play an important role in sustaining the increase. Consumer assurances of honey quality and promotion are critical components of sustaining the honey market and retaining customer loyalty. Beekeepers need all the horsepower they can get to sustain this much needed price increase, and this climate provides the Honey Board an opportunity to shine.
The American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) will hold their annual convention in Kansas City at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. The dates are January 13-16, 2003. Meeting and registration details are available on the ABF Web Site. Meeting and registration details can also be obtained by writing or calling the ABF Executive Secretary:
Hotel reservations can be made by calling: (816) 474-4400. The meeting features a top notch line up of speakers, an extensive vendor exhibit, a great honey show. The meeting is usually held a long way from the central states, and this is a great opportunity to attend without making a long trip.
The American Honey Producers Association (AHPA) will hold their annual convention in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the Baton Rouge Marriott. The dates are January 7-11, 2003. Meeting details are available on the AHPA Web Site. Meeting and registration details can also be obtained by writing or calling the AHPA Secretary:
The program will highlight research programs at the Baton Rouge Honey Bee Breeding and Physiology Laboratory including the recently released stocks selected for varroa resistance.
Both meetings provide great opportunities to learn what's new in the bee business in a relaxed atmosphere where friendships can be made and renewed.
|
|
Have you noticed how difficult it is to get someone to step into leadership roles in organizations that serve the common good (such as beekeeping associations)? It seems that everyone wants the benefits of these organizations, but few volunteers step forward to accept leadership roles.
I think there is a reason for this and that we need to fix the problem. We have failed to accord those who lead the respect, honor, and appreciation that should go with their gift of time and energy. The next time you see your association president, newsletter editor, and other officers let them know that their efforts are valued and appreciated. If you have enjoyed the benefits of being part of an organization, give something back when you are invited to serve. I have never been to a fellow beekeeper's funeral at which the minister or attendees talked about how many pounds of honey the deceased produced, but I have heard long discussions of what the was done for others, who was helped, and what service roles were performed. Invest your time and energies wisely, and when you benefit from another's gift of time and energy, don't forget to say "Thank You!".
Bee Tidings is published jointly by University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension and the Nebraska Beekeepers Association four times a year. Your membership in the Nebraska Beekeepers Association for $12 per year includes a subscription to Bee Tidings.
| This newsletter was respectfully written by: | |
 |
|
| Your comments and suggestions about the newsletter are always welcome! | |
