If You Missed Last Night's Workshop...
VBA President Andrew Munkres presented our first workshop of the season last evening aimed at experienced beekeepers. Reversing for Intermediate Beekeepers was followed by an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session allowing people to discuss a variety of topics.
If you missed it, you can watch the presentation as we record our Zoom presentations for later viewing. (Login required.) Simply look on the Calendar menu for Past Workshop recordings to view it and previous workshops.
There is still time to register for the next workshop - Reversing for New Beekeepers - scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 at 7PM.
Spring Workshops Announced
Should You Keep Bees?
Bill Mares and Brooke Decker pass along this recent article from Michigan State University's College of Natural Science and the Michigan Pollinator Initiative. It poses an interesting question as it discusses how keeping bees may not be the best way to help bees. Should you keep bees?
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2
USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept new and modified
CFAP 2 applications beginning April 5.
Has your operation been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? USDA is implementing updates to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program for producers of agricultural commodities marketed in 2020 who faced market disruptions due to COVID-19. This is part of a larger initiative to improve USDA pandemic assistance to producers.
Help Wanted - Seasonal Apiary Inspector
Brooke Decker, the Pollinator Health Specialist/ State Apiculturist with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) passes along the following temporary employment opportunity:
"The VAAFM Apiary Program is seeking a qualified candidate to assist with the duties of the Apiary Inspection Program. Primary duties include inspecting bee hives for regulated diseases, pests and parasites and light office work. Depending on experience and skill, the candidate may also be asked to provide educational opportunities for Vermont beekeepers. We have a strong preference for candidates with prior beekeeping experience & education."
Learn more and apply for the position online.
2020 VBA Beekeeper Census/Survey
The Vermont Beekeepers Association (VBA) has prepared a beekeeper census/survey in collaboration with the Vermont Bee Lab and the State Apiculturist/Pollinator Health Specialist. The purpose of this census/survey is to better understand beekeeping management actions and how those actions affect colony survival related to geographic locations in Vermont. It will also help us obtain a general understanding of honey yields and some miscellaneous but pertinent topics statewide.
New Beekeeper? - A Reminder
Actually, a reminder for all as spring approaches...
Please become familiar with the laws applicable to beekeeping in Vermont. The Vermont Apiary Program website includes useful information and necessary registration forms.
"As required by Vermont Statute, Title 6, Chapter 172,
"§ 3022 & 3023. A person who is the owner of any bees, apiary, colony, or hive in the State shall register with the Secretary in writing on a form provided by the Secretary...and shall pay a $10.00 annual registration fee for each apiary location.
"Registration for new Apiaries is due upon ownership of bees. Renewal period is open from June 1st through June 30th each year."
Importing Honey Bees and used beekeeping equipment into Vermont
"Beekeepers bringing honey bees and/ or used beekeeping equipment into Vermont from out-of-state are required to first fill out the Hive Import Form, a minimum of 14 days prior to intended import into Vermont. Beekeepers will be provided with an Import Permit, after the application has been reviewed and a valid Health certificate from the state of origin is provided."
What Does the New Ruling on Oxalic Acid in Honey Mean?
On February 23, 2021 the FDA finalized a ruling that establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of oxalic acid in honey and honeycomb. This post on the Bee Informed website from Meghan Milbrath helps clarify some of the confusion.
