AFB Announcement
American Foul Brood (AFB) has been confirmed in hives located within 5 miles of Chester, Vermont. Traceback investigation is underway and appears to have been a result of using old frames contaminated with AFB scale.
Registered beekeepers within the 2-mile radius will be contacted by phone. All beekeepers should perform thorough inspections and report any suspect disease to the State Apiculturist Brooke Decker at 802-272-6688.
What Should I Be Doing For My Bees Now?
If you missed Thursday's online workshop it was recorded and is available under our Calendar menu in Past Workshops. (Login required.)
June 9 Online Workshop
Ask Me Anything (AMA) Workshop
Thursday, June 9, 7pm via Zoom
REGISTER TODAY
"Pesticides Threatening Pollinators, Lawmakers Punt on Limit to Bee-killing Poisons"
So begins an article from the May 19 issue of the Addison Independent featuring Chas Mraz of Champlain Valley Apiaries who expressed dissapointment that H.626 was passed in a watered-down version that "did not ban neonicotinoids — even temporarily."
Spring Management & Reversing Workshop Recording
Protect Your Apiary From Bears
It's not hard to set up an electric fence but it can seem daunting if you've never dealt with electric fences before. Vermont Certified Beekeeper Fred Putnam covered the basic principles for installing any electric fence with special focus on deterrent electric fences for apiaries in this online workshop recorded last night. (Login required.)
Also see our Guide to Protecting Bee Hives from Bears and Skunks.
Deadouts Redux
If you missed yesterday's Deadout Analysis Workshop (or if you'd like to view it again) we've posted the recorded presentation online for members to view. Login to the site and look under the Calendar menu for Past Workshop & Events Recordings.
Presenters Fred Putnam and Andrew Munkres describe many of the factors and causes leading to the loss of overwintered colonies. The workshop includes photos giving you the ability to diagnose the causes and adjust your management for next winter to improve survival. (Also see the updated VBA Deadout Diagnosis Guide.)
Resources for Land Stewards
The purpose of this resource page is to support the adoption of land management practices that promote the well-being of pollinators. There are many well-described practices that land stewards can take to support honey bee and pollinator health. This web page includes a collection of links to information that is relevant to honey bee and pollinator health in Vermont regional settings.
