January Minutes

Minutes for the January 21, 2010 meeting.

Members & Guests
1. Shawn Boltz
2. Beth Fox
3. Michelle Keefer
4. Kevin Hanna
5. Chris Stalder
6. Abel Echon
7. Lydia Santos
8. Jaime Alberto
9. Jaime Alberto
10. Rainer Guevara
11. George Searle
12. Paul Allison
13. Scott Shurman
14. Jean Vasicek
15. J. McPherson
16. Victor McDaniel
17. Robert C. Wiggins
18. Steve Pyle
19. Mellanie C.
20. Linda Ferguson
21. Barbara Watson
22. Georgia Lee
23. Gary Hendrickson
24. Eric Rothery
25. J. R. Denman
26. Max F.
27. Mary Stubbs

I do not think the Members and Guests columns were filled out correctly so I just made one list.

David Webb opened the meeting and introduced the new officers. He talked about the ABF conference in Orlando. He also talked about beekeepers being aware of what is going on in their hives due to the chance of swarming. He said it is almost time to do splits and scheduled a hive splitting workshop for the next meeting which will be on Saturday February 20th, 2010 instead of the regular Thursday meeting. The location will be announced after contacting the Extension Office.

Chris Stalder requested the board to vote on a motion to pay for traveling expenses for a speaker for the March meeting. The majority ruled, Beth Fox opposed for the record. The expense would be $30.00-$50.00 for gas.

David introduced Abel Echon who talked about starting up a honey industry in the Phillipines. The information was very interesting due to the dramatically different types of bees and products of the hive. The bees produce a large amount of propolis which is processed and used in a variety of products including wine, a coffee drink and extracts. The amount of honey harvested is small in comparison.

Able inquired about starting a sister OBBA club in the Phillipines. The members thought it would be a great idea and the details will be discussed further.

Chris Stalder reminded the group about the upcoming Bee College. He provided the name of the contact for registering or asking questions about Bee College: Glenda Burnett 352-273-3904. He also asked the members and board about adding a classified section to the website. It was approved.

David Webb spoke about the Freedom to Farm Act which would allow the farmer to sell to the end user without limits. He also talked about what is blooming right now: red maple, loquat and willow. He also said oak will start to bloom; although it makes a nasty tasting honey.

He gave two sources for classified ads that may contain beekeeping equipment:

Florida Department of Agriculture Market Bulletin at http://www.florida-agriculture.com/fmb/view_ads.htm

Florida Farm Bureau at http://www.sunshinefarmersmarket.com/search/commodity.