Beekeepers’ Association Shares Responsible, Healthy Practices

The Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association recently held its Introduction to Beekeeping class at the clark Sports center in cooperstown. Thirty-five enthusiastic attendees were treated to a wide variety of beekeeping topics. The LBA is a local group of primarily backyard beekeepers dedicated to responsible, healthy beekeeping. Our activities include educational programs, social events, outreach programs, lending of equipment and mentoring. Established in 2015, the organization has included members from Otsego county and beyond. Our numbers include anyone from Master Beekeepers to “new-bees.” Honeybees are an essential part of our ecosystem. They are responsible for pollinating more than one-third of our crops. Bees are also crucial for pollinating wildflowers, which serve as a food source for other animals. When we think of honeybee products, most people obviously think of honey. But bees produce a vast array of products. Beeswax is used in cosmetics, candles and wood finishes. A bee’s royal jelly can be a dietary supplement, rich in vitamins and minerals. Propolis, the sticky substance made from tree sap, is used to seal cracks in the hive. But it has antiviral

James Edward Myers

1961-2023 c OOPERSTOWN— and antibacterial properties. Pollen, which honeybees bring to the hive, can also be collected and used by humans as a great source of protein and vitamins. And that stinging bee venom also has anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used to treat arthritis.

James Edward Myers passed away on February 28, 2023 at age 62. He worked as a respiratory therapist at Bassett Healthcare for years and enjoyed helping his patients. He loved the outdoors, especially during turkey season.

He is survived by his mother, Jean Myers, daughter Molly Myers (Dan), sister Jennifer Tibbens (Bernie), granddaughter Penelope Hernandez, nephews cameron and Jesse Yerton, and grandnephew chance. He was predeceased by his father, John Myers, sister, Janice Yerton, and long-time partner Helene Sherwood.

As beekeepers, we strive to provide a healthy environment for our colonies. Life is tough for bees. Last year, about 58 percent of the back yard honeybee colonies did not survive the winter. Varroa mites vector in many diseases. cold wet winters cause hypothermia. Poor weather can limit plant growth and the bees’ honey supply for the winter. To properly manage our beehives, we monitor and treat for pests and diseases. Preferred treatments can be natural products and techniques or may involve the use of chemicals if conditions warrant. We also need to feed them when natural sources are scarce, or adjust hive equipment space and ventilation. A critical activity for beekeepers to learn is to monitor for healthy queen activity. After all, she is laying approximately 1,500 eggs per day! The colony is typically 50,000 bees, with worker bees only living about six weeks.

Our motivations for beekeeping are as

In keeping with the family wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private service will be held at another time. In lieu of flowers please just be kind to one another, as you never know what one is going through.

Jeffrey R. Smith 1963-2023

VENIcE, FLORIDA— varied as the people in the group. Some of us want to harvest honey or products. Others want to contribute to the critical pollination benefits from honeybees. Many are interested in the educational aspects. And most enjoy the relaxation and wonderment of how insects, plants, weather, and the seasons all dance as one in our natural world.

Jeffrey Richard Smith, son of Gayle and Jack Smith of cooperstown, entered into eternal rest Wednesday night, March 1, 2023, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in North Venice, Florida following an extended illness. He was 60. Arrangements will be announced under the care and guidance of the connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in cooperstown.

Our monthly meetings include educational topics from biology to bears, beneficial plants to equipment. The LBA also has guest speakers such as Joan Mahoney, New York State’s apiculturist, who explained the state program for control and tracking of a devasting honeybee disease, American Foul Brood. We also learned about the commercial pollinating business from Kutik’s Everything Bees’ Lindsey Moroch. About two-thirds of the U.S. honey bee colonies are shipped annually to california to pollinate almonds.

Group discussions are particularly valuable as we share our experiences and, unfortunately, our failures. Beekeeping is local. That is, techniques or timing can vary greatly from one region to another. So best practices from Internet sources may not be applicable to our region.

What can you do to promote healthy