 |
Iowa Honey Producers Association |
The Buzz Newsletter May 2008 |
 |
|
CONGRATULATIONS, AMBER CONNETT!Amber Connett is the winning designer of the new banner to be used on the canvas area above the sales booth at the Iowa State Fair. Amber will receive a $75.00 check for her winning design. She lives in Reasnor with her parents, Donald and Jennie Connett and sister, Jessica. Amber was featured as the IHPA featured beekeeper of the month in the February issue of the BUZZ. She was in the first scholarship class of youth beekeepers and has expanded her beekeeping operation. Maybe some of you noticed Amber's artistic talent when you looked through her scrapbook detailing her year as a youth scholarship beekeeper. Congratulations again Amber and we look forward to viewing your design in the Ag. Building at the Iowa State Fair.
IOWA STATE FAIRThe theme for the Agriculture Building at the Iowa State Fair this year is “A Gift of Agriculture”. The Christmas Tree Grower’s Association is having their National Convention in Des Moines at Fair time so the theme is based on the Christmas season. The colors that will be used in decorating the building will be red, green, and white. The Apiary Division will have some decorations to go along with the theme. A suggestion was made at the Fair last year about Class 17, Photograph, Specific Subject, to change it to honeybees only. That change has been made. The photograph must not have any people in it, just bees. The bees do not have to be on a flower. Swarms would be included in this class. Class 16, General Beekeeping, can include people in the photograph. Class 22, Youth Class, three 1 lb jars extracted honey, is being sponsored by B & B Honey Farm this year. The first place winner will receive a gift from them in addition to the prize money awarded by the Iowa State Fair. Melanie Bower Southwest Iowa Beekeepers MeetingSaturday evening, March 29th, 22 beekeepers of Southwest Iowa gathered in Atlantic at the Feedlot Steakhouse for their annual meeting. Everyone in attendance introduced themselves and gave some background information about their involvement in beekeeping. A couple of the special guests at the meeting were new Iowa State Apiarist, Andy Joseph and his wife Catherine. All in attendance were pleased to meet Andy and he gave us an update of proposed programs and talks available from the Apiary Department. Andy told us of plans to have about 10 hives at the Ankeny lab facility so that beekeeping classes can be held there. We also had royalty attending our gathering. Diane Jurchen, Iowa Honey Queen, joined our group for the evening. Diane is waiting for phone calls from beekeepers around the state with invitations to attend local events and to promote the beekeeping industry. To reach Diane you can phone her at (712) 779-0540 or email: Following a delicious meal, a new SW Iowa Honey Queen was named. Laura Jurchen of Cumberland is the new Southwest Iowa Honey Queen for 2008. Laura was crowned and presented flowers by her sister Diane. Diane and Laura are the daughters of Linda and Jeff Jurchen of Cumberland. Laura is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to help promote honey and the beekeeping industry. She will be a spring graduate of CAM high school in Anita. To contact Laura, you may phone her at (712) 779-0153. During the meeting several new members to the Iowa Honey Producers paid dues and purchased IHPA t-shirts. We also gained new members to the SW Iowa group. Information was passed along concerning apiary registration and a discussion was held about an upcoming beginning beekeeping class to be held in Cumberland. A request to have another meeting in September at the same location was delivered. A great evening was enjoyed by all. Submitted by Donna Brahms
|
|
|
 |