Randy Oliver Program in Grass Valley, CA

[2rubes]

I thought I would post this in case anyone is in the area. We are having our club meeting 2/5/07 and
"Randy Oliver will speak on the state of the art of worldwide scientific research on biotechnical methods and strategies of varroa mite control. These methods allow beekeepers to keep healthy colonies without the use of chemical miticides. Topics will include screened bottom boards, drone brood management and trapping, and the use of powdered sugar dusting."
Randy's upcoming article in the American Bee Journal will also cover these topics, but if you are close by and want to see a great program, free, refreshments included.
More information and directions here http://countryrubes.com/informationpage3/nevadacobeekeepersassociation.html
There are several $50 motels very close by. Please feel free to contact me for any information and help.
Janet

[Keith Jarrett]

Janet,

what kind of REFRESHMENTS ? Leaded or unleaded

Keith

[carbide]

THIS is the kind of post that makes this forum as great as it is. One beek offering their time and assistance to others.

Janet, I don't plan on being in the area any time soon, but I want to thank you for the generous, unselfish offer.

[2rubes]

Leaded only when we have the MEAD making program.
They always share.
Coffee, tea and cookies for Feb's program.

[stangardener]

thank you for the heads up! i'll be the funny looking guy with a beard and glasses:)

[2rubes]

Awesome Stan, I'm the treasurer, gray hair and glasses please come by and say hi.
I am very excited about Randy picking up the research on Powered Sugar. (we will have a preview in our Feb newsletter that I'll post as soon as I get it up).
We were both at the 2006 W.A.S. convention in Buellton, CA. Diana Sammataro's program was comparing OA with Succorcide. I questioned her why she didn't add powered sugar to compare with, it would have been easy and perfect. No funding. Her grants mostly come from Almond growers who are looking for ways for the larger beekeepers to deal with Varroa mites. I complained to Randy how I have not been able to talk any scientist to work on this (I've tried, talked, written, begged). I suggested getting grants for C&H sugar, but was told they probably don't want their food product advertised as a miticide. (Let's try, the answer is always no unless you try).
I haven't had time to read a lot of the posts, but out here in our club,some members are having problems with OA (sugar water, not vapors). One member (about 70 hives) used OA in July on half of his hives, powered sugar on the other half. The OA hives slowed down on building up, while the powered sugar hives were booming. In retrospect, he thought he might have used too much or wasn't carefull enough with the measurements. And he thought he probably should have waited until later in the year.
Things are looking up in powdered sugar research. At the ABF, anyone who came by my booth who used powered sugar, I snagged them for questioning and then sent the reports to Randy. The largest was 800 hives, he treats twice a year and has been sucessful for 3 years. Another runs 300 hives and again 2x a year.
And I talked to a scientist who is going to Florida to work on powdered sugar as a mite treatment.
Anyone from Beesource who makes it, please do come by and say Hi.
Thanks,
Janet