DATE: 6/14/04
CONTACT: Dr. Mike Hood, (864) 656-0346
WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

S.C. beekeepers meet at Clemson July 15-17

CLEMSON – The South Carolina Beekeepers Association will hold its summer meeting July 15-17 at Clemson University.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, in the Poole Agricultural Center Auditorium with an introductory level beekeeping short course.

“The course will cover many of the basics of beekeeping and is designed for anyone who would like to become a beekeeper, but everyone is welcome,” said Mike Hood, Clemson Extension bee specialist and meeting coordinator.

Session two of the short course will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The general session will start at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 16, with workshops in the afternoon.

The session will feature several out-of-state speakers, including Patrick Parkman from the University of Tennessee; Jennifer Berry and Jamie Ellis from the University of Georgia; David Tarpy from N.C. State University; Stanley Schneider from the University of North Carolina/Charlotte; Ann Harmon from Flint Hill, Va; Reg Wilbanks from Claxton, Ga.; Bob Cole from Todd, N.C.; and Steve Forrest from Brushy Mountain Bee farm, Moravian Falls, N.C.

A special event is scheduled for spouses on Friday morning. They will visit nearby historic Pendleton.

A barbecue pork and baked chicken dinner is planned for Friday evening at Jimmy Howard’s home in Pendleton. The cost is $6 a plate.

On Saturday, July 17, another general session will begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at noon.

There will also be a honey show and competition. Beekeepers are asked to bring their best honey. Ribbons will be awarded in the light, dark and “black jar class,” which is judged on taste only.

The cost is $3 for members, $5 for family and $8 for nonmembers.

For more information on the meeting, contact Mike Hood at (864) 656—0346 or mhood@clemson.edu.
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