January Newsletter

We are excited to announce the new Lexington County Beekeeper Association (LCBA). We are kicking off our first meeting this Sunday afternoon January 10th and it will be offered in-person and via Zoom.

Our goal of LCBA is to schedule our monthly meeting at different locations throughout Lexington County on a Sunday afternoon, in order to provide members ability to attend in-person at different locations.

JANUARY MEETING

WHEN: Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 2pm-4pm

WHERE: Sardis Baptist Church, 1601 St Matthews Rd, Swansea, SC 29160. Link to Directions

**Social distancing and masks are required for those in attendance for the in-person meeting. Coffee is being provided. No snacks or food provided at this time due to COVID precautions. Feel free to bring your own beverage.

ZOOM link: Available through the online web store with membership purchase.

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SPEAKER

David MacFawn is presenting "Winter and Spring Beekeeping". Mr. MacFawn Co-Founded the South Carolina Master Beekeeping Program and was awarded the 1996 South Carolina Beekeeper of the Year. He has published over 40 articles in the American Bee Journal, Bee Culture, and Beekeeping: The First Three Years. He currently publishes in American Bee Journal. Mr. MacFawn has published three books and will have copies of the books available for sale and autographed (credit cards accepted)

Applied Beekeeping in the United States-$50

Beekeeping Tips and Techniques for the Southeast United States, Beekeeping Finance-$20

Getting the Best From Your Bees-$15

​*If you have already purchased a book please bring and Mr. MacFawn will autograph.  

EVENTS

Please go to upcoming events to RSVP for meetings and special events. Speaker and presentation information available on the website as events and meeting locations are scheduled.

Midlands Beekeeping Calendar for the Month of January

by Larry Coble

These chores are for the Midlands of South Carolina or a similar climate where the bees are flying a least a few hours most days of the year. Hive checks this month are tied directly to outside temperatures. Do not disturb the brood chamber or break propolis seals around boxes unless absolutely necessary. A brief peek inside, looking downward through the frames, is okay on days the bees are flying. Even then, do not open the hive deeply or excessively during the winter months. Try to not be too disruptive in order to allow them to keep their house (brood box) in order for winter. Use of a stethoscope or an ear against the side of the hive will often tell you all is well inside. Before we start our monthly chore list, it is assumed you have addressed varroa. If you have not yet performed this critical beekeeping chore get hopping. Early winter in SC offers beekeepers the perfect chance to treat their colonies for pennies by using the oxalic acid dribble method during our “mostly” broodless period (now). Here’s an instructional sheet: How to Use the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method. 1) Continue to assess stores by tilting your hives from the back to check for weight (hefting the hive). You may peek into the hive if the weather is warm and the bees are flying. Check honey supply. Feed with a candy board, sugar bricks, fondant, or thick sugar syrup if below one-half super. Whatever you choose, the food must be placed close to the cluster or on top for them to access the food during cold weather. If you saved frames of honey you may add these (after thawing), placing them close to the cluster. See the full chore list and remainder of article here:

Midlands Beekeeping Calendar for the Month of January

Membership

Please email LCBA if you have any questions:

Lexingtoncountybeekeepers@gmail.com