More on Pesticides

http://www.startribune.com/nation/145013165.html

Extra Packages

My bee supplier just informed me he can get 300 more packages on the second load delivery truck.
If anyone needs any more bees get back to me.

The bees are going to be delayed

I talked to Ray my bee supplier tonight. They have had rainy weather in California. Due to the weather, both of the deliveries will be delayed approximately seven days. He says he will make every effort to get the packages out as quick as he can.
First load will be around April 21st.
Second load around April 28th.
If I get any new information I will post it as soon as I hear it.

Weather in Chico, California

I have been watching the weather in Chico, California (where our packages come from) for the last two weeks. There has been many days of rain. Extended rainy periods make it difficult for the queens to get mated.It has been my experience when it has rained for many days in a row, the bees may be delayed.
I will update when I know something for sure.

Bears are out

This fence was made with welded livestock panels. It will not let a bear through and is electrified. Sometimes a determined bear will try to tunnel underneath it.

It was bound to happen. The first bear call. A beekeeper reported that he worked his bees on Sunday late afternoon. Returned 3 days later only to find 3 hives worth of kindling wood. The bear totally destroyed everything. It is a good idea to make sure the fencers are fired up and al the wire strands have juice in them. I always tell folks if you live where an occasional bear can show up, you might as well pony up for a fence. If you don't you will be buying new hives and a fence.
Right now in the MN Legislature there is a movement being put forth to make the bear the state mammal. I think most beekeepers would not be in the favor of the motion.
MN DNR pdf graphic on electric bear fence. I think the pricing they have in the document is several years old. But the construction is sound and will work.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CFAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dnr.state.mn.us%2Fassistance%2Fbackyard%2Fprivatelandsprogram%2Fbeehive_protection_with_electric_fence.pdf&ei=EsRrT_DTGs_egQeKoPCTBg&usg=AFQjCNEV3WeUEkLaZ4YUelEothKmr6sLkw

Where are we at in our beekeeping calander?

I have been thinking where the over wintered hives are at from a traditional year standpoint. Right now our temperatures have been in the month of May area. Beekeepers have reported widespread over wintering success. Many hives are very strong right now. If this weather keeps up, swarming may become an issue by mid to late April. Normally reversals are done around the first of April but, if a colony is packed with bees it may be a good idea to do a reversal now. The week ahead outlook for weather has it still in the 60 - 70 degree range. Many colonies seem to be in the mid April mode.
If a colony is two deep and loaded with bees it may not be a bad idea to add a third box on top for more room. If the box is new foundation, a beekeeper will have to feed the bees for them to draw out the wax comb. Not feeding the bees with foundation on the hive would make the bees do nothing with it. The bees would look at this no comb box as no room and it will do nothing to alleviate crowding. A strong colony will draw this box out quickly. They will store honey in this box from the feed. The quicker a queen moves up into the box to lay eggs the less honey they will store.
This early and prolonged spring build up may make queens that are two years old run out of gas. I have already been hearing about queenless colonies. Hard to get any queens this time of year. For a hive to make a queen and have it properly mated this time of year would be a major crapshoot.
Keeping pollen on the hive, making sure there is enough honey, enough room in the hive for the bees and watching for swarming as it gets into later April is all we can do for them at the moment.

Beekeepers ask EPA to ban pesticide

http://www.twincities.com/ci_20228429/beekeepers-ask-epa-ban-pesticide-protect-bees