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Iowa Honey Producers Association |
The Buzz Newsletter October 2004 |
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Greetings from the President of the IHPA Dear Iowa Honey Producers, Mike and I decided to take a couple days off over Labor Day week-end. After the Ankeny Farmer’s Market on Saturday, we headed to the Amana Colonies. I had been busy on the Amana Colonies web-site looking up places to go and things to do. We knew that the Renaissance Fare was going on that week-end and decided to attend to visit with Matt and Patty Stewart who had a beekeeping booth for the participants to taste and purchase honey. Matt and Patty were surprised to see us and we really enjoyed ourselves. I had picked up several guides at places that we had visited and made plans to read them in the camper to decide what to do next. I was surprised when I opened one of them and saw the article: “Amana Beekeeper is Iowa Honey Queen”. The article was about our own Honey Queen, Maria Zuber. Congratulations, Maria for the great article. I enjoyed the recipes and learning about your activities. Speaking of Maria, Mike had delivered some materials to her for some talks earlier in the year. While visiting her at work, he met her Uncle. While we were in Amana, we visited the Grape Vine Winery and saw her Uncle again. We mentioned to him that we knew Maria and Leisl, (the SE Iowa Honey Queen and Maria’s cousin). We had a wonderful conversation and ended up with a complimentary bottle of wine. I entered a bottle of Mike’s mead (honey wine) in the competition at the State Fair. He did quite well! He tied for first with the points and received the second place ribbon and a gold award ribbon. Some of you were able to taste that batch of mead at the Annual Meeting in Marshalltown last fall. We only have one bottle left of that particular mead. Lots of people agreed with the judge that it was good and it went fast. I guess it was beginners luck because it was his first batch. Speaking of ribbons, thanks to all that entered the competition at the Iowa State Fair in the Apiary division. We were down on numbers due to the deadline date, but we had a good showing. It just gives us something to work toward for next year. A bigger and better Apiary competition. Gordon Powell managed the Clay County Fair booth this year. The beekeepers in the area are providing the manpower for the booth. Jim Strachan was a big help to Gordon by helping get things lined up and we want to thank Jim for his years of service and wish him well. He was unable to manage the booth this year due to health reasons. Please remember to make your reservations to attend the Annual Meeting in Marshalltown on November 12th and 13th. It is very important that old and new beekeepers alike attend so that we can work together and keep our organization going strong. We have some big decisions to make for our future. Come and join in the fun of learning more about beekeeping. Steve Hanlin had some great speakers lined up and we all enjoy talking to each other!! I hope that your honey crop was a good one. We ended up with more than last year and are very grateful for that. Remember to check your hives for mites and treat accordingly. If you have questions about treating contact one of the officers or directors for help. Enjoy the fall weather and take some time to smell the late blooming roses! Sincerely, Donna Brahms, IHPA President 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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