Polk County Beekeepers Association to host next meeting, potluck Monday

Published 8:00 am Friday, June 15, 2018

The Polk County Beekeepers Association will meet on Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mill Spring Ag Center.

Phil Holbert, of Holbert’s Bee Supply, will be the guest speaker. The group will have much to discuss as this is the busiest time of the year for beekeepers.

Bees produce honey based on the plants and trees blooming and now is the height of the growing season. The majority of honey is produced between mid June and mid July.

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In addition to monitoring the hive’s honey production and adding honey super boxes as needed, beekeepers need to monitor the queen’s egg laying activity as well as monitor for any problems and address as required.

Swarms are another issue that beekeepers have to monitor. A swarm occurs when the queen leaves the hive and takes half of the bees with her usually due to overcrowding. Swarms usually occur during the spring through the summer.

The yearly potluck will be held at the beginning of the meeting to celebrate the honey flow and another year under the association’s belt as beekeepers. All are welcome to bring a dish to share and celebrate the honey flow with the beekeepers. Beverages will be provided.

The ag center is located at 156 School Road, Mill Spring. Guests are asked to bring beekeeper questions for the question and answer session during the meeting.

The Polk County’s GroRural program has been a supporter of the Polk County Beekeeper Association.

For more information and/or to be added to the Polk County Beekeeper monthly email list, people may email David Smith at d.smith.7363@gmail.com.

-Submitted by Lisa Krolak