Winter Alert! 6:30PM Tonight 8/21 |
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Topic: Winterization August 21, 2024 monthly meeting Time: Aug 21, 2024 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83385517019?pwd=3aDwKsXl6k9LQeWZy4fqkgeLNiDcN2.1 Meeting ID: 833 8551 7019 Passcode: 594319 One tap mobile +12532158782,,83385517019#,,,,*594319# US (Tacoma) +12532050468,,83385517019#,,,,*594319# US |
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The rain is back in the Greater Seattle area and it's looking like an early start to a cold, wet fall. Let's strategize and prepare! We will start the meeting with an overview of what beekeepers who have had bees more than one year are looking for and what they are doing in their hives in the upcoming month. This is a review of what we know needs to be done and a pep talk to keep us on track doing it. Varroa control is first, then getting hives strong enough in numbers and stores, and then making any winter sheltering adjustments needed. This should get conversation going. If not, we will have slides explaining the basic concepts underlying winterization procedures. We can continue on with the Q&A and discussion with multiple points of view because we know that beekeepers have so many different conditions and setups at their apiaries. Also, the end of the meeting is a good time to discuss how horizontal hives and specialty hives will benefit from special techniques, so bring those up. |
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Knotweed is already blooming for some of us Western Washington beekeepers so our signature local dark honey with its unique flavor will be visible in our hives soon. The colors of pollen are really fascinating right now. Here's a pollen frame showing some of our local pollens pictured below. Also, one of the pollen traps used in our Maltby Apiary is pictured on the front ot the hive stack below. |
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State of Our Hives: This time of year is busier than any other. Varroa infestation rates zoom at this time of year for a number of reasons and we work at keeping it under control. We may already be feeding because of pre-knotweed dearth, and that may require robbing screens to protect our hives. If the knotweed flow is not being stored for winter by our colonies, we will be checking stores and deciding whether to feed 2:1 to build those stores and making other winterization decisions. In this late summer/fall frenzy, we need to take time to enjoy our hives: the smells, the sights, the sounds. The most fascinating sound may be the buzzing at night because of what we need. The only bees with a sleep period as we think of sleep are foragers. Those are aging, weary bees in the last stages of life, working until they drop after giving all they can to the colony. It's a full life, but without a retirement plan. So, they give us more food for thought than just honey. |
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The fair will start the day after the meeting, so information is listed one more time here. EVERGREEN STATE FAIR in Monroe, WA 8/22-27, 8/29-9/2 SnoKing booth signup at Evergreen State Fair: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DAEAD2FA0FAC07-50146697-2024 Last minute signup is still possible. It’s a great way to meet other beekeepers, get free admission and parking at the fair, and earn Journeyman service credits. |
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CALENDAR of UPCOMING EVENTS: 8/19 Fair booth setup 8/21 Wed SnoKing monthly meeting - Winterization 8/22-8/27, 8/29-9/2 (Labor Day) Evergreen State Fair, Monroe, WA 9/4 Trophallaxis 9/17 Beginner Class starts 10/3 Apprentice Class starts 9/16 Journeyman starts 9/28 Saturday - Return of the Salmon booth, Sultan, WA 10/4-10/6 WASBA Conference, Lynnwood, WA |
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DISCUSSION GROUPS 9/4 6:30PM – 8PM Trophallaxis first Wednesday meeting for Journeyman, Masters, and those who have taken or are taking the academic portion of Journeyman. To join the discussion, email Eli eliochel@snokingbka.org for Zoom link. |
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Master Beekeeper Certificate at Cornell University Cornell is still offering 33 1/3% discount for SnoKing members. Ask Eli Ocheltree for the discount code. |
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Apiary Managers: Granite Falls - Ron - dizzybeeapiary@gmail.com 206-719-3604 Maltby - Eli - eliochel@snokingbka.org 206-859-7392 |
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Policy Statement: There will be one essential rule at Trophallaxis and at any meeting or activity hosted by SnoKing Beekeepers. Ron Robinson stated it best for our Facebook discussion group, when he said: "SKBA prides itself on the fact we are not like other groups on Facebook. We have become known as a safe group for keepers of all levels to comfortably ask questions and opinions without being blasted or publicly humiliated for asking what may seem like a very basic question to others. Any harassing, bullying, demeaning behavior, or such will not be tolerated. We have a zero tolerance policy and such behavior will result in immediate removal from club and all club activities." |
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We look forward to talking bees with you at 3rd Wednesday monthly meetings. Zoom link for this meeting: Topic: Winterization August 21, 2024 monthly meeting Time: Aug 21, 2024 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83385517019?pwd=3aDwKsXl6k9LQeWZy4fqkgeLNiDcN2.1 Meeting ID: 833 8551 7019 Passcode: 594319 One tap mobile +12532158782,,83385517019#,,,,*594319# US (Tacoma) +12532050468,,83385517019#,,,,*594319# US |
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The mission of the SKBA, a 501c3 member club of WASBA, is to provide educational opportunities, networking and support to beekeepers and people interested in honey bees, particularly those involved in small-scale beekeeping in Washington State west of the Cascades. |
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"We talk bees!" at SnoKing Beekeepers Association. |
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