Requeening Honey Bee Colonies
If you missed Thursday evening's online workshop - Requeening Honey Bee Colonies - the video is available online under our Calendar menu. (Look for Past Workshop Recordings. Login required.)
VBA President Andrew Munkres presented one of the most interesting sessions we've hosted with practical information you can use to manage your colonies.
@Billings Farm and Museum
Peter Hadeka presenting to day campers at the Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock last week. Good group of youngsters... seemed interested in bees and pollination. They especially liked the Observation Hive.
American Foul Brood (AFB) Confirmed in Addison County
June 28, 2021 - American Foul Brood (AFB) Paenibacillus larva has been confirmed at a Vermont apiary in the New Haven/ Bristol/ Lincoln region of Addison County. Beekeepers with registered apiaries within 3- miles of the outbreak have been notified.
The hive and associated equipment have been destroyed by fire, by the beekeeper. The remaining colony is under quarantine and enhanced inspection protocols.
The Bees' Needs
Vermonters Are Protecting and Championing Imperiled Pollinators
VBA president Andrew Munkres and past president Chas Mraz are featured in the Seven Days Pollinator Issue. Andrew discusses swarms with Ken Picard while Chas talks "Pollinators, Pesticides and Connectedness."
The issue includes looks at artists portraying pollinators, state legislation and non-profits working to protect pollinators as well as ancillary products that come from our honey bees like beer and bee wraps. (By the way, the Pollinator Partnership reminds us that this week is Pollinator Week.)
Spring 2021 Field Report
from Vermont State Apiculturist Brooke Decker
Total number of spring nucleus colonies sold in VT: | 2707 |
Number of packaged bees sold/imported into VT: | 882 |
Number of VT overwintered nucleus colonies sold in VT: | 214 |
Number of spring nucleus colonies inspected: | 687 |
Number of 2021 hive inspections (as of June 1): | 725 |
2021 Honey bee imports, states-of-origin: | NY, NH, MA, ME, MS, SC, GA, FL, CA, PA, LA |
Mite sampling on out-of-state nucs for sale is now part of the spring nuc inspection protocol. We are happy to report that none of the nucs sampled were over the 5% (5 mites per 100 bees) threshold. Also, no American foulbrood (AFB) has been found this year.
Brooke Decker
Pollinator Health Specialist/ State Apiculturist
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State Street | Montpelier, Vermont | 05620
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 802-272-6688
Vermont Apiary Program
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