December 2015 / January Image: The Stinger. Published by Lookout Mountain Honeybees (256)

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Eustace Wells
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1 December 2015 / January 2016 Image: The Stinger Published by Lookout Mountain Honeybees (256)

From the President Photo: Gerry Whitaker Gerry Whitaker December's here and I hope everyone had time to work off that big, Thanksgiving meal.

Before you know it, December will have passed and January will be almost gone so it s time now to plan for February. Dr.

I suggest you register early to ensure a speedy entrance. You will find there have been some changes that I believe everyone will appreciate.

For more information on both events, visit http://www.alabamabeekeepers.com.

Please be safe and I ll see you in February. From the Treasurer Bonnie Funderburg I wish to remind everyone of annual dues.

If you receive The Stinger by mail, you are paid through the date on the label and should pay your dues the following month.

2 From the President Photo: Gerry Whitaker Gerry Whitaker December's here and I hope everyone had time to work off that big, Thanksgiving meal. I trust everyone had plenty of Pure Alabama Honey on the table. Before you know it, December will have passed and January will be almost gone so it s time now to plan for February. Dr. Tew's symposium will be held February 6th and, as always, that looks like another adventure for everyone. I suggest you register early to ensure a speedy entrance. You will find there have been some changes that I believe everyone will appreciate. The weekend following will be the Alabama Master Beekeepers course (February 11th 13th). There is a deadline for registration. For more information on both events, visit While visions of sugarplums may be dancing in your head, I wish to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please be safe and I ll see you in February. From the Treasurer Bonnie Funderburg I wish to remind everyone of annual dues. Many of you paid while registering for the annual meeting. If you receive The Stinger by mail, you are paid through the date on the label and should pay your dues the following month. Lookout Mountain Honeybees 1590 Tabor Cut Off Gadsden, Alabama Photo: Bonnie Funderburg If you receive The Stinger via , the date you are covered through will be will be in that and should pay your dues the following month. You'll find a renewal form at We are now taking orders for packages and Queens March 25th and April 7th Be class starting January 18th at 6:00 PM. Queen rearing class April 15th and 16th. Call us at (256) WANTED: All beeswax; dark or light. Call Mark McKisic at I look forward to seeing you at the symposium on February 6th. Page 1 (256) honeybees60@gmail.com Page 18

3 Image: Young Beekeeper Program Cover Page 17 Page 2

4 Young Beekeeper Program: Update Roslyn Horton I never though I'd hear myself say it's in committee, but this month I have found myself saying it frequently when asked for information concerning the Young Beekeeper Program. Truth is, as of this writing, the bulk of the program's information is still in committee as my secret band of beekeeping super heroes review it, again, before it goes to the honorable Bill Evans for some legal expertise. So far, everything is right on schedule to post it to the association's website before January 1st, So, for those of you whom are frustrated, please know that a LOT of time has gone into putting together promotional material and an application package that covers all the bases, as well as appealing to the masses. Kudos to the marketing manager of The National Speakers Bureau who invested time and expertise to make it happen. I'm not going to leave you completely hanging, however; the image accompanying this article, while subject to change between now and Jan. 1, is a teaser if you please, a promotional flier designed to be downloaded from our website and distributed by local beekeeper clubs, extension offices, home school families... anyone that is willing to help get the word out about the Young Beekeeper Program. The complete application package with instructions will also be on the website to be downloaded. That being said We need YOU to help make it happen. It's a bigger job than I and my group of beekeeper superhero's can do and we hope every club in the state will print off those fliers and get them in the hands of any and every person and organization in the state that can reach those youth who would take on the amazing adventure of becoming a beekeeper. Please make it a part of your plans for the New Year. Page 3

Driving Directions Being a Bee-Friendly Beekeeper From north Alabama going south on I-65 Take Exit 212 Clanton. At the stop sign at the end of the off-ramp, turn RIGHT toward Clanton. Go 1.

5 Driving Directions Being a Bee-Friendly Beekeeper From north Alabama going south on I-65 Take Exit 212 Clanton. At the stop sign at the end of the off-ramp, turn RIGHT toward Clanton. Go 1.1 miles on Highway 145, which is Lay Dam Road. Turn LEFT into Jefferson State Community College. Park in the back of the building. From south Alabama going north on I-65 Take Exit 212 Clanton. At the stop sign at the end of the off-ramp, turn LEFT toward Clanton. Go 1.3 miles on Highway 145, which is Lay Dam Road. Turn LEFT into Jefferson State Community College. Park in the back of the building. From west of Clanton coming east on Highway 22 Intersect Highway 145 in Clanton at the intersection of 4 th Avenue North and 7th Street North. Continue straight, staying on Highway 145 for 2.5 miles. Turn RIGHT into Jefferson State Community College. Park in the back of the building. From east of Clanton coming west on Highway 22 Intersect Highway 145 in Clanton at the intersection of 4 th Avenue North and 7th Street North. Turn RIGHT, staying on Highway 145 for 2.5 miles. Turn RIGHT into Jefferson State Community College. Park in the back of the bulding. James E. Tew Within a wide range, every beekeeper maintains their colonies in ways suitable to their lifestyle and personal schedule. Some of us can allocate more time to our bees than others. As colony numbers increase, you should expect to spend less time with individual colonies. Beekeepers who rarely manipulate their colonies will most likely have some, or even many, die. Alternatively, beekeepers who open their practically every day are also putting stress on their colonies. New beekeepers can be somewhat excused. They are still learning and are excited to explore their new bee world. The following bee-friendly points work for me. They may not work for you. I have called the items, low impact beekeeping procedures. I offer them for thought and review. Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #1: So much as possible, I have left my fifteen colonies alone all spring, summer and fall. When supering I looked at a frame or two of brood in the upper brood body, but I tried to keep my intrusion minimal. I did stagger the upper supers to allow for more ventilation. I supered pretty much on time and did a reasonably good job of keeping the grass knocked down. Otherwise, I have not intruded upon me bees. Image: Tew Fig 1 Are the bees enjoying this manipulation? Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #2: I have tried to develop my concerns about re-queening. The queen needs to be truly a bad queen before I elect to put the colony through the confusion and disruption of re-queening. I suspect that the occasional marginal queen is as good as one that I can quickly get and install. By the time the re-queening procedure has finished, the nectar-flow will have essentially passed and I am left with a new queen in a weak colony that has missed the season. Would it be fair to say that a minimally invasive recommendation would be to re-queen once per year and, unless disastrous, to live that year with the queen you get? Page 15 Page 4

6 Being a Bee-Friendly Beekeeper James E. Tew Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #3: I try to treat for mites in the Fall of the year. Some newer matterials allow for treating more often. I try to treat correctly and keep my hive openings to a minimum. I realize that mites and bees are developing both good and bad resistance to each other and to chemicals, but for the present, I am assuming that my bees will need some kind of mite treatment at least once per year. Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #4: So much as possible, I have reduced supplemental carbohydrate feeding for both survival and spring stimulation. I can t stop it all together and am not suggesting you do, either. At times it is necessary, but I have completely stopped allowing bees to rob extracted supers or honey cans. Robbing is a vicious behavior that results in weaker colonies (sometimes even stronger colonies), if not killed outright, becoming so depleted that they have little hope of surviving the upcoming winter. Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #5: For colonies that you really care about, prepare for the hive opening event. Have extra equipment on the truck to replace worn or broken hive parts. In a perfect bee world, you would even have access to a spare queen from nuclei that you set up earlier in the spring. A working number is about one nucleus per ten colonies. This past season, I maintained two nuclei for fifteen colonies. When the hive is open, perform as many chores as possible in order to reduce future trips. On double-sided bottom boards, I use the shallow side (3/8 opening) year round. That way, I avoid having to install and remove entrance reducers. Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #6: When the season allows, set up an observation hive. Not yet, but maybe soon, I will come around to saying that observation hives are presently undervalued as a management tool. Currently, they are used as educational devices or as novel seasonal hives. The performance a newmore. queen Rather can be evaluated before transthey could be soofmuch than opening full-sized ferring her to a full sized colony. Brood from the observation colonies, I can get an idea of the field events by looking at thehive obcan be used subsidizepollen needful field colonies. As it were,drone both servation hivetoactivity. collection, nectar collection, observation hivesthe and nucleus provide livingviewable spare parts. production, and status of thehives queen are readily in an Plus, upon looking at bees within an observation hive, I satisfy a observation hive. bit of my beekeeper need to see the inside of a hive. Should the recommendation be one observation hive for every ten colonies rather than a nucleus hive per ten colonies? Maybe sometime I will recommend this, but not just yet. Page 5 21st Annual Alabama Cooperative Extension System Beekeeping Symposium Saturday, February 6th, :00 AM to 3:45 PM Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center 1850 Lay Dam Road Clanton, Alabama Latitude N , Longitude W Pre-Registration: $35.00 per Person $50.00 per person, at the door, after January 22nd. Sponsors Alabama Cooperative Extension System Alabama Beekeepers Association For More Information Online Registration Page 14

Being a Bee-Friendly Beekeeper Movie Room Listing For the Serious Side-liner: Building a New Honey Processing Facility Charlie Parton, Tennessee Small, Commercial Operation A discussion of the

7 Being a Bee-Friendly Beekeeper Movie Room Listing For the Serious Side-liner: Building a New Honey Processing Facility Charlie Parton, Tennessee Small, Commercial Operation A discussion of the requirements and regulations required by Tennessee to construct a food-handling facility. This movie includes a discussion on the facility layout. Identifying and Eliminating American Foulbrood John Grafton, Retired Ohio State Apiarist James E. Tew, State Specialist, ACES Finding and dealing with a colony's case of American Foul Brood American Foul Brood is not very common, but very deadly when found. In general, the disease spread must be controlled and the colony should be destroyed. Individual state regulations must be followed. Extractors Old and New Which One is Best for You? James E. Tew, State Specialist, ACES There is no standard extractor... The extractor need is determined by the beekeeper's operation. One or two hives may not even need an extractor while a commercial operation may require several maximumsized machines. Regardless of size, all extractors are pricey. It is hard to select the right one. James E. Tew Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #7: Consider putting on some deeps as supers in order to have spare honey for the winter months when things go particularly bad. Deep supers are heavy even difficult to handle, but wintering bees can readily use bee-stored honey when nearly nothing else will do. If stored properly, deep supers can be held for several years without undue harm. If stored pollen is minimal, wax moths will not do much damage to stored comb. Not only useful as winter-feed, deep supers of honey can be used during spring seasons to make splits or to boost spring colonies needing some help. Small hive beetles may attack such stored deep supers. Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #8: I top super rather than bottom, but I provide upper entrances. To decrease the distance bees must travel to store nectar, bottom supering stipulates that the empty super goes just above the brood nest and partially full supers are placed above the empty super. It s considerable work for me and much more disruptive to the bees to remove all supers before adding a new one and frequently, burr comb must be removed or a poor fit results and bees are crushed. Top supering is easier for me and causes less disruption to the colony. Low-Impact Beekeeping Procedure #9: Don't use any more smoke than necessary and only blow cool, white smoke. I m afraid that too often rather than work our colonies, we bully them. With our protective gear Image: and our smokers blazing, no doubt Tew Fig 2 we are the bees most formidable enemy. Use only the smoke you need so the colony can recover as quickly as possible. Though it s common sense, don t kill any more bees than Be considerate; bees don't necessary to open and close the like smoke any more than colony. With their sensitive olfactory you. systems, the bees know you ve just killed several hundred of their kin. You think that makes them appreciate your efforts? (A beekeeping secret the smoke from a smoker is probably not good for your respiratory system. Don t oversmoke the bees or yourself.) Page 13 Page 6

8 Being a Bee-Friendly Beekeeper James E. Tew 1:00 1:45 P Low-Impact, Totally Impractical, Beekeeping Procedure #10: I enjoy working my colonies on nice, memorable days but these are the very days that bees should be out foraging for winter stores. We cause our bees to lose a significant part of a good foraging day when we choose that day to open colonies. Should we select cooler, rainy days or possibly go for late afternoon sessions or could such tasks as adding supers or filling feeders even be done at night? It could be done then. Just so you know, I will not be adding supers or filling feeders at night. If you want to, have at it. Keeping Bees Alive and in the Hive, Part II: Varroa & Small Hive Beetle Control Jennifer Berry Agricultural Research Coordinator and Lab Manager University of Georgia Honey Bee Lab Sustainable Beekeeping for the Backyard Beekeeper Keith Fletcher Chairman, Alabama Master Beekeepers, AMB* and GMB* Floral Design Using the Plants Bees Love Nona Hurst Rockhurst Farm My point: So much as possible, let your bees be bees. I'm afraid that, many times, we hurt more than we help. New Beekeeper Workshop Assembling Woodenware 2:00 2:45 P Dr. James E. Tew State Specialist, Beekeeping The Alabama Cooperative Extension System Auburn University Why Bees? Dr. Marion Ellis Emeritus Professor, University of Nebraska Selecting Bee Plants for Your Garden Jason Powell Petals form the Past Alabama Beekeeping Regulation and Current Issues Alabama Regulatory Staff Alabama Department of Agriculture Alabama Beekeepers' Association Board Meeting Gerry Whitaker President, Alabama Beekeepers' Association Cell Punch Method of Queen Production Wil Montgomery Member, Alabama Beekeepers' Association and GMB* New Beekeeper Workshop Dealing with Diseases and Pests 3:00 3:45 P Page 7 Page 12 Closing Remarks, Evaluations and Remaining Door Prizes

9 Alabama Master Beekeeper Program TENTATIVE PROGRAM 8:00 8:30 A Registration 8:30 8:45 A Welcome, Opening Remarks and Instructions Dr. James E. Tew ACES, Beekeeping Specialist, Moderator Gerry Whitaker President, Alabama Beekeepers Association, AMB* 9:00 9:45 A History and Use of Oxallic Acid for Controlling Varroa Mites Dr. Marion Ellis Emeritus Professor, University of Nebraska Keeping Bees Alive and in the Hive, Part I: Swarm Control & Feeding Jennifer Berry Agricultural Research Coordinator and Lab Manager University of Georgia Honey Bee Lab New Beekeeper Workshop Bees & Equipment 11:00 11:45 A February 11th 13th, 2016 Clanton, Alabama The Alabama Master Beekeeper Program's vision is to advance the educational process for beekeepers and interested persons, as well as to enhance the skills of the experienced beekeeper. Topics covered include: Biology; Bee Anatomy; Pollination; Beekeeping Terminology; Management Practices; Pests and Diseases; Proper Labeling of Honey; Queen Rearing; Alabama Beekeeping Laws and more. Four levels of certification are offered in this program: Master Craftsman; Master; Journeyman and Apprentice. New Beekeeper Workshop Life Cycle 10:00 10:45 A Keith Fletcher Sex in the Garden Sally Lee ACES Urban Region Extension Agent II Alabama A&M University Thank Goodness for Brother Langstroth and $$$ Damon Wallace Prior to attaining the Master Certification, all candidates must have the qualifications at both Apprentice and Journeyman levels and must have served, at-least, one year at said level. This helps to ensure a senior level of beekeeping intellect among our Master Beekeepers and promote a positive image to the general public. In order to sit for exams, candidates must, at minimum: Display proof of having registered bees in their state of residence; Provide evidence of having, at-least, one hive for a minimum of one year; Currently be a member of the Alabama Beekeepers Association. There is also a beginning beekeeper class for anyone wanting to learn Basic Beekeeping or some tricks of the trade. Thank you. I sincerely look forward to seeing you February 11th in Clanton. Past President, Alabama Beekeepers' Association and GMB* Practicing Correct Food Safety Techniques to Market Honey Janice Hall For More Information Visit or contact me directly at (703) ACES Regional Extension Agent III, Autauga County New Beekeeper Workshop Your First Season 12:00 12:45 P Lunch provided for the pre-registered by the A.B.A. Page 11 Page 8

From Dr. Tew Greetings, Beekeepers! Following is information and registration material for the 21 st Alabama Cooperative Extension System Symposium.

10 From Dr. Tew Greetings, Beekeepers! Following is information and registration material for the 21 st Alabama Cooperative Extension System Symposium. Please note that the symposium will be at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center in Clanton, Alabama. To provide additional space for this year, additional meeting/breakout rooms in the Jefferson State Community College building will be used. This facility adjoins the Conference Center. In addition to many qualified and experienced instructors, two nationally known speakers, Dr. Marion Ellis from the University of Nebraska and Jennifer Barry form the University of Georgia will each give two presentations. Other experienced speakers will be electronically presenting at the meeting through captured videos in the Movie Room. Additionally, Lonnie Funderburg has developed a workshop specifically for beginning beekeepers. This is a fantastic meeting site with information for both new and experienced beekeepers, as well as an elaborate selection of bee supplies from national bee supply companies. We hope you can join us February 6th, 2016! 21st ACES Beekeeping Symposium Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center February 6th, 2016 NEW THIS YEAR Jefferson State Community College, Chilton-Clanton Campus Due to large numbers of new beekeepers and larger than expected 2015 attendance, the 2016 ACES Beekeeping Symposium will conduct a Beginning Beekeeper Workshop in the Jefferson State Community College adjacent to the Conference and Performing Arts Center. Session will run concurrently with the main program. Since beginning beekeeper skills vary, participants may move between these two programs. If needed, some beginning session may be repeated to ensure that all beginning beekeepers have access to each topic. The Movie Room The video/movie room is back, in a larger room for your viewing pleasure. Three new presentation on various aspects of beekeeping will be shown. Some of these can be watched after the meeting at home. Have your smartphones ready to capture QR codes or URL's. If your phone isn't smart, you can always write the URL in your notes until you can get it to a web browser and view them. This room gives participants additional topics. Like the Beginning Beekeeper Workshop, these will be showing concurrently with the main program. Upgraded Audio and Visual Equipment ACES has standardized computers and projectors used for presentations. In addition, a better amplification system will be used in areas where the audio needs to be heightened Vendors, Food and Door Prizes Since vendors are an important part of any beekeeping meeting, this area will be larger than last year. For faster service, box lunches will be served. For your convenience, and to reduce congestion, food will be available at two, separate locations. Most door prizes will be announced before the end of the day. A new system will be used to make it easier for participants to know if they are winners. New Schedule All sessions begin on-the-hour. You will not have to check your program for the beginning time for the next session. Also new this year: You now have 15 minutes to move from session to session. This will allow some time to check out the vendors or grab a bite to eat. Thanks to Cook's Pest Control for help supporting this event financially. Page 9 Page 10 Advertisement: Cook's Pest Control

December 2015 / January Image: The Stinger. Published by Lookout Mountain Honeybees (256)

December 2015 / January Image: The Stinger. Published by Lookout Mountain Honeybees (256) December 2015 / January 2016 Image: The Stinger Published by Lookout Mountain Honeybees (256) 523-4767 From the President Photo: Gerry Whitaker Gerry Whitaker December's here and I hope everyone had time