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January 13 Introduction to Beekeeping - Todd Walker
January 20 Honeybee Biology - Todd Walker
January 27 Bees as Social Insects - Todd Walker
February 3 Beekeeping Equipment - Lewis Cauble
February 10 Getting Started - Will Hicks
Saturday, February 1410am - Noon
Field Day - Equipment Building Bailey Bee Supply, 147 Boone Square Street, Hillsborough 27278
February 17 Plants for Bees in NC - Geneva Green
February 24 Products of the Hive - Inge Kautzmann
March 3 Diseases, Pests, and Treatments - Geneva Green
March 10 Seasonal Management/Review and Certification Exam - Todd Walker
Saturday, March 1410am - Noon
Field Day (weather permitting) location TBA
Regular Meeting Info Officers Name Phone Email
7pm, 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Co-President Chris Apple 919-732-0902 [email protected], 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Co-President Cynthia Speed 919-732-4842 [email protected]
7pm, 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Vice-President Cynthia Woodsong [email protected]
7pm, 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Treasurer Dick Merritt 919-732 4902 [email protected]
7pm, 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Secretary Jan Rogers [email protected]
7pm, 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Director Cedric Pearce 919-968-6027 [email protected]
7pm, 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Director Rex Williams 979-218-8728 [email protected]
7pm, 2nd Thursday
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hillsborough1710 Old NC 10 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Director Dave Eckert [email protected]
OrangeCountyBeekeepersAssociation
Bee School
www.theocba.org - revised 01/09/2015
History Timeline
Here's a look at some of the big moments in the history of American bees and beekeeping:
1622 -- The first known record shows European bees being shipped to the American colonies, from England to Virginia. Wild, native American bees -- representing nearly half the world's 7,000 species -- don't live in hives or make significant quantities of honey.
1800 -- By this time, European honey bees were widely distributed from the East Coast to the Mississippi.
1850 -- By this time, European honey bees were found from coast to coast.
1851 -- L. Lorenzo Langstroth observes the “bee space” making the use of removable frame hives feasible.
1865 -- Franz Von Hruschka, an Austrian, invents the centrifugal honey extractor making large scale honey production possible. American companies such as Dadant and Sons and A.I. Root soon begin production of similar machines.
1896 -- “Disappearing disease,” an undiagnosed ailment that causes the disappearance or death of honey bees, is noted in parts of the United States.
1900s -- European foulbrood disease strikes American colonies in the early part of the century, before disease-resistant stocks were introduced in the 20s.
1922 -- Congress bans the importation of bees.
1960s -- “Disappearing disease” again strikes, this time in Texas and Louisiana.
1984 -- Tracheal mites are found for the first time in Florida bee colonies.
1987 -- Varroa mites are found in Florida bee colonies, causing death to some colonies in as little as seven months.
1990 -- Africanized bees (aka "killer bees"), first brought to Brazil in 1952, reach the United States in Texas. As of 2007, they were found in nine Southern and Southwestern states.
1990s -- Widespread use of a popular antibiotic leads to resistant strains of American foulbrood disease, a particularly problematic bacterial infection. Varroa mites soon also develop resistance to a commonly used pesticide.
2000 -- A Cornell University report estimates that the economic value of honey bees as pollinators is $15 billion.
2003 -- Varroa mites that are resistant to approved pesticides become more and more common.
2005 -- For the first time since 1922, honey bees are imported to replenish dwindling American populations. Some have estimated the population loss since the 1980s at 50% but the available data is not comprehensive.
OrangeCountyBeekeepersAssociation
Bee School
www.personcountybeekeepers.org
2006 -- A National Academy of Sciences report warns that continued declines in populations of North American pollinators, particularly European honey bees and native bumblebees, could threaten 75% of all flowering plants, including most food crops.
2007 -- “Colony collapse disorder” is coined to describe an apparently new affliction striking bee colonies. Affected hives empty as bees fail to return after leaving to forage. Beekeepers in at least 35 states have reported significant losses of up to 90 percent, prompting government investigations, Congressional deliberations and widespread public concern.
OrangeCountyBeekeepersAssociation
Bee School
www.personcountybeekeepers.org
Note 3.01(Previously Note #1)
BEES AND BEEKEEPING IN NORTH CAROLINA
Who Keeps Bees? Anybody can keep honey bees. In North Carolina, farmers,businessmen, homemakers, carpenters, children, doctors, university professors, and justabout anyone else you can imagine keeps bees.
Where Can Bees Be Kept? Bees can be kept almost anywhere. There are beekeepersin deserts, small towns, in rural areas, in suburban areas, in large cities, and on beach frontproperty. There is even at least one beekeeper in New York City who keeps severalhives of bees on the roof of his penthouse apartment.
What is a Bee Colony? A bee colony is merely a large family of bees. It consists ofone queen who is the mother of all of the other bees in the hive, between 15,000 -50,000 worker bees and several hundred drones (male bees).
How Popular is Beekeeping in North Carolina? Beekeeping is a very popularhobby and interest seems to be on the increase. There are over 10,000 beekeepers in thestate and about 1,200 of them belong to the N. C. State Beekeepers Association. Inaddition, the NCSBA has beekeeping chapters in most of the N. C. counties.
Are There Beekeeping Education Programs in N.C.? Yes, there are manyprograms such as regular courses on honey bees at N.C. State University, short coursesoffered at the annual NCBA conventions (twice a year) and at local NCSBA chapter(county) meetings, and of course the N.C. Master Beekeeper Program. The N.C. MasterBeekeeper Program is the largest and most long-lived state master beekeepingeducational program in the United States. The program is completely free of charge toN.C. residents and is sponsored by the N.C. State Beekeepers Association, N.C. StateUniversity (Extension Service), and the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture.
What is the North Carolina State Insect? The honey bee!
Is North Carolina an Important Beekeeping State? Definitely! North Carolinaranks in the top ten states based on its number of beehives. In addition, there are morebeekeepers in North Carolina than any other state. The great majority of the state'sbeekeepers are hobby beekeepers with less than 10 hives of bees per beekeeper.
Why Is Beekeeping Important in North Carolina? In a typical year, North Carolina's beekeepers (with a little helpfrom their bees) produce between 5 and 6 million pounds of honey with a value of approximately $10 million dollars. In addition, they also produce over 120,000 pounds of beeswax. But that is only part of the story. Honey bees alsocontribute another $70 million plus to the state's agricultural economy through the pollination of such crops as apples,blueberries, cucumbers and other vine crops.
Does a Bee Sting Hurt? Yes, but few things in life are free, not even honey. It is also important to note that a goodbeekeeper learns how to reduce the chances of being stung.
What North Carolina Crops Really Benefit from Honey Bee Pollination? Many of our fruit and vegetable cropssuch as apples, blueberries, cucumber, melons, pumpkins, squash, strawberries, and watermelons show increases in yieldand quality from honey bee pollination. In addition, a sizeable portion of the diet of North Carolina's wildlife (birds,squirrels, bears, etc.) feed on bee pollinated plants.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Started in Beekeeping? The first hive of bees and the equipment to work the beesshould cost about $175.00. Additional hives cost less because some of the equipment is interchangeable and reusable.
What Are Some of the Ways to Earn Money from Honey Bees? ! sale of honey! sale of beeswax and beeswax products such as candles! renting bee colonies for pollination! sale of queen and package bees! sale of specialty bee products such as pollen, bee venom and royal jelly
How Much Money Can a Hobby Beekeeper Earn Per Colony of Bees? In N. C. the average hobby beekeeper canexpect to earn approximately $60-$80/colony from honey sales. This amount may fluctuate from year to year and thebeekeeper may also earn income from other sources such as the sale of beeswax, pollination, etc.
Where Can I Obtain Additional Information on Beekeeper? 1. Office of your local (county) Cooperative Extension Agent2. North Carolina State Beekeepers Association - (information on membership including dues, benefits, andannual meetings):
Mr. Paul Madren, Treasurer Visit the NCSBA web site:104 Woodland Drive www.ncbeekeepers.org
Cary, N.C. 27513Phone: (919) 467-7065
3. Extension Apiculturist at N. C. State University (general information on beekeeping and beekeepingeducation programs):
Dr. David R. Tarpy, Extension ApiculturistCampus Box 7613 Visit the NCSU web site:N. C. State University http://entomology.ncsu.edu/apiculture
Raleigh, NC 27695-7613Phone: (919) 515-1660
4. NC Dept. of Agriculture (information on bee disease inspection services and state regulations on beekeeping):Mr. Don Hopkins, Apiary Inspector SupervisorN. C. Dept. of Agriculture Visit the NCDA web site:PO Box 27647 www.agr.state.nc.us/plantind/plant/apiary/apairy.htm
Raleigh, NC 27611Phone: (919) 233-8214
Prepared by: J. T. Ambrose, Extension Apiculturist - May 1996, Revised July 2000d/a1;ebj/200
Beekeeping Note 3.14 04/2007
- 1 -
Many crops require insects to move pollen from one flower to another. Pollination
ensures fruit set, proper development, more fruit, and viable seed. Honey bees are
the most important insect pollinator for crops grown in North Carolina.
! Vegetable and fruit crops that require honey bees include cucumbers,
blueberries, watermelons, apples, squash, strawberries, melons, and peaches.
! Forage crops that benefit from honey bee pollination include alfalfa, cotton,
peanuts, and soybeans.
! Averaged over the last five years, honey bees have directly accounted for
approximately $96 million in annual fruit and vegetable production (67.9%)
and approximately $186 million in total annual crop productivity (24.5%)
(Table 1).
Since the mid-1980s, honey bees have been plagued by two exotic parasitic mites
that can kill entire colonies if left untreated. The result has been a dramatic drop in
the state’s honey bee population
! The estimated number of managed hives in the state has declined from a
high of 180,000 hives before the mite introduction to only 100,000 hives
currently.
! Most wild honey bee colonies, which also served as pollinators, have been wiped out by these mites.
It is now necessary that growers of bee-dependent crops rent hives to ensure proper
and successful pollination.
! Pollination rentals often require pollination contracts between growers and
beekeepers to ensure an adequate number of honey bees in the crop during
the bloom period.
! An estimated 240,000 hives will be required for pollination in 2007 (Table
2), which exceeds the number of managed hives in the state. Thus it is vital
to contract pollinators well ahead of the date they are needed.
To locate beekeepers in your area, contact your local Cooperative Extension
Office, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or
visit the “BeeLinked” web site at:
http://www.ncagr.com/beelinked
Distributed in furtherance of the acts of
Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
North Carolina State University and North
Carolina A&T State University commit
themselves to positive action to secure
equal opportunity regardless of race, color,
creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or
disability. In addition, the two Universities
welcome all persons without regard to
sexual orientation. North Carolina State
University, North Carolina A&T State
University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
THE VALUE OF HONEY BEES AS POLLINATORS IN N.C.
Bee
kee
pin
g N
ote
3.1
4
04/2
007
- 2
-
Rec
om
men
ded
CR
OP
Hiv
es/a
cre
Acr
eag
eN
o.
hiv
es n
eed
ed
Ap
ple
s1
.56
,74
01
0,1
10
Blu
eber
ries
3.0
5,2
40
15
,72
0B
ram
ble
s0
.82
45
19
6C
ucu
mb
ers
(fre
sh)
2.2
5,5
10
12
,12
2C
ucu
mb
ers
(pic
kle
d)
2.2
78
,36
01
72
,39
2M
elo
ns
1.5
4,0
00
6,0
00
Pea
ches
0.2
1,2
00
24
0P
um
pk
ins
1.5
1,5
00
2,2
50
Sq
uas
h1
.53
,73
05
,59
5S
traw
ber
ries
3.5
1,4
60
5,1
10
Wat
erm
elo
ns
1.8
6,0
90
10
,96
2
TOTAL
114,075
240,697
Est
ima
ted
Va
lues
fo
r 2
00
7
Table
1. T
he
val
ue
of
NC
agri
cult
ure
dir
ectl
y a
ttri
buta
ble
to h
oney
bee
poll
inat
ion.
Table
2. E
stim
ated
num
ber
of
hiv
es r
equir
ed f
or
NC
poll
inat
ion i
n 2
007.
..2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
DP
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
5 Y
ear
Avg.
Apple
s22,2
05.0
00
17,1
03.0
00
16,6
30.0
00
13,8
59.0
00
19,7
99.0
00
100%
90%
19,9
84.5
00
15,3
92.7
00
14,9
67.0
00
12,4
73.1
00
17,8
19.1
00
16,1
27.2
80
Blu
eber
ries
22,5
34.0
00
34,7
77.0
00
32,2
35.0
00
36,7
02.0
00
48,7
45.0
00
100%
90%
20,2
80.6
00
31,2
99.3
00
29,0
11.5
00
33,0
31.8
00
43,8
70.5
00
31,4
98.7
40
Bra
mble
s583.4
40
938.2
50
1,0
03.9
20
1,0
03.9
20
1,0
25.2
80
80%
90%
420.0
77
675.5
40
722.8
22
722.8
22
738.2
02
655.8
93
Cucu
mber
s (f
resh
)12,0
75.0
00
13,2
60.0
00
11,3
40.0
00
8,4
00.0
00
13,2
99.0
00
90%
90%
9,7
80.7
50
10,7
40.6
00
9,1
85.4
00
6,8
04.0
00
10,7
72.1
90
9,4
56.5
88
Cucu
mber
s (p
ickle
d)
23,4
90.0
00
23,6
12.0
00
19,4
04.0
00
19,9
52.0
00
10,2
60.0
00
90%
90%
19,0
26.9
00
19,1
25.7
20
15,7
17.2
40
16,1
61.1
20
8,3
10.6
00
15,6
68.3
16
Gra
pes
2,9
34.0
00
2,9
89.0
00
3,3
66.0
00
3,6
53.0
00
4,6
24.0
00
10%
10%
29.3
40
29.8
90
33.6
60
36.5
30
46.2
40
35.1
32
Mel
ons
20,0
00.0
00
20,0
00.0
00
20,0
00.0
00
20,0
00.0
00
20,0
00.0
00
80%
90%
14,4
00.0
00
14,4
00.0
00
14,4
00.0
00
14,4
00.0
00
14,4
00.0
00
14,4
00.0
00
Pea
ches
3,5
00.0
00
2,4
00.0
00
2,9
40.0
00
5,1
00.0
00
5,1
15.0
00
60%
80%
1,6
80.0
00
1,1
52.0
00
1,4
11.2
00
2,4
48.0
00
2,4
55.2
00
1,8
29.2
80
Pum
pkin
s2,0
00.0
00
2,0
00.0
00
2,0
00.0
00
2,0
00.0
00
2,0
00.0
00
90%
10%
180.0
00
180.0
00
180.0
00
180.0
00
180.0
00
180.0
00
Squas
h10,2
60.0
00
8,4
30.0
00
9,0
00.0
00
9,8
60.0
00
11,4
80.0
00
90%
10%
923.4
00
758.7
00
810.0
00
887.4
00
1,0
33.2
00
882.5
40
Str
awber
ries
19,1
25.0
00
15,3
00.0
00
15,8
40.0
00
18,5
25.0
00
19,4
40.0
00
20%
10%
382.5
00
306.0
00
316.8
00
370.5
00
388.8
00
352.9
20
Wat
erm
elons
9,5
03.0
00
6,8
25.0
00
6,3
00.0
00
7,2
59.0
00
12,9
60.0
00
70%
90%
5,9
86.8
90
4,2
99.7
50
3,9
69.0
00
4,5
73.1
70
8,1
64.8
00
5,3
98.7
22
FO
RA
GE
CR
OP
SA
lfal
fa (
hay
)5,0
00.0
00
5,9
40.0
00
3,1
20.0
00
106,0
80.0
00
115,8
72.0
00
100%
60%
3,0
00.0
00
3,5
64.0
00
1,8
72.0
00
63,6
48.0
00
69,5
23.2
00
28,3
21.4
40
Cott
on (
lint)
163,2
63.0
00
322,0
51.0
00
253,2
86.0
00
315,9
10.0
00
281,4
24.0
00
20%
80%
26,1
22.0
80
51,5
28.1
60
40,5
25.7
60
50,5
45.6
00
45,0
27.8
40
42,7
49.8
88
Cott
on (
seed
)25,7
04.0
00
37,6
92.0
00
41,7
95.0
00
38,5
48.0
00
3,9
45.0
00
20%
80%
4,1
12.6
40
6,0
30.7
20
6,6
87.2
00
6,1
67.6
80
631.2
00
4,7
25.8
88
Pea
nuts
45,9
90.0
00
73,2
80.0
00
77,1
12.0
00
56,4
48.0
00
49,4
59.0
00
10%
20%
919.8
00
1,4
65.6
00
1,5
42.2
40
1,1
28.9
60
989.1
80
1,2
09.1
56
Soybea
ns
174,3
05.0
00
306,1
80.0
00
257,5
50.0
00
222,3
29.0
00
274,1
76.0
00
10%
50%
8,7
15.2
50
15,3
09.0
00
12,8
77.5
00
11,1
16.4
50
13,7
08.8
00
12,3
45.4
00
D =
Dep
end
ency
of
crop
on
in
sect
poll
inati
on
for
fru
it s
etR
esourc
es:
Del
apla
ne,
K. S
. an
d D
. F
. M
ayer
. (2
000).
Cro
p P
oll
inati
on b
y B
ees. C
AB
I P
ubli
shin
g, C
ambri
dge.
P =
Pro
port
ion
of
inse
ct p
oll
inato
rs t
hat
are
hon
ey b
ees
McG
regor,
S. E
. (1
976).
Inse
ct P
oll
inati
on O
f C
ult
ivate
d C
rop P
lants
. A
gri
cult
ure
Han
dbook N
o. 496, U
SD
A-A
RS
, U
.S. G
ov. P
rint.
Off
ice,
Was
hin
gto
n, D
C.
Mors
e, R
. A
. &
N. W
. C
alder
one.
(2000).
The
val
ue
of
honey
bee
s as
poll
inat
ors
of
U.S
. cr
ops
in 2
000. B
ee C
ult
ure
128:
1-1
5.
Nat
ional
Agri
cult
ura
l S
tati
stic
s S
ervic
e
Tota
l V
alu
e of
Pro
du
ctio
n (
$1000s
of
doll
ars
)V
alu
e att
rib
uta
ble
to h
on
ey b
ees
($1000s
of
doll
ars
)F
RU
ITS
AN
D
VE
GE
TA
BL
ES
Note 3.02
(Previously Note #1A)
THE IMPORTANCE OF HONEY BEES IN NORTH CAROLINA
Honey bees are not native to the New World. They are immigrants, but they arean essential part of both our agricultural economy and the overall ecosystem includinghomeowners, wildlife, and anyone with an interest in nature.
Honey bees are important throughout the Americas and, in fact, throughout theworld, but a brief description of their importance here in North Carolina may be moremeaningful to the residents of this state.
The Various Ways That Honey Bees Are Important in North Carolina
1. Honey -- Each year honey bees kept by beekeepers in North Carolina produce over
$6 million worth of that delicious food. Some of the most popular honeys in theeastern United States are produced here, such as sourwood, black locust, tulip poplarand many others. Even though honey is a very popular food product, it is not thereal reason for the importance of the honey bee.
2. Beeswax, Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen and Other Products of the Hive -- North Carolina
beekeepers also produce a wide variety of bee products from the beehive with theaid of their honey bees. These products have a variety of uses such as beeswax forcandles and cosmetics, royal jelly for cosmetics, bee pollen as a protein source, andmore. These products are very popular as health foods and cosmetics, but they arenot the main importance of honey bees in the state.
3. Pollination -- Pollination is defined as the transfer of pollen (the male portion of
a flower) to the female portion which is then followed by fertilization and theproduction of fruit and/or seeds. Honey bees are undoubtedly the most importantpollinators of food crops for humans and probably of food for wildlife in NorthCarolina and the entire nation. This is the main importance of honey bees.
Without adequate insect pollination, many of the crops grown in North Carolinacould not be produced on a commercial basis, and honey bees are the mostimportant insect in the process of pollination.
In North Carolina there are many crops that require some insect pollination and thefollowing crops could not be produced if we did not have honey bees available for this task: apples, cucumbers, squash, watermelons, many of the berry crops, and more.
Why Are Honey Bees So Important For Pollination? It is reasonable to ask, “Why can’t other insects do the
pollination work?” It is true that many other bees (non-honey bees), flies, and other insects also do somepollination when they visit flowers; but those insects cannot take the place of honey bees. Those other insectsdo not have the special features that honey bees possess:
Reasons Honey Bees Are So Effective in Pollination of Commercial Crops:
* A honey bee colony may consist of up to 60,000 individuals while most other insects are solitaryor only have colonies of a few hundred individuals.
* Honey bee colonies have adult insects throughout the entire year while other insects exist for onlya portion of the year as adults. Adults do most of the pollination.
* Honey bee colonies can be moved by beekeepers to any location in the state where bees are neededfor pollination and this is not usually an option with other insects. (Bumble bees are an exception,but those colonies number only a few hundred individuals.)
* Honey bees are managed by beekeepers who have developed successful management practices basedon thousands of years of mankind’s experience with honey bees.
An Example of the Importance of Honey Bees -- Cucumbers:
North Carolina is one of the leading producers of cucumbers. Cucumbers require insect pollinationto produce marketable fruit and the honey bee is the only insect that is a realistic pollinator for thiscommercial crop. Note the following:
Based on studies at North Carolina State University:
* Cucumber flowers that do not receive insect visitation do not set any fruit. They do not even
set fruit that is culled or thrown away. NO BEES = NO FRUIT (Cucumbers)* Cucumber flowers not only require insect visitation but each flower requires a large number of
insect visits -- the average requirement is 12 insect visits to each flower (blossom) during a one
day period. Only honey bees are available in adequate numbers to ensure good cucumber fruit set.
A reduced number of bee visits will result in fruit that aborts or in fruit that is small andmisshapen.
The importance of honey bees is not limited to just the commercial production of crops such ascucumbers. Honey bees are also important in the pollination of many fruits, vegetables and seeds in the homegarden. If your vine crops have flowers but are not producing any fruit (vegetables), then the reason is probablythat they are not being pollinated by insects such as honey bees.
Food for Wildlife -- In addition to being important in the pollination of commercial and backyard crops, honey
bees are also important in the pollination and production of foodstuffs for wildlife. For example, up to 20 or25% of a black bear’s diet may come from berries, seeds, etc. that are insect pollinated. In addition, many birdsfeed on insect (honey bee) pollinated seeds, nuts, and berries. Of course, other insects also pollinate many ofthe foodstuffs for wildlife, but honey bees definitely play a major role.
A Recent Problem -- Honey bees have been important in the pollination of many plants grown in N.C., but
recently there has been a serious problem. The accidental introduction of two mite pests into the Americasin recent years has drastically reduced the number of honey bee colonies throughout the Americas, in the U.S.and in North Carolina. We have lost over 1/3 of our managed bee colonies (bees kept by beekeepers) in thestate within the last five years and the problem is ongoing. In addition, over 90% of the feral honey beecolonies (honey bees living in the wild) have also been destroyed by the mite pests. This reduction in honeybee numbers means fewer bees for pollination. Beekeepers, researchers and state regulators are all working toreduce the impact of the mite pests on honey bees, but in the meantime it is in everyone’s interest to protectall of the remaining honey bee colonies that we have in both managed beehives and in the wild.
Prepared by: J.T. Ambrose, Extension Apiculturist - May 1997
Beekeeping Note 3.03 09/2008
- 1 -
Honey bees, like other common agricultural plants and animals in the United States, are not native to North America but were imported from Europe in the early 17th century. Because of the ease by which honey bees are transported, they have become the primary insect pollinator used in agriculture. Honey bees are responsible for one-third of food people eat. In these days of agribusiness and corporate farms, our diet and the U.S. economic livelihood are dependent upon the pollination services provided by honey bees. The apple tree is one of the most cultivated plants in the entire world with more than 7,500 known cultivars. The wild ancestral apple, Malus sieversii, is indigenous to the Tien Shan Mountains that border China and Kazakhstan, which is also part of the native range of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Around the same time colonists imported bees to the “new world”, they also brought apple trees. The value of apples in the U.S. has been estimated at over $2.10 billion every year (Table 1.). Pollination is the transfer of a plant’s male reproductive cells (pollen) to the female reproductive structures of a flower (stigma). Because honey bees collect nectar and pollen from many flowering plants they are very effective pollinators. Apple flowers cannot self pollinate and therefore require cross pollination. This means they not only require a pollinator like the honey bee, but they also require a pollenizer (which could be either an apple or crabapple variety that produces viable and compatible pollen). Honey bees are the most important pollinators of apples in North America. In 2006, over 500,000 honey bee hives were needed to pollinate apple orchards.
Distributed in furtherance of the acts of
Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
North Carolina State University and North
Carolina A&T State University commit
themselves to positive action to secure
equal opportunity regardless of race, color,
creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or
disability. In addition, the two Universities
welcome all persons without regard to
sexual orientation. North Carolina State
University, North Carolina A&T State
University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
THE ROLE OF HONEY BEES IN APPLE POLLINATION
Beekeeping Note 3.03 09/2008
- 2 -
Pollination obstacles
There are many different factors that can result in poor pollination of apple trees. If the pollinator (bee) population is too small, the ‘pollination threshold’ will not be reached and there will be a lack of viable pollen transferred to receptive flowers. Good weather during flower bloom is also critical for optimal pollination. Honey bees tend to visit flowers in the morning. Any disturbance of early visitation times due to weather, spray schedules, mowing, or other management practices may significantly affect the pollination efforts of honey bees and other pollinators. The presence of pollen sources or compatible pollenizer varieties is crucial for the successful pollination of apple flowers. Below is a chart that lists apple varieties from earliest to latest bloom times, and the compatibility of varieties as pollinizers.
Gears.tucson.ars.ag.gov/ic/apples/blossom
extension.missouri.edu
Beekeeping Note 3.03 09/2008
- 3 -
Fertilization threshold
In order for complete fertilization to occur after pollination, 6-7 ovules must be fertilized by a sufficient number of pollen grains. If this threshold is not met, the results can be morphological and physical deformities in the fruit, a decrease in yield, smaller fruit size, and a reduction in the calcium content of the fruit (which can subsequently lead to storage problems).Moreover, if adequate fertilization is not achieved, the fruit may not remain on the tree until harvest.
Colony strength
There are steps a grower can take when renting hives for pollination in order to ensure adequate pollination by honey bees. Colony strength is very important to ensure sufficient pollination. When the lid is removed from a beehive housing a strong colony, the bees should spill out—due to the large number of adult bees within the hive. Bees should cover 6 to 8 frames in a 10-frame hive, known as a ‘cluster count’. Moreover, each frame should have sufficient amounts of brood and young larvae to guarantee an adequate future foraging population. As part of their duties, NCDA&CS Apiary Inspectors will perform this service upon request.
Moving hives into the crop
To maximize their effectiveness as pollinators, it is important to consider when bees should be moved into the orchard. Moving hives into a crop during the night is less stressful on the bees, because they are not flying and the temperatures are generally cooler. To maximize the likelihood that the bees will forage on the apple flowers, and thus transfer pollen, it is a good idea to move hives into the apple orchard after roughly 5-10% of the apple flowers have blossomed. Removing all weeds and non-target plants is also imperative; avoid the competition for your target crop. Hive placement
Hive placement within the orchard is a very important factor to consider. It has been shown that bees prefer to forage within 300 ft of hive. Many different placement scenarios have been proposed depending upon the layout of the orchard, but it has been generally recommended that groups of 4-8 hives be placed at intervals of 500 ft. In order to allow the bees to take advantage
www.uga.edu
Beekeeping Note 3.03 09/2008
- 4 -
of the early morning bloom time, it is also important to place hives in sunlight—preferably with the front of the hive receiving morning sun to promote early foraging. Avoid cool, damp, and heavily littered or trafficked sites and places where a vehicle may become stuck. Number of hives per acre
The optimal number of hives per acre for apples has been researched since the mid-1970’s, and recommendations have ranged
from 0.25 to 5 hives per acre. The scientific literature average is 1.5 hives per acre, and this is the recommended number for apple growers. However, different factors can affect the number of hives needed to ensure optimal pollination. The attractiveness of the crop has a large effect on the foraging activity of the pollinators. If the crop is not appealing to the pollinator, or if there is a more rewarding crop in bloom nearby, it may be necessary to increase the number hives per acre. Therefore, it is important to remove (if possible and legal) any non-target forage that may entice the bees from the apple blossoms, including flowering weed on the orchard floor. If it is not possible to remove these plants, then more hives may be needed to ensure that the apple blossoms are visited. The local population density of wild bees can also affect the number of hives necessary for pollination services. If there are few wild bees in the area, it may be important to increase the recommended number of hives per acre. On the other hand, if there is a thriving wild bee population, sufficient pollination may be achieved with fewer hives per acre, which can save the grower money. Chemical attractants and pesticides
There are several chemical attractants available, most of which are composed of synthetic honey bee pheromones. These chemicals can stimulate increased bee visitation and recruitment, and in some cases they can promote the earlier onset of daily foraging activities. These compounds are particularly helpful to use when there are suboptimal pollination conditions. However, while these attractants may increase bee visitation, they may not necessarily increase pollination. In agriculture, it is often necessary to use chemical insecticides and herbicides to remove unwanted pests and plants. Unfortunately, these chemicals can have adverse effects on the pollinator community, especially if they are applied while the target crop is in bloom. If chemical control is needed during the pollination period, there are a few things to consider so that the pollinator community is minimally impacted. First, do not spray during the flowering period if at all possible. This will help minimize the exposure of the pollinator to the potentially
Beekeeping Note 3.03 09/2008
- 5 -
harmful chemicals. Second, use chemicals with low bee toxicity, particularly those with short residual times and moderate to low LD50 ratings as outlined on the chemical label. In general, granule and liquid formulations are safer than powder and dust applications. The granule and liquid formulations minimize drift onto non-target flowering plants. Finally, late-afternoon or evening application of chemicals is recommended to minimize the exposure of foraging bees to potentially harmful chemicals. The best approach is to anticipate and manage pest problems before bees are placed in the orchard. More information
about pesticides and their effects on honey bees can be found in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual (http://ipm.ncsu.edu/agchem/agchem.html) . Renting a pollinator hive and setting up a pollination contract
A ‘pollination fee’ is the cost to rent a hive of bees during the bloom of a particular crop. Pollination contracts are made between the grower and the beekeeper to help ensure that a sufficient number of bees are present in the crop during bloom. The national average pollination fee per hive for apples has been increasing in recent years. In 2004, the price per hive was $31, on average; in 2005, the average price jumped 7% to $37; and in 2006, the price was $40, up 17% in just two years. More recent data are not available at this time, but this upward trend is expected to continue. These increases were most likely caused by the shortage of beehives available, increased demand for almond pollination in California (where pollination fees can reach $150 per hive or more), and a declining population of managed honey bees. Here is a link to a sample contract (http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/PDFs/Pollination_Contract.pdf). Conclusions
The efficient use of honey bees for apple pollination can result in an increase in both fruit quantity and quality. In fact, one major complaint of some growers is that honey bees can set too much fruit and the crop must be thinned. While a heavy crop can be thinned, a light crop cannot be increased after the pollination period has ended. In the end, proper bee pollination will ensure adequate seed formation and reduce the incidence of deformed apples, which in turn results in better success for the grower.
www.nappc.org
Beekeeping Note 3.03 09/2008
- 6 -
Apples
(nation)
Acres
harvested
Yield/acre
Production
Price/unit
Value
Value attributable
to honey bees
2005
379,560
thousand
25,600 lbs.
9,719,900
thousand lbs.
0.18 / lb.
$ 1,680,747
$ 1,512,672
2006
377,490
thousand
26,700 lbs.
10,072,100
thousand lbs.
0.21 / lb.
$ 2,099,129
$ 1,889,216
References
Bramlage, W.J. (2001). On the Origin of the Edible Apple. Fruit Notes Volume 66, Dept. Plant
and Soil Sciences, University of Massachusetts. 2 pgs. Delaplane, K.S. and D.F. Mayer (2000). Crop pollination by Bees. CABI Publishing, Cambridge.
344 pgs. McGregor, S.E. (1976). Insect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants. Agricultural Handbook No.
495, USDA-ARS, U.S. Gov. Print, Office, Washington, DC. 411 pgs. Morse, R.A. and N.W. Calderone. (2000). The value of honey bees as pollinators of U.S. crops
in 2000. Bee Culture 128:1-15. National Agricultural Statistics Service (http://www.nass.usda.gov/) Table 1. Acres, yield, production, value and value attributable to honey bees for Apples, 2005-
2006 in the entire U.S. (A) and North Carolina only (B). Data consolidated from the NASS and
Morse & Calderone (2000).
A
B
Prepared by:
Deborah A. Delaney and David R. Tarpy NC State Apiculture Program
Apples
(NC)
Acres
harvested
Yield/acre
Production
Price/unit
Value
Value attributable
to honey bees
2005
6,800
thousand
19,100 lbs.
130,000
thousand lbs.
0.12 / lb.
$ 13,859
$ 12, 473
2006
6,800
thousand
25,900 lbs.
176,000
thousand lbs.
0.12 / lb.
$ 19,799
$ 17,819
Beekeeping Note 3.11 01/2004
- 1 -
Background
The N. C. Master Beekeeper Program (MBP) is the oldest,continuously active program of its kind in the country. Established in the fallof 1982, its purpose is to provide an infrastructure whereby beekeepers canimprove their beekeeping skills and knowledge on a continuous basis within asystem that objectively and formally acknowledges those accomplishments. Italso serves as a means of providing valuable information to beekeepers andthe public through various outreach services.
The MBP is a joint venture of the North Carolina State BeekeepersAssociation (NCSBA), the N. C. Department of Agriculture (NCDA), and theApiculture and Cooperative Extension programs at the North Carolina StateUniversity (NCSU). Any resident of North Carolina with an interest in bees isinvited to participate in the program, which is currently free of charge. Non-residents are also encouraged to take part, although no special arrangementswill be made for testing or other programming outside of the state.
The MBP consists of four ascending levels of beekeeping expertise.The Certified level is the entry level of the program for participants with basicknowledge of honey bees and bee management. The Journeyman level arebeekeepers with demonstrated competence in the craft. The Master levelbeekeeper should be able to function as a sideline or commercial beekeeper, ifhe or she desires, and have some expertise in several sub-specialties ofapiculture. The Master Craftsman level is the highest attainable in theprogram, and is reserved only for those participants who have demonstratedexcellence in teaching, public service, and honey bee management skills.
Each successive level requires that certain minimum criteria be met,which are summarized below.
Distributed in furtherance of the acts of
Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
North Carolina State University and North
Carolina A&T State University commit
themselves to positive action to secure
equal opportunity regardless of race, color,
creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or
disability. In addition, the two Universities
welcome all persons without regard to
sexual orientation. North Carolina State
University, North Carolina A&T State
University, U.S. Department of Agriculture,and local governments cooperating.
THE NORTH CAROLINA MASTER BEEKEEPER
PROGRAM
Beekeeping Note 3.11 01/2004
- 2 -
TESTS SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE
Level Written Practical Oral Beekeeping
Experience
Public
Service
Other
Certified ! ! - - - -Journeyman ! ! - 2 years 5 units -
Master ! ! - 3 years 10 units 1Master Craftsman ! ! ! 2 years @
Master level15 units 1, 2, 3
1 = Demonstrate expertise in sub-specialty; 2 = Present a program at an NCSBA annual meeting; 3 = Participate inan NCSU-sponsored research project
Becoming a participating member of the MBP requires knowledge of honey bees andbeekeeping in three basic, interdependent subject areas.
1. Honey bee biology. Honey bees are living, breathing animals. Therefore it is critical thatbeekeepers obtain a fundamental understanding of honey bees as a biological system.This includes understanding their nest architecture, development, anatomy, genetics,behavior, ecology, and evolution. Understanding what bees do naturally facilitates theirhusbandry by working with them, rather than against them. Moreover, understandingtheir biology develops a deeper appreciation and admiration of the bees.
2. Honey bee management. Based on a thorough understanding of honey bee biology, abeekeeper may then effectively manipulate honey bees in a managed setting. Subjectsinclude how to properly keep bees and what not to do. Hive construction, beekeepingequipment, and apiary establishment are also important areas of understanding.Treatment and prevention of the many diseases that afflict honey bees is also a significantmanagement issue.
3. Honey bee industry. Managed honey bees in the US account for over $14 billion eachyear in pollination services and increased crop yields, and thus is a vital part of theagriculture industry in the country. Knowing the history of beekeeping, what cropsrequire bees for cross pollination and fruit set, the honey market, and the uses of otherhive products are important aspects of the apiculture industry.
The purpose of the program is to increase simultaneously the breadth and depth of knowledgewithin each of these areas, and to reflect that understanding back to other beekeepers and thepublic. Participants are objectively assessed and recognized for these valuable endeavors.
To enroll in this free program, or to gain more information on the N. C. MBP, call yourlocal county extension agent, NCDA inspector, or visit one of the following web sites:
NCSBA: http://www.ncbeekeepers.org/master.htm
Apiculture Program at NCSU: http://entomology.ncsu.edu/apiculture
NCSBA Web Application Form revision 11/2008.
Application for Membership in the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association
MEMBERSHIP # ___________ Check one: ! New Membership ! Renewal
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State:_________ Zip:______________
County of Residence: _________________ Local Chapter (if applicable):_______________
Phone: (_______) ________-______________
E-Mail Address: ____________________________________________________________
(If you would like to receive the NCSBA newsletter, BEE BUZZ on-line via email/web and not have hard copy mailed, please check here) !
# of Hives GPS Location or Address # of Hives GPS Location or Address
________ __________________________ ________ __________________________
__________________________ __________________________
________ __________________________ ________ __________________________
__________________________ __________________________
________ __________________________ ________ __________________________
MEMBERSHIP TERMS ARE JANUARY 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31 ANNUALLY
1. I am enclosing annual Individual NCSBA Membership dues of $15.00 for the year: !
2. I am enclosing annual Commercial NCSBA Membership dues of $30.00 for the year: !
3. I am enclosing Permanent (one time payment) NCSBA Membership dues of $300.00 !
4. I am enclosing Permanent (one time payment) NCSBA Membership dues of $150.00 !
Please make check payable to NCSBA and mail with this completed form to:
NCSBA, Laurie Shaw, Executive Secretary, 605 Poole Dr., Garner, NC 27529
Phone 919-779-5709 x3 ** Fax 919-779-5642 [email protected]
*** #4 you must be 55 years of age or older (furnish ID verification of age) (ex: drivers license) ***
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Act
ive
+
(7
04)
98
2-0
698
Georg
e C
Pa
ge
2686
Pin
ey
Gro
ve R
d.
Kern
ers
ville
N
C
2728
4
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
31
7-4
681
Georg
e M
ack
el
298 T
imbuktu
Rd
S
ylva
N
C
2877
9
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
33
2-0
576
Gerr
y an
d L
ibb
y M
ack
121 H
erm
itage R
d
Charl
otte
N
C
2820
7
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
35
8-8
075
Gom
min
Acr
es
Farm
1945
Da
vis
Mtn
Rd.
Hend
ers
onvi
lle
NC
2873
9
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
69
3-1
966
Gre
gs
Hone
y H
ive
125 Y
am
ase
e R
d.
Waxh
aw
N
C
2817
3
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
40
0-8
965
Happ
y B
ees
Ap
iary
347 S
. W
hart
on S
tatio
n R
d
Wash
ingto
n
NC
2788
9
Act
ive
+
(2
52)
94
5-1
730
Harr
is A
pia
ries
1005
5 H
wy
53 W
est
W
hite
Oak
NC
2839
9
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
98
8-6
227
Holb
ert
Bee S
upply
P
.O. B
ox
21
7
Salu
da
N
C
2877
3
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
74
9-2
337
Jeff
Ritc
hie
3901
Pin
ey
Rd
M
org
anto
n
NC
2865
5
Act
ive
(8
28)
43
8-1
720
Jeff
rey
C. H
inso
n
1633
1 P
hila
delp
hia
Churc
h R
d.
Oakboro
N
C
2812
9
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
43
8-8
760
Jere
my
Tys
on
742 E
ag
le F
alls
Rd.
Mad
ison
N
C
2702
5
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
45
3-1
281
Jess
e M
. Jo
sey
7090
Wis
hin
g W
ell
Rd
P
faff
tow
n
NC
27
04
0
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
40
7-1
553
Jim
's B
ees
1106
Mo
ha
wk A
ve
Fa
yett
evi
lle
NC
2830
3
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
27
3-2
782
Joe
y Lee B
ulli
n
2633
Woodru
ff R
d.
Boo
nvi
lle
NC
2701
1
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
24
4-1
415
Kath
y W
ebb
308 W
ebb F
arm
Rd
Salis
bury
N
C
2814
7
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
63
7-8
043
Ken
neth
G. K
nig
ht
3259
Riv
er
Fork
s R
d.
Sanfo
rd
NC
2733
0
Act
ive
+
(9
19)
54
5-1
166
Lee's
Bees
Inc.
1818
Sa
dd
le C
lub R
d
Meba
ne
N
C
2730
2
Act
ive
+
(9
19)
94
9-6
140
M&
B H
one
y F
arm
2265
Ba
ptis
t G
rove
Rd
F
uqua
y V
ari
na
N
C
2752
6
Act
ive
+
(7
70)
65
4-7
535
Marg
are
t C
ante
rbury
3336
Sta
rto
wn
Rd
N
ew
ton
N
C
2865
8
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
85
5-6
942
McC
oy
Feed
& F
arm
Supply
Inc.
4420
Hw
y 24-2
7 E
ast
M
idla
nd
N
C
2810
7
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
88
8-2
298
Mic
ha
el W
alla
ce
1146
0 P
each
Orc
hard
Rd
H
arr
isburg
N
C
2807
5
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
73
7-3
947
Mik
e B
ourn
1104
Arb
or
Dri
ve
Chin
a G
rove
N
C
2802
3
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
85
7-7
699
Mill
er
Be
e S
upp
ly,
Inc.
496 Y
ello
w B
anks
Rd.
N. W
ilkesb
oro
N
C
2865
9
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
67
0-2
249
Orr
Bee S
up
ply
323 M
orr
is H
ollo
w R
d.
Old
Fort
N
C
28
76
2
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
58
1-4
494
Pen
ny
Ap
iari
es
501 P
en
ny
Rd.
Beu
lavi
lle
NC
2851
8
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
29
0-4
186 / (
910)
290
-2663
Pla
nk R
oad A
pia
ry
3350
S.
Pla
nk R
d
Sanfo
rd
NC
2733
0
Act
ive
+
(9
19)
77
6-9
517
Queen B
ee H
one
y F
arm
, LLC
119 T
err
y S
prin
gs
Ln.
Sta
tesv
ille
N
C
2867
7
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
68
2-4
018
Ralp
h H
arl
an
1295
Bre
vard
Pla
ce R
oad
Ir
on S
tatio
n
NC
2808
0
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
80
7-6
207
Ra
yon L
ock
lear
2883
So
uth
Duff
ie R
d
Red S
pri
ngs
NC
2837
7
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
84
3-5
561
Revi
s R
uss
ian A
pia
ries
PO
Box
252
0
Mario
n
NC
2875
2
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
65
2-3
524
Ric
hard
Jo
hn W
right
134 M
ag
gie
Dri
ve
Mt G
ilea
d
NC
2730
6
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
43
9-1
879
Ric
k T
indal
2416
4 C
edar
Rid
ge L
ane
A
lbem
arle
NC
2800
1
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
98
5-6
236
Robert
E.
Bauco
m
2518
Ham
iltons
XR
d
Mars
hvi
lle
NC
2810
3
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
62
4-5
116
Robert
M. D
enn
is
1040
Hig
h M
ea
do
ws
Dri
ve
Conco
rd
NC
2802
5
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
72
1-5
630
Roger
Walk
er
1396
5 U
S 6
4 A
LT
. H
igh
wa
y W
est
R
ock
y M
ount
NC
2780
1
Act
ive
+
(2
52)
44
2-4
065
Ron K
inne
y 3970
Tenn
yso
n C
t C
onco
rd
NC
2802
7
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
45
3-1
131
Sam
Fro
gge
232 A
ntie
tam
RD
S
tate
svill
e
NC
2862
5
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
58
5-2
004 / (
704)
929
-6868
Sap
on
y C
reek A
pia
ries
3542
Co
llie R
oad
N
ash
ville
N
C
2785
6
Act
ive
+
(2
52)
44
3-6
471
Shaken C
reek F
arm
s, Inc
7429
Old
Ma
ple
Hill
Rd
B
urg
aw
N
C
2842
5
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
54
0-4
611
Silv
er
Sp
oo
n A
pia
ries,
Inc
P.O
. B
ox
44
86
W
ilmin
gto
n
NC
2840
6
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
35
2-7
868
Spri
ng B
ank B
ee
Farm
298 S
pri
ng B
ank R
oad
G
old
sboro
N
C
2753
4
Act
ive
+
(9
19)
77
8-0
210
Sw
ee
t B
ets
y F
arm
3947
Mu
dcu
t R
d
Mario
n
NC
2875
2
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
72
4-4
444
Tate
's A
pia
ries
2241
Un
ion C
ross
Rd.
Win
ston-S
ale
m
NC
2710
7
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
78
8-4
554
The C
aro
lina B
ee C
om
pan
y 237 J
aso
n W
ay
You
ngsv
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N
C
2759
6
Act
ive
+
(9
19)
72
8-0
827
Tim
oth
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Fry
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PO
Box
761
Lib
ert
y N
C
2729
8
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
54
9-7
358
Tim
oth
y R
. H
olt
132 H
olt'
s L
n
Silo
am
N
C
2704
7
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
71
0-4
904
Todd E
ury
1753
Lib
ert
y R
idg
e R
d.
Conco
rd
NC
2802
5
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
79
1-3
015
Triad B
ee S
upp
ly
4062
Eve
rgre
en D
r.
Trinity
N
C
2737
0
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
47
5-5
137
Triple
J F
arm
s 595 D
uke W
hitt
aker
Rd
Mock
svill
e
NC
2702
8
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
49
2-7
564
Triple
S B
ee F
arm
270 F
ari
n W
ard
Rd
Ste
lla
NC
2858
2
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
78
7-2
577
Valle
Cru
cis
Bee C
om
pan
y, L
LC
488 T
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Ward
Rd
Sug
ar
Gro
ve
NC
2867
9
Act
ive
+
(8
28)
77
3-7
081
VetH
ealth
Conce
pts
inc.
P
.O. B
ox
10
2
Ric
hla
nds
NC
2857
4
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
33
0-0
481
Wagra
m A
pia
ry
2456
0 M
cGill
St.
W
agra
m
NC
2839
6
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
31
8-1
202
Wayn
e H
anse
n
8004
So
uth
wa
y R
d
Charl
otte
N
C
2821
5
Act
ive
+
(7
04)
53
6-4
805
WG
Bee F
arm
P
.O. B
ox
45
63
E
de
n
NC
2728
9
Act
ive
+
(3
36)
63
5-5
821
Wild
Mounta
in A
pia
ries
875 W
ill A
rrin
gto
n R
oad
M
ars
hall
NC
2875
3
Act
ive
(8
28)
68
9-4
095
Will
iam
Trive
tte
1050
0 M
cFarl
an
d R
d.
Laure
l Hill
N
C
2835
1
Act
ive
+
(9
10)
61
0-3
369
Out of S
tate
Com
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Bees
Co
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Ad
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C
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Cert
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P
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Blu
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one
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PO
Box
15
Lakem
ont
GA
3055
2
Act
ive
+
(7
06)
78
2-6
722
Bord
elo
n A
pia
ries,
LLC
615 Y
vette
Mari
e D
r Lafa
yett
e
LA
7050
8
Act
ive
+
(3
37)
98
8-6
644
Deep E
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TX
Queens
Rufe
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Apia
ries
Inc.
B
ox
39
4
Mila
m
TX
7595
9
Act
ive
+
(6
12)
32
5-1
203
Gard
ner's
Ap
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/ S
pe
ll B
ee L
LC
510 P
att
ers
on R
d
Baxl
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GA
3151
3
Act
ive
+
(9
12)
36
7-9
352
H &
R A
pia
ries
2700
So
uth
Maco
n S
treet
Ext
Je
sup
GA
3154
5
Act
ive
+
(9
12)
42
7-7
311
Hard
em
an A
pia
ries
P.O
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ox
21
4
Mt. V
ern
on
G
A
3044
5
Act
ive
+
(9
12)
58
3-2
710
JJ's
Hone
y 5748
Cha
nce
y R
d
Patt
ers
on
G
A
3155
7
Act
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(9
12)
64
7-3
726
Kon
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aw
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P.O
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76
8
Capta
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ook
HI
9670
4
Act
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(8
08)
32
8-9
016
Kutik
's H
one
y F
arm
1204
Ho
llada
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d
Mann
ing
S
C
2910
2
Act
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(6
07)
31
6-0
474
M&
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pia
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264 T
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3154
5
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4-6
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Jaeg
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St.
C
olu
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OH
4320
6
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14)
78
3-7
868
Rid
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pia
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1475
Thom
pso
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TN
3854
4
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(9
31)
85
8-5
280 / (
931)
319
-6569
Ross
man A
pia
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3364-A
GA
Hw
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N
Mou
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G
A
3176
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2522
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Resource Listing - Introduction to Beekeeping Section
Books
First Lessons in Beekeeping - Keith S. Delaplane, ISBN: 0915698129Introduces the prospective beekeeper to the basics of beekeeping through easy-to-understand text and numerous color photos on honey bee biology, beekeeping equipment, management, honey production and processing, as well as disease diagnosis and treatment.
Backyard Beekeeping - James E. Tew - http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0135/Backyard Beekeeping is a colorful, fact-filled introduction to all aspects of beekeeping. In a field where the abundance of information and instructions can be intimidating to the novice, this book puts information in an orderly form and aids the new beekeeper in developing hive management skills. It is also an appropriate review for the experienced beekeeper. Free PDF Version
Robbing the Bees: A Biography of Honey - Holley Bishop, ISBN: 0743250222When former New York literary agent Bishop bought a Connecticut farmstead, she began keeping bees as a way of savoring her newfound reverence for nature in the edible form of fresh honey, a passion that now yields this engaging study of the history, science and art of beekeeping. She details the biology of the "always gracious, economical and neat" insects; explores the complex, pheromone-besotted hive society that yokes the proverbially busy insects to the tasks of comb building, nectar gathering and larvae nourishing; and eulogizes their stubborn, self-immolating defense of their honey against human pillagers. Tying it all together is a profile of salt-of-the-earth commercial beekeeper Donald Smiley, harvester of specialty honey gathered from tupelo tree blossoms in the drowsy hum of the Florida panhandle, and emblem of the fruitful alliance of two legs with six.
Plan Bee: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Hardest-Working Creatures on the Planet - Susan Brackney, ISBN: 0399534962Whether you're thinking of becoming a beekeeper yourself or you'd rather just admire honeybees from a distance, this whimsical guide to all things bee is filled with fascinating facts, inspiring insights, expert recipes, and all sorts of offbeat projects.
Magazines/Newspapers
American Bee Journal • www.americanbeejournal.com • 217-847-3324The American Bee Journal was established in 1861 by Samuel Wagner and has been published continuously since that time, except for a brief period during the Civil War. The Journal has the honor of being the oldest English language beekeeping publication in the world. Today, Dadant and Sons has the privilege of publishing the American Bee Journal for subscribers throughout the world. Readership is concentrated among hobby and commercial beekeepers, bee supply dealers, queen breeders, package-bee shippers, honey packers, and entomologists.
Bee Culture • www.beeculture.com • 800.289.7668Bee Culture magazine has a long history, having been published continuously since the late 1800s by the A.I. Root Co. Originally it was entitled Gleanings in Bee Culture.
OrangeCountyBeekeepersAssociation
Bee School
www.theocba.org
The Speedy Bee • www.thespeedybee.com • 912-427-4018The Speedy Bee was established to provide an independent source of news and information for the beekeeper. It is not part of any beekeeping organization or bee supply or honey-packing firm and pursues policies deemed by the editor to be in the best interest of the honey and beekeeping industry.
Publishers/Distributors
Wicwas Press, Kalamazoo, MI • www.wicwas.com • 203-435-0238Owned by Dr. Larry Connor, a beekeeper, author and speaker. Wicwas has a comprehensive collection of titles including some hard to find books.
Beekeeping Supply Houses
Betterbee, Greenwich, NY • www.betterbee.com • 800-632-3379
Brushy Mountain Bee Farm, Moravian Falls, NC • www.brushymountainbeefarm.com • 800-233-7929 (Local Distributor: Busy Bee Apiaries, Chapel Hill, NC • 919-942-2006)
Dadant and Sons, Inc, Hamilton, IL (local Branch: Chatham, VA) • www.dadant.com • 800-220-8325
Mann Lake Supply, Hackensack, MN • www.mannlakeltd.com • 800-880-7694
Miller Bee Supply, - North Wilkesboro, NC • www.millerbeesupply.com • 888-848-5184
Rossman Apiaries, Moultrie, GA • www.gabees.com • 800-333-7677
Walter T. Kelley Co., Clarkson, KY • www.kelleybees.com • 800-233-2899
Bailey Bee Supply, Chapel Hill, NC • www.baileybeesupply.com • 919-942-2006 (Beekeeping Supplies/Equipment and Packaged Bees)
Bees
Bailey Bee Supply, Chapel Hill, NC • www.baileybeesupply.com • 919-942-2006 (Beekeeping Supplies/Equipment and Packaged Bees)
http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/plant/apiary/documents/PermittoSell2013.pdf (or do a web search for “Permit to Sell Bees in NC”
State Agencies
Apiculture Program at NCSU • http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/entomology/apiculture/
NC Apiary Services • www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/plant/apiary/ • 336-376-8250
OrangeCountyBeekeepersAssociation
Bee School
www.theocba.org
Beekeeping Associations
North Carolina State Beekeepers Association • www.ncbeekeepers.orgPresident 2012: Danny Jaynes • 919-567-9568 • [email protected] 2000+ members statewide and beyond our borders, NCSBA the largest and one of the most active state beekeeping organizations in the country.
Eastern Apicultural Society of North America • www.easternapiculture.orgPresident 2011: Bill Mares • 802-863-4938 • [email protected] Eastern Apicultural Society of North America, Inc. (EAS) is an international non-profit educational organization founded in 1955 for the promotion of bee culture, education of beekeepers, and excellence in bee research. EAS is the largest non-commercial beekeeping organization in the United States and one of the largest in the world.
Online Resources
Orange County Beekeeper Association • www.theocba.orgClub news and information as well as access to the club’s listserv.
Bee Source • www.beesource.comInformation, articles, equipment plans and an active forum.
Bush Farms • www.bushfarms.com/bees.htmNebraska Beekeeper, Michael Bush, shares his experience and provides a lot of great information.
Long Lane Honey Bee Farms • www.honeybeesonline.comBased in Fairmont, Illinois, professional beekeepers David and Sheri Burns sell bees, and equipment as well has maintain an educational blog.
B.E.E.S • http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/entomology/apiculture/BEES.htmlThe Beekeeper Education and Engagement System (BEES) is a new online resource for beekeepers at all levels. The system is entirely internet based and open to the public. The structure of the BEES network is broken into three ascending levels of difficulty (Beginner, Advanced, and Ambassador) and three general areas of content (honey bee biology, honey bee management, and the honey bee industry).
OrangeCountyBeekeepersAssociation
Bee School
www.theocba.org
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