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Greetings from the President of the IHPA

Dear Honey Producers,

WOW! I certainly didn't enjoy that cold snap we had, let's just hope that our honey bees are keeping themselves warm and still have enough food to keep them going until it warms up enough to check them. Cold weather is a fact of winters, but the sub zero temperatures and wind chills have a negative impact on all things. Mike had to work outside for his job during those cold days. I don't think I would be able to do it, I much prefer the weather we had over Christmas when we traveled to North Carolina to attend Mike's brother's wedding. December 27th we took the grandkids to the ocean to play on the beach and it was 75 degrees. That is more my preference.

Most of you should have received the notice of reminder to register your hives and sensitive crops. It is not that hard to do. If you need help contact Andy, the Iowa State Apiarist, and he will help you get registered. It is very important that you register the location of your hives. When chemicals are being sprayed in your area, you will be notified and you have several options to protect your colonies. If the new bee rule is adopted, we will be able to register hives all year long should it become necessary to relocate any colonies. Please protect your investment and register your hives. We need to be responsible beekeepers and registering hives is one of those responsibilities.

On that note, several Iowa beekeepers are not happy with the bee rule. Nothing is perfect. There is a misconception that the IHPA officers and board of directors approved the proposed bee rule changes. We did not. It was proposed by the pesticide bureau. There are some very good points in it. Being able to register hives all year is a plus in my book. Having the hours limited for spraying is also a plus. Not all of us are going to agree on the perfect time to spray, but it is an improvement. The chemical applicators will be limited to hours of application if the application will be within 1/2 mile of a registered apiary. Again, nothing is perfect. One of the problems that needs addressed is the liability aspect of not following the rule. It is a large issue and not addressed in the bee rule. We will have to work on that one by addressing the proper channels.

Congratulations are in order. Diane Jurchen, the 2008 Iowa Honey Queen, was crowned 2009 American Honey Queen during the banquet at the American Beekeeping Federation meeting held in Reno on January 17th. Diane will represent the beekeeping industry at events all over the United States during her reign. Diane is the daughter of Linda and Jeff Jurchen of Cumberland. She has two sisters, Teresa and Laura. Diane attends Northwest Missouri College in Maryville, MO majoring in early childhood education. Please join me in offering her our best for a great year of meeting beekeepers and promoting the honey industry.

It is getting plenty late to order packages and queens for the upcoming season. I hope that chore has been completed. Now is also the time to finish up working on equipment to have it in good condition to start the new beekeeping season. The time will arrive when we can see bees flying and the weather will warm us. Make a goal this year for better records. Everything will improve in your operation if you have great records. Our brains just can't remember all the details, but if it is in writing, the details are available to us.

As you are daydreaming of warmer days, plan ahead to enter the Iowa State Fair. Now is the time to organize your thoughts about what you might want to enter. Order supplies and do some of the details while it is not so hectic. There have been some changes so check the rule book carefully when they are available. I would like to encourage more youth to enter the youth categories. One of the fun challenges is to keep your camera with you at all times while you are doing beekeeping activities. You never know when that perfect photo will present itself.

Speaking of youth, the equipment has been delivered to the youth scholarship winners. The equipment was provided by B & B Honey Farm in Houston, MN. Mike and I went to Minnesota after we got back from North Carolina on New Year's Day to pick it up. Boy, was my car full. It reminded me of farmers' market days! Classes are being held. The packages of honey bees will be sent from Lee Heine in Wisconsin. Lee has graciously donated the packages again this year. They will likely be shipped around the end of April. We will keep everyone posted as the time nears. The youth will be assembling their equipment and eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring and their new honey bees. Thanks to all of the mentors for your time and talents. Without mentors, this program would not be successful.

If you are having an event and would like to have the Iowa Honey Queen attend, please contact the 2009 Iowa Honey Queen, Shiliah Spaulding. She will do her best to get your event on her calendar. Having the honey queen at an event always draws lots of attention. Contact Shiliah early if you know of a date that you would like to have her help you . These events could be an expo, it could be a tasting, a promotion in your community, a parade, a community celebration, farmers' markets, etc. Shiliah's phone number is (712) 365-2591

As some of you heard at the Annual meeting we have had some accounting issues come up. We feel it is necessary to inform the membership of pending issues. We, the officers and board of the IHPA, have been unable to obtain records of the past treasurer. Upon advice of counsel, it has been decided by the IHPA officers and board of directors to pursue the past financial records of the IHPA. This is necessary and in the best interest of the Iowa Honey Producers Association to do so. We also need to have an accounting to obtain the non-profit exempt status [501 (c)6] needed to satisfy requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. We will keep you updated as things progress. If anyone has questions, please contact one of the board members.

Don't forget to try out some new honey recipes for your "honey" during February for heart month. Valentine's day can be a honey of a day.

Sincerely,

Donna Brahms, IHPA President