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IHPA Photo Gallery

Spring is getting closer. Before long it will be time to get out that camera to take a picture of your overwintered bees, or your very first package of bees, or maybe of a honeybee for the Iowa State Fair photo contest. I am here to tell you that now you can share your beekeeping pictures with the world. The IHPA website has recently been upgraded with a photo gallery! Everyone is encouraged to share their beekeeping pictures on the website for all to see. That means everyone. You don’t have to be a professional photographer; you just need to like bees! Go to www.abuzzaboutbees.com and click on the Photo Gallery button to see what your fellow beekeepers have been up to.

The IHPA Photo Gallery will allow everyone to share their experiences with beekeeping. That includes even the not so nice pictures as presented in the “Pest” section of the photo gallery. Varroa Mites, Foulbrood, Small Hive Beatles, and Wax Moths may not make for pretty pictures but they are quite valuable when it comes to new beekeepers. The goal of this section is to be another resource to help you identify what these pests look like when you get inside the hive.

Putting your picture up on the IHPA Photo Gallery is as easy as sending a copy by email attachment to

photos@abuzzaboutbees.com I (Alex Ebert) will take care of resizing the photos and loading them into the photo gallery. Please also include the Photographer’s Name and a Short Description. The description doesn’t have to be much, but it is your opportunity to share with us what is going on in the picture and when/where it was taken. You can also give your picture a Title, example “Honeybee on a Flower”. Include this information for each picture you send. For printed pictures you may mail them to IHPA Photo Gallery, c/o Phil Ebert, 14808 S. 102^{nd Ave. E., Lynnville, IA 50153. You must include a self addressed stamped envelope if you would like the pictures returned.}

If you have any questions regarding the IHPA Photo Gallery feel free to email them to me at

photos@abuzzaboutbees.com

It’s still February and the bees are sleepy most days. Most people haven’t taken many or any pictures this year. That’s quite all right. Pictures do not have to be from any particular year, though it is helpful to note what year they were taken. Not only can you send in pictures from years past, but I would even suggest that this is an opportunity to share pictures of how beekeeping was done “back then”. A sense of history in beekeeping to see just how beekeeping has changed over the years.

So get your beekeeping pictures out and send them in to the IHPA Photo Gallery. Share your beekeeping experience with the world, and keep that camera clicking!

Submitted by Alex Ebert

2009American Honey Queen

Hails From Iowa

The American Beekeeping Federation is proud to announce that Diane Jurchen was selected as the 2009 American Honey Queen at its annual January convention in Reno, NV. Diane is the 20-year-old daughter of Jeff and Linda Jurchen of Cumberland, IA and the granddaughter of Raymond and Phyllis Aupperle of Cumberland, IA and of Harold and Bobby Jurchen of Griswold, IA. She is also the great-granddaughter of Ellen Aupperle of Massena, IA. Diane is a sophomore at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, majoring in elementary education.

Prior to being selected as the American Honey Queen, Diane served as the 2008 Iowa Honey Queen. In this role, she promoted the honey industry at fairs, festivals, and farmers’ markets, via television and radio interviews, and in schools.

Diane will spend the next year promoting the beekeeping industry throughout the United States in a wide variety of venues. To schedule an appearance with American Honey Queen Diane Jurchen, please contact American Honey Queen Program Chairperson Anna Kettlewell at 414-545-5514.