Greetings from the President of the IHPA
Dear Honey Producers,
Another busy August is past us. I had the opportunity
to work with the Horticulture advisory committee of the Farm Bureau
to put together a packet for the Governor to review asking for
the Apiary Department to be re-instated. The Horticulture committee
feels very strongly that they need honey bees and that something
needs to be done to help our industry.
The Des Moines Register ran a full page on Honey and the IHPA.
They would like to follow up with interviews with several Iowa
beekeepers in the future. I sent lots of information to the reporter
for the article. Hope everyone got to see the article on August
15th.
The Iowa State Fair is history for another year. It was true again
this year. Without all the help and co-operation of the members
of the Iowa Honey Producers, the sales booth in the Ag building
would NOT be possible. Thanks to all who helped in any way and
we will see in the near future if we can call this fair a success
when all the bills are paid and the income figures are available.
Hope everyone had fun working and enjoying the 150th celebration
of the Iowa State Fair.
As an organization, we don’t have much time in between events.
The Clay Co. Fair is being held September 12-22 in Spencer. Many
of us are manning the IHPA booth there also. We are slowly building
a list of beekeepers in that area of the state thanks to the beginning
beekeeping classes held there. Jim Strachan and John Johnson and
others conducted a class earlier this year and had a great attendance.
Many people are interested and catching the fever of beekeeping.
How did everyone’s honey crop turn out this year? I have
heard differing reports from across the state. Our crop is a lot
better than last year. Our customers will appreciate that.
September is National Honey month so is everyone celebrating?
Yes, celebrate. What other industry can we amaze people by just
giving them some simple facts about honey bees, honey and beeswax.
We just happen to throw in the fact that without honey bees there
would be a lot less variety of food for people to eat. And, of
course, in those conversations the most asked question gets to
be asked. Yes, I have been stung! We also get to let them try
some of nature’s best offering, honey. Let’s really
promote ourselves and get the whole neighborhood talking about
the “buzzing” going on with the Iowa Honey industry.
It is not too early to be thinking about the Annual Meeting that
will be held in Marshalltown on November 12th and 13th. Let’s
all mark our calendars and have a great meeting. Steve Hanlin
has a wonderful slate of speakers with topics of interest for
everyone.
When you take off your honey, don’t forget to check your
hives to decide if you need to fall treat for mites. Call an inspector
if you have any questions or you can always contact any of the
officers or board members listed on the back of the BUZZ for advice.
Enjoy the cooler weather, have a great September and celebrate
National Honey month.
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
or by mail to The Buzz, c/o Phil Ebert, 14808 S. 102nd Ave. E.,
Lynnville, IA 50153.
The deadline for submissions to The Buzz is the 15th of
each month.
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:
Gordon Powell, IHPA Treasurer
4012 54th St.
Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone : (515) 278-1762
