Second International Organic Beekeeping Conference

[Rob Mountain]

The Second International Organic Beekeeping Conference, March 5-7 at the Pfeiffer Center in Chestnut Ridge, New York, is still open for registration.



The honeybeeÂ’s drastic decline will be addressed by experts from three countries. The focus will be how to combat threats such as foulbrood, mites and hive beetles while honoring one of the fundamental principles of organic agriculture: an organism is healthiest when its intrinsic needs are met.



Lectures and plenary discussions will take place with Gunther Hauk, director of the Pfeiffer Center and author of Toward Saving the Honeybee, Thomas Radetzki, director of one of GermanyÂ’s best research apiaries, and Dr. Medhat Nasr, Provincial Apiculturist of Alberta, Canada. Factors that determine the beesÂ’ health and vitality, the impact of conventional agricultural practices on beekeeping, and the latest research into alternative methods of pest and disease control will be explored. In taking stock of our beekeeping practices, we may begin to work toward a true stewardship of these amazing and important creatures.



For information or to register contact The Pfeiffer Center. Phone: 845-352-5020 ext.20. Email: info@pfeiffercenter.org. Website: www.pfeiffercenter.org.

[rainesridgefarm]

Rob are you going to attend?

[Rob Mountain]

No unfortunately not. That is a very busy time for me here at Kentucky State University. I am preparing for the Queen Raising classes that I will be giving this Spring.

Are you thinking of going?

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If a job is worth doing - Then do it well

[jfischer]

> Lectures and plenary discussions will
> take place with Gunther Hauk, director
> of the Pfeiffer Center...

Speaking of the Pfeiffer Center, has anyone else read the Rudolf Steiner book "Bees"?
As I understand it, the series of lectures
transcribed in this book became the basis
for what the Pfeiffer Center calls "Biodynamics".

I've slogged through this book several
times, and I have to admit that I just
can't seem to get a grasp on where he
was coming from, where he was going,
or if bees were anything more than an
abstract symbol for other things.

If anyone has read it, can anyone explain
to me what, if anything, these lectures
had to do with actual beekeeping?

I'm not trying to be hard-nosed, I have
spent serious time and money traveling
long distances to hear people like
Buckminster Fuller and Ram Dass speak
whenever I could, so I think I am a
little more "open minded" than most
on philosophy.

But for $185, I can attend multiple
beekeeping conferences with more than
3 speakers, and I wonder just what
possible connection this organization
might have with actual legit Organic
beekeeping of the sort that the USDA
would endorse, and would allow the
"green dot" on one's honey.

Anyone have any clues at all?
Anyone ever been to any of the lectures
given by Gunther Hauk? (Medhat and Thomas Radetzki need no introduction, of course.)

jim

[dmcdonald]

I too have tried to read some of Steiner's stuff on bees. I found it incomprehensible. It also seemed to have nothing to do with current science on bees--it's full of strange assertions, like that the queen is the least mature sort of bee. And the earth, moon, sun, etc., have some spiritual/symbolic significance which Steiner invokes in relation to bees.

Fortunately for Steiner, the more obscure he is, the more brilliant he is in the eyes of his adherents. If you remark on the obscurity, it just reveals your lack of spiritual insight.

But, I've heard that biodynamic beekeepers--some of them, at least--are using top-bar hives and may have some interesting things to say about the actual practice of beekeeping. As with Waldorf education (another Steiner thing), I have no use for the theory, but some of the practices can be instructive.

[Ian]

And people pay money to listen to this crap?

[Rob Mountain]

Ok, Ok, Ok, I am not a supporter of Steiner myself. I simply was passing on information.

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If a job is worth doing - Then do it well

[wfarler]

reminds me of an old saying I learned at the University "if you are what you eat and you eat at Mr. Donut you are a part of the one because at Mr. Donut everthing tastes the same'.

4" snow today, ready for spring.

[briancady413]

Well, any reports from the conference?

Any videos or mpegs available of lectures?

Brian Cady

[wayacoyote]

I just wanted to pull this thread up to see if there were any updates.