APIS Volume 9, Number 12, December 1991
In this issue
- Taking Stock--Summary of 1991
- Role of the Hobby Beekeeper
- Bee Science and IBRA
TAKING STOCK--SUMMARY OF 1991
Every December, I try to reflect on events of the past year as published in this newsletter. This is the 107th consecutive monthly issue of APIS, making it one of the longest running and most frequently published beekeeping newsletters in the nation.
As the information age continues to mature, so does APIS. The format was radically changed with the printing of the June issue. It is now possible, without adding to production costs, to put more words into a single issue, provide three columns instead of two, strategically place text in shaded boxes, and provide emphasis using "pull quotes." One change, the use of white paper (June and July), was abandoned after loyal readers said they preferred the traditional goldenrod color. Finally, the newsletter is now available worldwide through electronic networks like BITNET and INTERNET, as well as the ONLINE service provided to users of the IFAS VAX here on campus.
Predictably, the African honey bee got the most ink in 1991, the first full year of its colonization of the U.S. Updated information on bee stings and reactions, prompted by concerns that African stinging incidents have to do with toxic envenomation, not allergy, was published in March. The next issue discussed an article published in the Atlanta Constitution newspaper on African bees and how misinformation can creep into press coverage on this insect. Several scientific studies published on the bees (May and July)were cited as well as the new major book on the species, The African Honey Bee, edited by M. Spivak and others (published by Westview Press). Finally, the September issue carried a description of what beekeepers might explore as alternative activities associated with the invasion of the African bee.
Two articles on queen quality (January and February) and two on blueberry pollination (January and February) were brand new topics of interest this year. Other articles highlighted a new computer bulletin board for bees (February), value of bee attractants (February), honey bees as food (March), organic labelling of honey in Florida (May and July), the tracheal mite enigma (June), republished in the November 1991 issue of The Speedy Bee), mosquito spraying (July) and reports on Chinese beekeeping and the American Bee Research Convention in Tucson, Arizona (October).
The problems associated with modern apiculture including tracheal and Varroa mites, as well as African bees, have also brought on a crisis for the regulatory community which is now reassessing its role and resources. In August and October, I reported that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) was contemplating fees for registration and inspections. This month is likely to be pivotal as the FDACS Honey Bee Technical Advisory Committee meets December 19 to debate the issue. A major workshop on bee and beekeeper certification held in October in St. Louis, MO also concerned itself with the role and financing of state bee inspection services.
WHAT OF THE HOBBY BEEKEEPER?
Dr. Larry Connor, owner of Beekeeping Education Service & Wicwas Press, P.O. Box 817-L, Cheshire, CT 06410-0817, ph 203/2507575, recently published an editorial that is food for thought. It is especially relevant considering the recent meeting in St. Louis, MO where a proposal to certify bees/beekeepers was discussed at length. Here is what Dr. Connor has to say in Should We Retire the Term "Hobby Beekeeper"?
"Non-commercial beekeepers comprise over 95% of the beekeepers in North America. To describe these beekeepers, we interchange the terms hobbyist and amateur. An amateur beekeeper is more actively involved in the study of beekeeping than a hobbyist. An amateur beekeeper actively follows his or her beekeeping activities with the same enthusiasm and interest as a commercial beekeeper, but is not motivated by financial gain."
"Is your bee hive a tool for your study of beekeeping, honey production, etc., or is it a toy to play with and set aside when something else draws your attention? For the hobbyist, the hive is a toy to play with; for the amateur, the hive is a tool to learn from. Which are you?"
"Why do I make such a big point about such a minor shade of meaning? In the past decade North American beekeepers have seen the arrival of two mites and an unwanted genetic strain of bees. Hobby beekeepers disliked any discussion about them, unless, of course, their own bees are involved. In the near future, only those people who make a serious commitment to their bees will be successful as beekeepers."
"North American beekeepers may be forced to work with greater passion, higher perspective, and perhaps sharpened intellect. the days of dumping a swarm into an empty hive and returning to collect a bonanza of honey are most likely numbered."
"To increase your knowledge of bees and beekeeping, you must spend time with the bees themselves, since they are the best teachers. But other study is necessary. Many bee associations offer plans of study, and I have modified a syllabus from the British Bee Keepers Association for use in a basic level of testing for beekeepers. Perhaps you might consider using this in your personal or club education program."
"I will send you a copy free if you send me a large selfaddressed and pre- stamped (in USA) envelope. It is essential that each and every beekeeper take the time and effort to become comfortable with routine beekeeping skills. Activities which a commercial beekeeper takes for granted - requeening, moving a colony, checking for diseases or mites - are frequently too intimidating to the hobby beekeeper. But hopefully not the amateur beekeeper."
BEE SCIENCE AND IBRA
Dr. Connor is also the publisher of a new journal, Bee Science, an exciting, new bee research publication. It is published quarterly with a subscription rate of only $20 per year inside the U.S., $25.00 plus postage elsewhere. This magazine includes not only original research articles, but popular articles, opinions and reports.
Outside the U.S., the best source of information globally continues to be the International Bee Research Association (IBRA). This organization is non- profit. Formed in 1949 it is devoted to advancing apicultural education and science worldwide. It publishes four journals (Bee World, Journal of Apicultural Research, Beekeeping and Development and Apicultural Abstracts) and many other special publications, including a recent education resource pack. Interested beekeepers can find out more information by writing the IBRA directly (18 North Rd., Cardiff, DF1 3DY, United Kingdom).
Malcolm T. Sanford
Bldg 970, Box 110620
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-0620
Phone (904) 392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX: 904-392-0190
http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/~entweb/apis/apis.htm
INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU
©1991 M.T. Sanford "All Rights Reserved
