DATE: 6/19/06

CONTACT: Mike Hood, (864) 656-0346; mhood@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

Clemson to host S.C. beekeepers July 20-22

CLEMSON – How to control mites in bee colonies, Africanized honey bees in the Southeast, and the effects of parasites on honey bee pollination ecology are just a few of the subjects that will be discussed at the South Carolina Beekeepers Association annual summer meeting.

The meeting will be held at Clemson University’s Poole Agricultural Center auditorium. The program will start at noon, July 20, and conclude at noon, July 22.

Cost is $3 for members; $5 for a family; and $8 for nonmembers.

The first session of a beginner level beekeeping short course will start at 1 p.m. on July 20 and the second session will begin at 7 p.m. The general session will start at 8 a.m. on July 21 with workshops following in the afternoon. The meeting will wrap up on July 22 with a general session.

Speakers for the program include: Bob Cole of Todd, N. C.; Reg Wilbanks of Claxton, Ga.; Paul Jackson of Texas A&M in College Station, Texas; Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida in Gainesville; Robin Mountain of Kentucky; Fred Rossman of Moultrie, Ga.; Amanda Ellis of the University of Georgia; and Ann Harmon of Flint Hill, Va. Experts from South Carolina will also speak at the meeting.

A special event is scheduled for spouses beginning at 8:30 a.m. on July 21. They will tour the S.C. Botanical Garden, John C. Calhoun Mansion and the Hanover House.

A barbecue pork and baked chicken dinner is planned for the evening of July 21 at the home of Jimmy Howard. The cost is $6 a plate.

A honey show and competition is scheduled. Participants are asked to bring a container of their best honey. Ribbons will be awarded in the light and dark classes. A “black jar class” will also included, which will be judged on taste only.

For more information, contact Mike Hood, Clemson Extension bee specialist and meeting coordinator, at (864) 656-0346 or mhood@clemson.edu.

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