Time: Meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.
Opened by: Devin Gentry, about 15 in attendance
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by Randy and Parker. All others were in agreement.
Upcoming Meetings
Devin reminded everyone of the upcoming meeting dates:
November 18
December 16
The December 16 meeting will be a “Show and Tell” event. Members are encouraged to bring an item to share, such as:
A handcrafted item or favorite baked good made with honey
Homemade products such as lip balms, lotions
Beekeeping or handiwork items like swarm traps, wax frame installations, woodworking tools, or honey/equipment storage solutions
Favorite tool, item, beekeeping suit modifications
Each participant will have the opportunity to talk briefly about their item and how it relates to their skills or interests.
The goal is to help members get to know one another and discover skills they can share within the group.
Following the December “Show and Tell” meeting, elections for the 2025 board will be held.
Current nominations:
President: Devin Gentry
Vice President: Dean Klingensmith
Treasurer: Randy Austin
Secretary: Priscilla Tinsley
Guest Speaker Presentation:
The evening’s speaker was Bart Renner, Transylvania County Agricultural Extension Agent and beekeeper.
His presentation, “Pollinators in Your Backyard,” covered a wide range of important topics, including:
How to attract pollinators by incorporating native plants into landscaping.
The fact that 80% of all flowering plants rely on wildlife (such as birds, deer, and bears) to continue flourishing.
Recognition that insects — including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and wasps — are the most abundant pollinators.
The serious impact pollinator loss has on both the quality and quantity of food production.
The effects of managed honey bees on native bee communities due to competition for floral resources.
Current 2024–2025 overwintering losses:
Average loss: approximately 40%
Commercial operators reporting up to 62%
Possible contributing factors to pollinator decline:
Reduced availability of native, nutrient-rich flowers
Environmental pesticides
Viruses, in-hive pesticides, and Nosema
Varroa mites, noted as the chief menace
The toxic effects (immediate, residual and extended residual) of glyphosate (Round-Up) on honey bees and other pollinators
Introduction to NC State Extension’s Plant Toolbox website: plants.ces.ncsu.edu allows users to explore plants by category and learn which best support pollinators
Members discussed several topics, including:
The dilemma of using pesticides and herbicides to eliminate non-native plants and their residual effects on nearby vegetation and visiting pollinators.
The importance of avoiding placement of hives near cornfields (except sweet corn), or turf sod areas due to potential chemical treatments.
Awareness of spraying under or around powerlines by contractors employed through Duke Energy.
Beekeeping Reminders:
As temperatures cool, hobby beekeepers should monitor how quickly bees are consuming sugar water.
When temperatures drop, it’s best to switch from syrup to a layer of granulated sugar placed on newspaper at the top of the hive.
See you all at the November 18th meeting.