Why Did My Hive Die and What Can I Learn From It?

211 College Street,Arcadia MO 63621

05 March, 2022

Description

Investigating the cause of death of a colony is an important step in helping to prevent future colony losses. This workshop shows you how. Description Losing an overwintering colony is discouraging to any beekeeper. However, the loss does present an opportunity. learning how to properly necropsy a dead-out can provide the knowledge and skill necessary to improve overwintering success. This "hands-on" workshop will teach a systematic approach in investigating the probable cause of the demise of the bee colony. We'll learn the most common and identifiable reasons for colony losses and address specifically the important management actions necessary for future winter survival. Agenda Our plans are to provide a very informal but thorough learning experience. We will shoot for a schedule which looks something like this: 9:00 Orientation, Introduction and Presentation: Preparing for winter. What do your bees need for survival. This lays the foundation for the upcoming investigations. 10:00 Presentation/Demonstration: A systematic approach to the necropsy of a dead honey bee colony. 11:00 Hand's On for Everybody-We will split up in small groups and necropsy 6-12 dead-outs, using the systematic approach. Ideally, different causes of mortality will be represented in this number of dead hives. 12:00 Lunch by Thee Abbey. 2 entrees, 1 starch, 1 veggie, 1 salad, bread and drinks. This lunch is included with ticket price. 1:00-3:00pm As our focus is on the whys and "what fors" of dead colonies, we'll continue working on the dead-outs until our investigations are complete. This will be dependent on the number of dead colonies brought before us. When all are complete we will have a review of the findings and address any questions the beekeepers have. If time permits, "Common Mistakes Beekeepers Make" can round out the afternoon's information. Important Notes: 1) To justify holding this workshop we must have a minimum of 20 attendees register by February 25. 2) We want everyone to experience an assortment of dead-out situations. For this reason we are seeking participants willing to bring theirs for our inspections. If we don't have the opportunity to examine at least six, the learning opportunity suffers just a bit. We will cancel the class by February 25 if we don't have six or more dead-outs confirmed to be there. 3) I hope all your bees survive this winter. However, if you confirm you have a dead-out and are willing to bring it to the workshop, it would be appreciated. Please do not disassemble before contacting me so I can provide information on how to handle the dead hive to ensure it retains value as a specimen to necropsy. 4) If we must cancel due to low turnout or not enough dead hives to make the effort worthwhile, your money will be unhappily refunded. :) 5) Dress appropriate for the weather. We will not be working live bees so you will not need protective gear. Most instruction will be inside but we might find ourselves outside inspecting dead-outs on tailgates. 5) Everyone participating in this gathering will be eligible to attend Belleview Valley Apiary's monthly Zoom meetings entitled "The Path to Sustainable Beekeeping" (PTSB). It's a monthly "coaching session" for beginning beekeepers to learn a bit about bee biology and management. Discussions are appropriate for each month while also looking at the month ahead and the management decisions required. Every beekeeper has issues develop which are best understood by those with experience. These PTSB sessions provide the opportunity to discuss such issues with a master beekeeper. For any questions or scheduling a necropsy on your hive during the event, contact me by text or voice at 573/880-2899 or email: [email protected] Driving a ways? Lodging is available on-site. Check out your options to stay at the Arcadia Academy at https://www.arcadiaacademy.com/ Make it a weekend! Check out the top five things to do in the Beautiful Arcadia Valley on Trip Advisor. Belleview Valley Apiary, a small apiary in Southeast Missouri near the Elephant Rocks State Park, is owned and operated by Gregg Hitchings. Gregg has a passion for bees and beekeeping and has kept bees continually for 56 years. He is a Certified Master Beekeeper through the University of Florida, very active in the Missouri State Beekeepers Association and the Great Plains Master Beekeeping Program. Gregg was selected as the Missouri State Beekeeper of the Year for 2020. He thoroughly enjoys helping others learn and become more successful in the craft of beekeeping.