How, and What, Are We Doing?
Recent Vermont Beekeepers Association (VBA)
Initiatives and Accomplishment
April 2, 2022
Over the past few years, the VBA has taken on an ever-increasing activist role for all of us involved in apiculture in Vermont.
The VBA has continued to develop and strengthen training and information for members and other beekeepers.
We sincerely appreciate the help from VBA members across the state who stepped up to help on Working Groups and Committees dealing with specific efforts.
Presentations Online
If you missed yesterday's presentations at the "Winter" Meeting of the Vermont Beekeepers Association (or if you'd like to view them again) we've posted the meeting presentations online for members to view. Login to the site and look under the Calendar menu for Past Workshop & Events Recordings.
Beekeeping Basics
Have you thought about keeping bees? This is the opportunity to learn more about these vital and fascinating creatures providing so much of our food. The instructors have over 50 years of experience among them. The three sessions will enlighten, and maybe inspire, you to start a few hives of your own or learn more about your bee passion. Plenty of question-and-answer time and all the info needed to start your own operation.
2022 New England Honey Bee Update
Virtual Lunch and Learn Series!
Join the New England and New York state Apiary Inspectors to “Lunch and Learn” by getting the latest updates on honey bee health and seasonal management recommendations for ensuring healthy colonies. Events will be held virtually via Zoom on Fridays from 12pm-1:30pm and are free and open to the public, no (pre)registration required. Educational content will focus on topics of interest to beekeepers and regional colony management. Events will not recorded so BEE THERE or BEE SQUARE - Bee sure to come prepared with questions to ask the inspectors! Sponsored by the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA).
VBA 2022 Winter Meeting Agenda
The Vermont Beekeepers Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce the winter meeting to be conducted over the Zoom online platform. All VBA members are invited to participate by registering at the link below.
The meeting agenda and meeting documents are also available below. Once you register you will receive a confirmation email confirming your registration and containing your Zoom meeting link which will allow you to join the meeting. The meeting is free for current VBA members and $15 for all others.
VBA Members who register will be automatically entered into a drawing to receive a pair of VBA logo beer glasses. (You must attend the meeting to win.)
VBA Recognition Program
VBA Recognition Program
It’s about you!
Nominations are due by March 16, 2022
The VBA Recognition Program recognizes the efforts of individuals and entities who provide significant support to honeybees, Vermont beekeepers, and the VBA mission. Read about the program and submit your nomination today!
VBA Queen Rearing Workshop
Recorded February 24, 2022
This introduction to queen rearing was presented online by Jack Rath and Andrew Munkres. The workshop was recorded and the video is available for members at the link below. (This is the classroom component of a two-part program.) The in-person workshop, to be announced at a future date, will be limited to a small number of attendees based on current COVID protocols.
Watch the Workshop Video (Login Required)
VBA Testimony in Support of H.626
The Vermont Beekeepers Association provided testimony today in support of H.626 - "An act relating to the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides." In a letter to the Vermont House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (listed below) the organization provided arguments based on established research and believes this legislation "could be a game changer."
Although the act has not passed out of the committee, VBA suggests contacting your representative, especially if they are a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry and express your support for the VBA's position as outlined. Committee members are listed below.
