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Iowa Honey Producers Association |
The Buzz Newsletter November 2005 |
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IMPORTANT IHPA DATES TO REMEMBER Nov. 17, 2005 Board Meeting Marshalltown Nov. 18 & 19, 2005 Annual Meeting Marshalltown To add an important date to the list, contact
the Buzz by email : Clay County Fair The Clay County Fair was a big success this
year. The sales of products were up from two years ago. Thanks
to all who helped with the booth. I am not comparing to last year
because of the heavy rain of last year really slowed sales after
the rain. The attendance was up this year over last year but about
the same as 2003. The goal for the Clay County Fair is to exceed
300,000. They made it with a few hundred more. The products sold
this year were provided by the beekeepers of Northwest Iowa except
for the comb honey. The first two days Teresa Jurchen was there
to help with the booth and promote beekeeping. I am glad she was
able to get away from college to be there. THANKS TERESA! Sunday
morning the first baking with honey competition was held at the
Clay County Fair. Teresa and I were able to watch the judging.
There were many categories that were not entered this year but
the lady in charge of the entries said there were about fifty
people who expressed interest for next year.
The Iowa Honey Queen Program would like to recognize the following local honey queens who are hard at work in their areas: Chelsea Soder, Northwest Iowa We hope you will get to know your local queens and help them as they learn about our industry. They can be a very effective addition to your regular honey promotions. Congratulations ladies!
It's Auction Time Again! Yes, the IHPA Convention is right around the corner, and that means the annual Queen Auction is fast approaching. We will once again be having both a silent and live auction at this year's convention. This is a great chance for you to add rare and unique items to your own "bee collection", and support the Iowa Honey Queen Program at the same time. Past auctions have included collectables, home decor, clothing, beeswax sculpture, woodworking, beekeeping books (old & new), equipment, and much more. To donate to this year's auction, just bring your items to convention or mail them to: Regina Jager 2377 330th Street Eddyville, IA 52553 It's sure to be a great time for everyone. We hope to see your there! Submitted by Regina Jager
This month our featured beekeeper is Doug Schmitz. He and his wife live in Defiance, Iowa, and operate Smitty Bee Honey Inc. Doug writes and tells me he grew up in the beekeeping business. He is a third generation beekeeper and his dad let him have his own bee yard when he was about 14. Whe he got out of high school he went into the family business, and slowly increased the count of colonies. In the late 70’s early 80’s, he and his father worked 2400 hives. Then Doug bought 1000 colonies and went on his own. Now he works between 150 and 200 colonies. Sharon is the head of sales along with their son Tony. Tony came home after college and helps with everything that has to do with bees, bulk honey, pollen, comb honey, candy, candles, beauty soaps and lotions etc. Doug says he enjoys working out in the timbers with his bees, knowing that his father and grandfather had bees in several of the same locations. He also enjoys people asking beekeeping related questions. In the future Doug plans to work the sales end of the business with the internet and catalog sales and promote American honey with bulk sales. At one time Doug was on the board of Iowa Honey Producers and currently belongs to the Southwest Honey Producers. There are 25-30 members and they meat every spring. He has been president. The group works at the State Fair and shares ideas and names of other people in beekeeping. Doug’s advice to others is to go into the business slowly, look for sales and talk to older beekeepers who have years of experience. To make a go of it, set up so you can move the bees easily, go to where the honey is, move for pollination and stay on top of diseases. Great advice and thanks for your story.
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