General Meeting (September 2018)

The Capital Regional Beekeepers Association (CRBA) meets on the second Thursday of every month.

This meeting usually starts with a beginners/intermediate beekeeper corner 30 minutes before the regular club proceedings start around 7pm.

Agenda

• 6:00pm – Setup – All
• 6:30pm – New beekeepers’ corner (lower meeting room)
  • Introduction to nutrition – Don L
• 6:30pm – Intermediate beekeepers’ discussion (upper hall)
  • Open forum – Bob L
• 7:00pm – Main meeting (upper hall)
  • Welcome – Carolyn H
  • Bee nutrition – Paul vW
• 8:00pm – Club business
  • Conference update – Barry D
  • Just so you know – All
    • Have you seen bees feeding on cherries? – Carolyn H
• 8:30pm – Social
• 9:00pm – Close

Minutes

Carolyn Hissen chaired the meeting as Bill Fosdick a holiday.

Carolyn welcomed the members and guests to the meeting.

Irene Tiampo thanked the volunteers who manned the Saanich Fair exhibit and thanked Graeme Nye who signed up the volunteers and Nairn Hollot, who delivered the entries to Sooke’s Fair especially for all their help.

Nairn Hollott explained to the members that neonics are going to be banned to be used in Canada, unless there is no other alternative for the farmer.

Stan Reist, the Canadian Honey Council representative for BC, informed the members that the USA has no one policing the use of medications. There are some beekeepers in Canada (BC) who mix their own medications. Stan’s response to this is, use the chemicals as described by the manufacturer.

Paul van Westendorp, the Provincial Apiarist was introduced by Carolyn. Topics:
Winter Preparation, Veterinary Drug Policy, Necessity of Registration of Hive, Day of the Honey Bee
(May 29), Fall Survey.

Winter Preparation (“Don’t winter a weak colony”)

Key components – Colony strength, food reserves, freedom from diseases and pests, location. The hive should consist of 2 deeps or 3 dadants or deep nuc, you will have a population decline 40-60% by year end. Have a proven queen, check for brood in all stages. 45 kg of honey, feed 2:1 syrup, 4-6 combos pollen/syrup. Feeders, top hive/Pail/Frame Feeder (Paul described the difference of the sugar syrup feeders. Beekeeper should check for brood in all stages you if you find this you know you have a good queen.

Freedom from Diseases & Pests

Varroa – start in the spring to treat. Use the icing sugar/Alcohol wash 3% to total. Treatment you can use: Formic Acid/Aprivar/Oxalic Acid – re test in mid to late October.

Brood diseases
AFB/EFB – if you see abnormal brood cells – take sample for lab analysis – oxytet treatment when the test is positive. No Prophylaxis.

Winter Location

• Get the hives off the ground (30 cm off ground on blocks)
• SE orientation/wind protection
• Well drained soil/keep apiary away from branches
• With bear threat use electric fence (put up fence first then introduce hive)
• Cover the lid with plywood so it overhangs the hive.
• Possible have a bee house for severe winter protection.

Veterinarian Drug Policy

CFIA policy starts December 1, 2018. There has been a rapid increase in antibiotic resistance (MESA, TB). Most of the antibiotics are used in animal production. Bees and minor industries, approximately 4% Veterinary prescription required, nor more OTC required after December 1, 2018. (Beekeepers will purchase in bulk the medication.)

Ministry plan: Inspection, sample collection, lab confirmation, prescription and sale of drugs (to registered beekeepers)

Bob Liptrot questioned Paul as to areas that have diseases should be compartmentalized in certain areas such as the Fraser Valley and isolated. Paul’s answer to this question was some beekeepers are not compliant and all beekeepers should have their hives registered with the Provincial Government. Fraser Valley has EFB and some beekeepers are selling nucs from the Fraser Valley. Everyone likes rules but they do not think that the rules apply to them.

The Provincial Government has issued grants to beekeepers for research:

• BCHPA – has been granted $25,000 a year for 3 years.
• BC Bee Program – $100,000 for 2 years.

Carolyn thanked Paul for attending the meeting and presented him with a bottle of Tugwell Creek Mead, courtesy of Bob Liptrot.

Barry Denluck quickly brought the members an up-date of the up-coming BCHPA’s AGM and Educational Days being held in Victoria. They have now at 75% of the budget in the bank. Menu will be set this week.

Meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM for refreshments and socializing.