Thursday, Feb. 9, members of the Southern Iowa Hive Handlers attended the first in a series of beginning beekeeper classes at the fairgrounds. The class was able to get a glimpse of standard bee keeping equipment and learn more about establishing their own hives.
Bee keeping is a popular hobby throughout Iowa, but enthusiasts worry the unseasonably warm weather this spring might pose risks to their pollinators.
“I’m a little worried this year,” said veteran bee keeper, Rose Grief. “I have flowers starting to bloom. We’re at least a month early.”
Forecasts are calling for ice and snow by next week.
“The warm weather poses several issues,” said Iowa Honey Producers Association Treasurer, and Chariton beekeeper, Rhonda Heston. “The queens of some breeds will start laying eggs. If the warm weather hangs on too long, the queen may lay too many eggs and the hive could starve because of the increased population. Or, the bees will be too mature before they are needed and will die in the hive.”
Thankfully, the bees being ordered now likely won’t arrive until the threat of frost is over and spring is in full gear. Established hives can be supplemented for the next few weeks if needed, said Grief.