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Greetings from the President of the IHPA

Dear Honey Producers,

Another successful Iowa State Fair is in the history books. Thank you so much for all of your help. Without your dedication, it is impossible to raise the amount of money that is needed to fund the programs of the Iowa Honey Producers Association. We did have a very successful year despite the number of attendees being down as reported by the Iowa State Fair officials. We were able to take in more money than last year which was a high record for our organization. We will have the final figures ready at the Annual Meeting. Not all of the expenditures have been calculated to date.

Mike has been getting a lot of last minute applications for the youth program. It looks like there will be a number of young beekeepers in the state again this year. Every market that I attend, people are more aware of the honey bee situation and are asking more and more questions about the state of the honey bee. Getting young people involved is a fantastic way to spread the news of honey bees in the state.

A few weeks ago we received a call from the state park in Anita. The park ranger was concerned because a swarm was reported in the camping area. Mike, along with our grandson Jack, went to get the swarm. When he arrived, he was surrounded by campers speculating how he was going to remove the swarm. Mike said it was fun to just walk up to the small oak tree, place the hive body on the ground beneath it, take the trunk of the tree and just with one motion shake all of the bees into the box. He really likes it when things go well!! At least the tree didn’t snap when he shook it. He is anticipating the check in the mail.

The Annual Meeting date had to be changed this year, so most of the information isn’t going to get to you as quickly as we had planned. Pat Ennis has some great speakers lined up. Please get your reservations called in to the Best Western Regency Inn in Marshalltown. Please tell them that you are attending and part of the Iowa Honey Producers Association so that the organization gets the credit for the rooms booked. Last year not all of our rooms were credited to the IHPA and we had extra expenses due to that. Just tell them you are part of the IHPA when you book your room. Thanks for attending the meeting.

Plan to bring your favorite foods made with honey to the Annual meeting to enter the contest. We will have a photo contest and a mead making contest also. Join in the fun and bring items for a couple of silent auctions also.

I trust that everyone has extracted your honey by this time. I don’t know about you, but our honey production was really down this year. I did expect it, but was hoping that it would be better than it was. The weather conditions, the health of the honey bee and the ever increasing insecticide use is taking its toll on our honey bees. Make sure that as soon as you can, use your choice of treatment for mites if you determine that you need to treat due to mite loads. Another very important issue this fall is going to be making sure that your colonies are ready for winter. If you have light colonies, make sure that you feed them. I know that the best feed is honey, but if you must, supplement your feedings with sugar.

Several have asked about our orchard. We are really busy with the everyday duties of running a business such as this. We are thankful that so many people have continued to purchase from us and also for all of the new customers. Thanks for your interest.

Have a blessed autumn season to enjoy the things that you love. Spend time with your family to enjoy the bountiful harvest.
Sincerely,

Donna Brahms, IHPA President

IHPA Officer Positions to be Elected at the 2009 Annual Meeting

Hello Iowa Beekeepers,

The annual meeting is just around the corner, and maybe this is the year you decide to run and hold an office!

All the offices are open to re-election, but we have several offices open that do not want to run again. New people and change is good! If you never held an office, or would like to hold an office again, please consider volunteering your time to promote beekeeping with the Iowa Honey Producers.

Election will Friday afternoon October 30th.

Here’s the list of offices that would like to be filled with change this year:
- President
- Vice President
- Historian
- District Director # 4

Any questions, call Pat Ennis / Nomination Committee @ 515-293-2601 (cell )