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State Apiculturalist Steve Parise has confirmed that Zombie Fly Apocephalus borealis has been detected here in Vermont. This fly is native to North America. This fly attacks its host by injecting eggs into the abdomen; the emerging fly larva eats the insides of its host. This results in "Zombie" like behavior of the host.
The honey bee sampling was taken from an observant beekeeper in Burlngton. The affected honey bees were sent to San Francisco State University for testing. John Hafernik, a researcher and professor of biology at San Francisco State University has started a website tracking the discovery of infected honey bees in the United Stated. "Zombee Watch"
A Burlington Free Press article was recently published about the Vermont beekeeper and his experience in detecting the Zombie Fly. Killer 'zombie fly' maggots found in Vermont honeybees
For additional information about Apocephalus borealis, please click this link: Apocephalus borealis
The first ever Vermont Golden Honey Festival was a great success! Organized by Golden Stage Inn B&B of 
Proctorsville and Goodmans American Pie of Ludlow, the festival was hosted at Golden Stage Inn on Saturday September 14. Over a dozen vendors showcased their honeybee themed items such as books, pizza, fiber arts, quilts, and of course plenty of honey too.
Organizers estimate that at least 150 visitors passed through. Next year's Second Annual is scheduled for September 13. 2014 and has already been awarded recognition as one of "Vermont's Top Ten Fall Events of 2014."
Hello Vermont Beekeepers
I would like to share my first experience with starting my own nucs for the purpose of overwintering as replacements suggested by Mike Palmer. Mike states it is not a new concept and that it just makes common sense in many ways both economically and biologically. You know the management side of beekeeping today has become somewhat complex and unfortunate.
The Vermont Beekeepers Association welcomes Bob Haven as the new editor of the VBA Update, the organization's email newsletter sent to members as part of their membership benefit.
Bob is a beekeeper in Charlotte and welcomes member's participation in developing the Update. If you have a story for inclusion in the Update, please forward it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A slow change in agricultural practices is having an unintended consequence: limiting food for bees.
Since the 1980s, Vermont has lost more than 100,000 acres of hay fields that used to be full of bee friendly blooming alfalfa and clover. That means bees today aren't finding as many flowering plants as they need to flourish. And while hay is still grown, it is often cut before it can bloom, making it more nutritious for cows but bad for bees.
"Everything with bees is a negative. They don't have anything going for them right now," said Chas Mraz, who operates Champlain Valley Apiaries, one of the oldest commercial beekeeping operations in Vermont. Mraz's family started their bee business in 1931, and he took over in 2004.
See more:http://newsok.com/loss-of-vermont-hay-fields-limits-food-for-bees/article/feed/673364
