State Bee Inspector

ECWBA was happy to host, Craig Petros - Wisconsin State Bee Inspector at our last meeting. He spent some time discussing what he sees throughout the year in Wisconsin hives. He discussed TREATMENT PLANS and methods to keeping happy healthy bees.

Craig is more than happy to come and look at your hives, offer up his years of experience...all for FREE -- your tax dollars at work.

Articles and Info for FURTHER examination

ROUNDUP READY ALFALFA - Coming to a field near you? (oy - personal interjection) http://www.roundupreadyalfalfa.com or http://www.feedstuffs.com

COLONY COLLAPSE UPDATE: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/ccd/ccdprogressreport2010.pdf or http://www.ars.usda.gov/ccd

STARTHISTLE ON DECLINE: Spotted knapweed - identified as an INVASIVE is being targeted for destruction across Michigan and Central & Northern Wisconsin. BEES LOVE IT....Naturalists HATE it.

BUMBLEBEE POPULATION IN U.S. DECLINING: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2011/01/widespread-decline-of-north-american-bumblebees/1

mmm....HONEY BUTTER

That cute little bee skep candy dish has been re-purposed to house HONEY BUTTER.

Ratio 1:1 (ish)

Soften the butter (don't MELT!) - squeeze in the honey - and mix well. Has a frosting-like consistency. More butter will make it harder - More honey will make it softer - please experiment to your liking!

It's OH SO GOOD on toast or sweet bread. HEAVEN IS ON EARTH :) enjoy!