Latest News from Project Apis m.
Visit us on the Web at
www.projectapism.org
Jan. 5, 2009
Welcome to the latest edition of the Project
Apis m. Newsletter
What is Project Apis m? A non-profit
organization founded in December 2006, Project Apis m (or PAm) is
focused on finding practical solutions to beekeepers' challenges by supporting
practical, results-oriented in-field research.
-
PAm updates website! - - Go
to
www.ProjectApism.org and take a peek at PAm’s new website. Now two
years old, PAm’s influence on the beekeeping world has been significant and
in an effort to continue that momentum, the website has been updated to be
more informative and easier to keep current.
- Dan Cummings sums up almond
industry outlook for beekeepers - - Dan
Cummings, at the Almond Board’s annual conference summed up the status of
the almond industry for beekeepers, citing decreased almond prices,
increased grower input costs and water shortage as significant concerns for
almond growers. These factors will affect their decision on honey bee
stocking rates for the 2009 season. Beekeepers need a good contract in
place and an on-going dialogue with their almond growers. For a
complete version of Dan’s comments,
click
here For a
sample pollination contract
click here
- Dr. Eric Mussen suggests
fungicide exposure to bees is not directly lethal, but may set a colony
back –- for a very complete article on grower-applied fungicides
and their effect on honey bees, see UC Apiaries (Nov/Dec 2008)
click here
.
Dr. Mussen compares fungicide exposure to California buckeye poisoning while
instructing, when possible, that fungicide applications be made late
afternoon after most pollen has been collected. Also summarized are various
other topics including how to report bee pesticide losses, treating for
varroa with a flash formic acid treatment, and information on supplemental
feeding.
- PAm - funded research stands
out at Almond Board Conference –- Chris Heintz, PAm’s executive
director, presented a summary of nationwide honey bee research efforts at
the Almond Board’s annual conference. PAm’s contribution to honey bee
research is significant. Click here
to see a summary of PAm and also Almond Board research projects.
- PAm is assisting to solve the CCD mystery-
- In PAm’s relatively short two year history, this organization has pumped
over $300,000 into practical honey bee research. PAm is pursuing a
multi-dimensional strategy to resolve the current Colony Collapse Disorder
(CCD) crisis. Through a strategic effort including funding studies on bee
nutrition, virus detection, pesticide exposure, Nosema and practical
beekeeping management, PAm is helping scientists around the country
determine the factors that have led the decline in honey bee hives. For a
summary of PAm’s research efforts
click here.
- PAm weighs in on Aussie
package controversy – On December 18th, after consultation
with Board members, PAm drafted a letter to APHIS representatives opposing
importation of Australian package bees into the U.S. citing several reasons
why the benefit of importation does not warrant the risks associated with
their importation. Because PAm is a pro-active leader in bee health issues,
the Board stands in opposition of new threats that could diminish PAm’s
commitment to colony health.
- Were you a 2008 Paramount
beekeeper? Don’t pass up this opportunity! -- If you sent hives to
Paramount Farming Co. orchards, during the 2008 pollination season,
Paramount will generously match your contribution to PAm,
dollar-for-dollar. Write your check to PAm, send it our address
below, and include a note that you were a Paramount beekeeper. “A buck a
hive” becomes two bucks and will go a long way to helping PAm resolve
our many bee challenges. Time is running out to collect for the 2008
season. Do your part, and Paramount will help!
-
Take part in PAm’s
research vision! -- Make your donation now to Project Apis m,
Why PAm? Because PAm funds bee research that is selected and
guided by beekeepers. PAm’s research efforts seek to find practical
solutions for managed colonies. PAm’s funding produces research
results that can be transferred efficiently into the day-to-day practices of
beekeepers. PAm is non-profit and has a low overhead. Click
here
to donate.
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Got News?
Please send us your news item to Christi Heintz
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Donations.
Suggested contribution: A buck a hive -
beekeeper and grower. Write this contribution for research into your pollination
contracts. Send your tax deductible contribution to:
Project Apis m.
1750 Dayton Rd.
Chico, CA 95928