Swarm Management and Control Techniques Workshop Online
AFB Confirmed in Vermont
American Foul Brood has been confirmed in 2 locations in Vermont
American Foul Brood - ropiness test showing clinical confirmation
On Thursday May 28th, 2020 laboratory results confirmed multiple cases of American Foul Brood (AFB) Paenibacillus larvae, at an apiary in Orwell, Vermont and one case at an apiary in Windham County.
Beekeepers should familiarize themselves with AFB symptoms and observe carefully when inspecting colonies and equipment. Any suspect findings should be reported immediately to Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Pollinator Health Specialist, at 802-272-6688.
Tunbridge World's Fair Cancelled for 2020
"I regretfully write to tell you that we will not hold the Tunbridge World’s Fair this year. The safety of our fairgoers, vendors, workers and volunteers is important to us, and particularly during this challenging time. The Board of Directors had not yet made the decision on whether the Fair could safely go on in September, but as most of you may know, on Friday, May 22nd, the Governor announced that all fairs and large festivals are cancelled this season.
"We look forward to seeing you all for the 149th Fair in 2021 to celebrate this time honored tradition in Tunbridge."
- Kelly Sammel
Superintendent of Concessions
Reversing Workshop Available Online
VBA Summer Meeting Postponed Due to COVID-19 Concerns
Greetings fellow VBA members,
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to adhere to current state mandated guidelines The Vermont Beekeepers Association (VBA) Summer meeting is postponed from July 11, 2020 to October 17, 2020. The Board of Directors realizes the meeting is still 2 months away and that social conditions as well as State guidelines may change. But, the Board of Directors feels it prudent to make this decision now based on the current state thus allowing members to plan accordingly.
The VBA business meeting that typically occurs during the Summer meeting will be conducted during the October meeting. If COVID-19 State guidelines continue into October the VBA intends to host an online beekeeping related informational meeting coupled with the business meeting.
The location remains at the Brandon Town Hall.
Sincerely,
Scott Wilson
VBA Membership Secretary
Winter Deadout Diagnosis Guide
Bill Mares at tonight's online presentation on the subject of Winter Deadouts, which included a variety of questions from attendees statewide. 
The document used in the April 23rd Online Workshop - Winter Deadout Diagnosis Guide - is available for download.
VBA will continue to provide online workshops in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
A Message From the Vermont Bee Lab
Hello Beekeepers, The Vermont Bee Lab is postponing its diagnostic services at this time. We are hopeful we will be up and running later this summer or fall- so hang on to those sample containers! We will keep VBA members posted as the University's work and travel guidelines evolve. Please continue to monitor our website for future updates.
Minding My Own Beeswax
by Jeanne Davis
I’ve been thinking about the quality of beeswax for quite a while and I’d like to share some of my developing ideas here. I keep 10-15 colonies of bees in two bee yards in southwest Vermont. My colonies consist of 3 medium hive bodies and shallow honey supers. In 2008 I started thinking a lot about the nature of beeswax to act as a sponge, holding environmental and intentional (beekeeper applied) chemicals. I had already been rotating out older combs but now proceeded to do it more regularly. I marked each frame with the year it was first employed and this helped me see which ones to cycle out first. Over time I’ve pulled out old frames so that I am on a 4=5 year cycle of replacement.
