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Iowa Honey Producers Association |
The Buzz Newsletter July 2006 |
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Greetings from the President of the IHPA Dear Honey Producers, It doesn’t seem possible that it is July already. Lightning bugs are flying fast and furious around here as I write this article. Hope that means we will get some rain and the honey bees will keep working hard to bolster their supplies of honey. July always is a month that makes me feel that summer is going way too fast. We just couldn’t wait for the warm weather, then it always gets way too hot for some and the days just fly by. July means summer is going way too quickly and sooner than we want, the snow will be flying. July does mean that Shawn, our oldest son, will be able to visit for two weeks from Iraq. Can’t wait. It also means that JoAnn will be three years old on the first. The Field Day promises to be a great time to spend some quality learning time in a beautiful outdoor setting with some wonderful teachers. I hope to see many of you there. Plan to attend July 8 at the Iowa 4-H Camp located by Luther, IA. The camp is not far from the Iowa Arboretum. If time permits make a stop there to see the beautiful surroundings. If you have questions, contact Pat Ennis. His number and e-mail address is on the back of the BUZZ. The IHPA will have t-shirts available again this summer. The first order of a few years ago is gone and the requests keep coming in. I did order some child sizes this time. The shirts will be available at the field day July 8 and also at the State fair. It would be great if workers would wear one so the public will know who to ask questions of. Let’s bring some sunshine into the crowds of people attending the fair. We did get lots of positive comments about the shirts and used the same design. It is time to finish up the worker list for the Iowa State Fair sales booth. I have had a great response to the “plea” for help in last month’s BUZZ. Let’s keep the volunteers coming in so we have a complete staff and no one person will have to work an extreme amount of time. Remember to send in your work request days by mail, e-mail or phone calls. Maybe we can get the pages filled at the Field day and then I won’t have to have sleepless nights wondering if we will get enough workers. Remember that you will receive tickets to get into the fair on the days that you work. Remember to send in your entries for the Apiary department. We need to have a great showing of entries for the many beekeeping classes. Start on them soon so you won’t have last minute panic set in. If you need an entry book call (515) 262-3111, ext. 207. You can enter your projects online this year by going to www.iowastatefair.org/entry . Let’s show the public how much fun beekeeping is and showcase the wonderful talents of beekeepers. Melanie Bower of Des Moines is the superintendent again this year. Thanks Melanie. With summer in full swing, many of you will be attending Farmers’ Markets and other events to showcase your honey and other products that you may have. Remember that research has shown that consumers are willing to pay more for a local product. Make your products stand out and let it be known that you are selling a healthy, locally grown product. I read an article that stated that “while fruits and vegetable imports from both north and south of the border have become commonplace in our supermarkets, consumers are also seeking local sources of nutritious foods.” “John Norwood, ISU indicated that there is a strong belief among U.S. consumers that domestically produced foods are superior to imported products…particularly on freshness and safety, and that consumers have a strong preference for locally grown products.” Remember not to “give away” your products. Figure out what your cost of production is, what your container and label costs and don’t forget the labor that is needed to sell your product after it is produced. Don’t sell yourself short, consumers want “YOUR” product. Enjoy your celebrations this summer and don’t
forget that freedom isn’t free.
The Buzz Newsletter Submissions Please send submissions, classified ads, and photos
to Alex W. Ebert by email to TheBuzz@ABuzzAboutBees.com The Buzz is a monthly newsletter published by the Iowa Honey Producers Association which is an affiliate of the Iowa State Horticultural Society. IHPA Membership is only $10 annually. To join IHPA and receive your complimentary member subscription to The Buzz Newsletter, please contact:
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