Way Down South in Birmingham...

Today the family had an opportunity to attend the Fall Field Day meeting of the Southeast Iowa Beekeepers in Birmingham, Iowa.  The event was held at the home of Vern and Doris Ramsey.  The meeting was "abuzz" with information for both the beginning and seasoned beekeeper.  Topics included requeening, mite and disease control, Fall feeding and preparing colonies for Ol' Man Winter.  Ron Wehr of Wehr Honey Farms, along with Vern Ramsey, led most of the discussion and teaching.  Attendees shared their experiences and asked many questions.  Tim had an opportunity to share about his life growing up in a large commercial package bee and queen operation, The Wilbanks Apiaries, in Claxton, GA.  He spoke about the details involved in managing colonies for package production in the Deep South.  Many of the packages produced by his family's operation end up in the Midwest each Spring.  He also gave an overview of queen rearing on a commercial scale.  He discussed and demonstrated how to install a package of bees into a new hive, as many beekeepers are already thinking beyond the upcoming winter and planning for additional hives this Spring.

The children had a blast pushing the weight limits of an innocent yard toy, eating crisp apples straight from the tree, and enjoying a delicious potluck dinner.  The Ramseys were delightful hosts, and it was made obvious by their gentleness with the children that they were seasoned experts.