From LISTSERV@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU Sun Oct 2 15:48:03 1994 Date: Sun, 2 Oct 1994 16:46:44 -0400 From: BITNET list server at ALBNYVM1 To: Allen Dick Subject: File: "BEE-L LOG9309" ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 21:34:23 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeffrey=Young%SQA%Banyan@MAGNOLIA.BANYAN.COM Subject: The Secret Garden - Movie I just went to see the movie "The Secret Garden" and I HIGHLY recommend it. It is a child's view of the world through the eyes of an orphaned 10 year old girl & her secret discovery of a dormant, forgotten garden and her amazement as it blooms into life as she herself discovers life and joy within herself and those around her. It is a great see for viewers from 5 to 95 years old especially if you enjoy nature and gardening. Its a rare type of movie (for the '90s) that, believe it or not, is completely entertaining without a single chase scene, nudity, violence, or even a four letter word. The whole world is a garden.... jeff jyoung@banyan.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 19:26:00 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: NICKW@WAIKATO.AC.NZ Subject: NZ Buzzwords - July 1993 THIS IS THE JULY 1993 ISSUE OF 'BUZZWORDS', THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW ZEALAND BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION. IF I CAN HELP WITH ANY MATTERS ASSOCIATED WITH IT, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. ------------------------------------- Nick Wallingford Tauranga, NZ (East coast, N Island, New Zealand) Internet nickw@waikato.ac.nz ------------------------------------- A WARM TIME IN GORE This year's highly successful Gore conference proved once again how dangerous it is to listen to 'nay-sayers'. For starters, despite numerous predictions to the contrary, the conference in the deep south was very well supported. The seminar attendance in particular was virtually identical to last year's in Hastings. The weather in Southland also turned out much better than predicted - cold at night, to be sure, but dry and mostly sunny every day. No one could say they didn't provide sufficient heat at the conference venue, either. In Southland, when they say central heating, they mean you can even open up all the windows and doors. And as all conference participants can attest, the warmth of the venue was matched by the warmth of all the Southlanders they met - the conference organisers, the Croydon Lodge staff, and even just the people on the street. As one astonished North Islander exclaimed, 'they stop for you at the cross walks and they even smile at you as they wait!' Congratulations must surely go to all Southland branch members who worked so hard to ensure that the conference was a success. Special thanks to Don Steadman, Southland branch president, who met everyone at the airport, and seemed to have everything under control right straight through; to Frances Trewby, who organised a very valuable seminar; and to Ian Spence, Keith Herron, Michael and Kerry Lee, and Ross Ward, who all played prominent roles throughout the week. Thanks for such a good (and warm) time! CHANGING OF THE GUARD This year's conference saw the retirement of Dudley Ward (Dannevirke), your NBA president for the past three years, and the replacement of a further two members of the executive - Nick Wallingford (Tauranga), and Michael Wraight (Nelson). Conference delegates praised all three for the hard work and keen interest they have shown in industry affairs over the years, and identified the particular qualities each brought to the difficult task of running the association. Dudley Ward was singled out for the 'strong conciliatory approach' he brought to the office of president and his ability to accomplish so much as a 'team manager'. Nick Wallingford was acknowledged for his incisiveness, particularly in making government submissions, and for his computing and budgetary skills. Michael Wraight earned the thanks of his fellow executive members for his ability to 'cut through all the jargon in proposed legislation' facing the industry. Michael and Nick were heavily involved in submissions to government on both the Bio-Security Bill and the Australian honey import protocols. New members of the executive, who took up their positions at the executive meeting at the end of conference, are Graham Cammell (Auckland), Russell Berry (Rotorua), and Mervin Cloake (Timaru). AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT It is perhaps fitting in this centenary year of woman's suffrage in New Zealand that delegates elected Frances Trewby (Nelson) as their new president to lead the NBA. Frances was previously vice-president of the association. It was also pointed out that the appointment was doubly appropriate, since the first beekeeper in New Zealand was in fact a woman. Just as important for many readers of Buzzwords, however, is the fact that Frances is the first beekeeper employee to ever become the leader of our industry. The appointment recognises the important part workers, as well as owners, play in beekeeping and also acknowledges the range of skills and experiences of industry members. The variety of people involved in our industry is one of its great strengths, and in the past has been one of the main reasons that beekeeping has been so progressive and influential in New Zealand. Delegates elected Richard Benseman (Ashburton) as the association's new vice-president. QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY As Bill Floyd points out in his article later on in this issue, the essence of at least the seminar-part of this year's conference could be summed up in the word 'Quality'- quality, because its good for your business; quality, because the business of the on-seller of your products (domestic and export) may depend on it; quality, because you may not even be able to extract your honey in the future without it. Speakers on the subject included Steve Olds, from Tecpak Industries in Dunedin, a major supplier of packaging to our industry; Denise Riches, a quality systems consultant from Peat- Marwick; Sally Gilbert, a Health Protection Officer with Southern Health; and Bryan Clements, from Kihikihi, a honey packer who is currently developing quality systems for his business. The selection of speakers was excellent, and a variety of approaches and opinions were presented. For Steve Olds, the need to concentrate on quality in his business was based on the fact that unless they kept improving their products in the market place, competitors would soon step up and fill in the gaps. He now believes that unless all of us adopt quality systems in the future, our businesses will surely disappear. But Steve was quick to point out that Total Quality Management was not a panacea; it can't solve all the problems in a business. At Tecpak they soon realised that senior staff had to learn basic management skills and engage in serious business planning if their commitment to quality was to succeed. Part of that management training took the form of new ways of handling workers, the most important part of any business, according to Steve. The main change they have made at Tecpak is to ensure that barriers are removed which rob their workers of their pride of workmanship. Densie Riches provides quality management consultancy services to a range of businesses throughout the South Island. She believes the drive in the future for quality systems in New Zealand business will be the requirement for quality assurance by purchasers. For exporters, this is already fast becoming the case. New Zealand firms are finding that to remain competitive internationally, quality accreditation is essential. The change is also now being reflected on the domestic market. Food retailers, especially, are beginning to establish formalised accreditation of suppliers. Provided the supplier can meet recognised standards of product quality and deliver on time, they become the favoured suppliers of goods. Quality systems are therefore finding their way out of the factory and all the way down to the primary producer. Denise currently has several diary farmer clients developing quality systems. The information Sally Gilbert presented was no doubt a shock to some people in the room. Sally outlined the provisions of the draft Food Safety Regulations now before Parliament (release date so far unknown). When the regulations are enacted they will replace the current Food Hygiene Regulations, 1974, the legislation under which honey houses are currently licensed. According to Sally, the old legislation, which concentrated on how the premises should be constructed, turned out to be less than satisfactory. Many people complained about the rigidity of the requirements (remember sloping window sills!), while at the same time the rules completely missed out on assessing the actual processes which took place in the premises. The new legislation will be quite the reverse; it will concentrate on the food safety systems in the premises and will give back to the owner the responsibility for ensuring that the structures and machines are suitable for producing a safe product. In effect, honey houses (and all other food processing places) will not be registered; the premises's food safety programme will be registered instead. Owners of honey houses will have to write a simple food safety document which outlines these food safety quality systems, including hazard analysis, sampling/testing, monitoring, and what would be done to rectify problems which might occur. According to Sally, coming up with such a system should be quite easy for beekeepers because our product is pure, unprocessed, and incapable of harbouring disease-bearing organisms found in most other foods. Bryan Clements outlined the process his business (Waikato Honey Products) is taking to achieve ISO 9002 quality accreditation. Bryan received a Business Development Board grant which pays for half of the expenses for quality management training and half the expenses of the accreditation audit. Bryan has employed a MAF Quality Management consultant to help and just recently had his first audit by Telarc, a New Zealand quality accreditation firm. While at times nerve-racking, Bryan is sure the system will pay dividends in the future. His message to the seminar was a simple 'if I can do it, so can you!' HEARD AT CONFERENCE 'If you're interested in remaining in business in the future, you'll soon learn the meaning of the word `quality'' - Steve Olds 'How can you have quality honey if your system for processing it isn't quality' - Steve Olds 'Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning, it's now gone afternoon.' - Keith Herron 'If you are asking for what you were intending to ask for, I'd still speak against it.' 'The two shareholders are the Minister of Science, and Ruth Richardson, the minister of everything.' 'If you are not prepared as a government to pay for an EDPR for EFB, then don't allow Australian honey into this country.' - Keith Herron 1080, WASPS, AND AFB A normal feature of any annual conference are the scientific reports, and this year speakers took the opportunity to announce several breakthroughs in areas of concern to beekeepers. The main speaker was Dr. Oliver Sutherland, general manager with the Weeds and Pests Division, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, one of the new Crown Research Institutes. Landcare Research was given the job of finding and testing a new bee repellent for 1080 following the controversial ending of work on oxalic acid (see Buzzwords 54). Landcare Research contracted Dr. Mark Goodwin, the discoverer of the original oxalic acid repellant, to test a range of other substances for bee repellency. Mark came up with another candidate, called isovaleric acid (IVA), a common substance found in some food products. The substance has also now been tested by Landcare Research on possums in cages, and seems to have no repellant effect on the possums at all. Landcare Research is now in the process of setting up field trials on the repellant. Dr. Sutherland assured the audience that this time the trials will be conducted in a proper scientific manner and that only Landcare Research personnel will be involved. Dr. Sutherland said that work was also under way to develop an alternative to 1080 which would kill possums, but would be safe to a range of other organisms (including insects). The new product would also incorporate a bee repellant to ensure that bees did not bring the material back to their hives. According to Dr. Sutherland, 'our hope is that in a very short time we will have an alternative.' Dr. Sutherland also outlined current work being conducted by Landcare Research on wasps. With the restructuring of science a little over a year ago, wasp researchers from a number of government departments were brought together to work as a team in Landcare Research. The group immediately set about evaluating the current control approach, which uses a parasitic wasp as a biological control. Clearly, the establishment of the wasp hadn't been successful, even though a second establishment site had recently been found in Canterbury. After computer modelling of the parasite populations, the group came to the conclusion that even though this had been the most widely distributed biological control release in New Zealand history, it will never reach the levels necessary to fully control either the German or common wasp. Since the biological control effort using the first parasite had been driven by outside funding (especially from regional councils) and that funding had now dried up, the group decided to focus its control efforts instead on new biological control agents and on chemical controls. Dr. Sutherland was able to announce at the conference that a new substance, sulphfluramid, which is an excellent wasp poison, will soon be manufactured in a bait formulation, and should be available to the public next summer. And we couldn't let a conference go by without some more stunning results on AFB, and Dr. Mark Goodwin certainly didn't let us down. This last season Mark and his team at Ruakura set up a trial to test the disease-spreading risk of wet (freshly extracted) supers. Forty hives, all testing negative for AFB spores using the adult bee test, were divided into two groups. One group received extracted supers which had originally come from hives with visual symptoms of AFB; the other group acted as a control. The supers were placed on the colonies in the late spring and no robbing was observed between any of the colonies. Nevertheless, when adult bees were sampled 2 days later, all colonies (including the controls) tested positive for AFB spores. According to Mark, robbing obviously had occurred, but not in a way that was normally evident. The hives were then completely inspected for diseased larvae, but on the first round nothing was found. One month later, however, 1 hive was found to be infected with AFB (from the wets group), and further infected hives were found throughout the next five months. To date, a total of 8 wet-super colonies (40% of sample) have broken down. But more surprisingly, 4 of the control colonies have developed visual symptoms as well. According to Mark, wet supers would appear to be a very important factor in the spread of AFB. He believes it is therefore essential that all colonies are inspected before any honey is taken off. Such inspections are all the more important, he believes, because if AFB-infected supers end up on new colonies in the spring, the long-term development of obvious disease symptoms may mean that the beekeeper will still be reaping the consequences 12 months later. A FRIEND IN PARLIAMENT For the second year running, Denis Marshall, the associate Minister of Agriculture, was unable to address conference (see Buzzwords 44). Last year it was an ear infection, and this year he was called away at the last minute to handle urgent legislation before the House. In his place we were instead addressed by a 'breath of fresh air' in the form of Margaret Moir, MP for West Coast, and member of both the Agriculture Caucus Committee and the Primary Production Select Committee. Delegates knew they were in for a 'different approach' when she began her address by saying, 'I've changed some of the words in this because of the bureaucratic jargon; I never know what they mean.' Her prepared notes covered all the various current government actions affecting our industry, including the Commodity Levy Act Amendment Bill (the government's going to make the voting system more workable), the Bio-Security Bill (due back before the House in two weeks), and the Australian Honey Protocols (a new protocol is likely at the end of this year, with submissions called for in January-February). It was on this last subject that most of the real discussion took place. Putting away the notes (which she said she disagreed with, anyway), Mrs. Moir told us that she 'didn't think we should import any Australian honey at all.' To her it was 'ludicrous' that the government was even considering it, while at the same time trying to improve bio-security. Mrs. Moir made the point quite strongly that our industry needed to continue the lobbying effort on the issue, making sure that every MP knew what affect any likely import would have. She said that the way to do this lobbying was by a personal visit, rather than by mail. Each MP gets approximately 12 inches worth of mail per week, so the personal approach is vital. Mrs. Moir also believes that our industry is in a key position to get other industries to help us win the fight on Australian honey and also on EDPR. 'The government is prepared to share the expense on things like foot and mouth because it threatens our future', she said. 'You will need to persuade the government that for a bee disease it will also be a threat to our New Zealand future.' During question time, members of the executive who had made the original submission to the Ag Caucus Committee on Australian honey let the audience know just how important Mrs. Moir was to the cause. According to Frances Trewby, Mrs. Moir was the one who 'knew the questions to ask to get the answers we wanted to tell her.' And Mrs. Moir responded by telling the audience that our campaign had indeed been effective. 'You have obviously made the Minister pause, because he was keen to have Australian honey in New Zealand last year', she said. The important thing now, according to Mrs. Moir, was to keep up the fight, and be ready with sound, well-constructed arguments when the next protocol is proposed. Needless to say, by the end of Mrs. Moir's session, conference was left in no doubt that there would be at least one strong beekeeping supporter in the Beehive next time around. TOWARDS AN AFB-FREE FUTURE Conference was also presented with the long-awaited report of the Disease Control Committee, chaired by Ian Berry (Havelock North), a past president of the association. The committee was made up of 7 prominent beekeepers from throughout the country, and included people with a range of different opinions on disease control. The committee carried out most of its affairs via conference call, and achieved its objective at below its $2500 budget. It's probably common knowledge by now that the committee recommended an industry goal of AFB eradication in New Zealand by the year 2000. Ian Berry defended this goal by pointing out that: a) the goal was the same as the one held by most good beekeepers for their own outfits, b) eradication would be the most economic approach to the problem in the long-run, c) the goal would signal to government the beekeeping industry's strong commitment to disease control (especially in relation to honey imports), and d) even if the goal wasn't met, the worst that could happen would be to achieve a better level of disease control than we already have. Ian said the committee felt that the alternative would be to continue to find diseased hives at slower rate than new hives were infected, with the result that the industry would finally have to adopt drug feeding to survive. The committee report calls for an increased educational component to the current disease control programme, so that every beekeeper will be able to recognise AFB, inspect their hives, deal effectively with outbreaks, and report disease to authorities. They suggest the production of a 'Starting with Bees' pamphlet at the national level, for distribution to all new beekeepers, and an AFB control manual, for the use of commercial beekeepers. Branches would also play a bigger part in the programme, and the committee suggests a change to the NBA rules to ensure that every branch carries out an annual AFB education meeting. The committee also recommends that the way be cleared for striking a levy under the Commodity Levies Act, once the Hive Levy Act is repealed in 1995. The committee suggests that the levy be on an apiary basis and be charged to all beekeepers owning 4 apiaries or more. They also recommend a change to June 1 for levy payments and a corresponding change to June 1 for disease declarations to MAF. The committee report now has to be considered by the full executive. Conference gave its support for the recommendations by passing the various related remits. In the next year it will be up to the NBA, and MAF (as the current AFB programme contractor), to implement any of the recommendations the executive decides to adopt. 'THE TREE IS JUST PLANTED, DON'T PULL IT UP' The Honey Industry Marketing Plan was also tabled at conference, with a talk outlining the plan by Marketing Committee chairman Alan McCaw, and a presentation on marketing initiatives by Bill Floyd. Bill presents more detail in his article below. Following the presentations, discussion took place on remit 17, which proposes the continuation of the marketing level for the next financial year. Debate centred on the need to show financial commitment to the plan in order for it to have a chance to succeed. Several delegates expressed their personal reservations about the levy, but there seemed to be common agreement that the levy must proceed, at least for another year. As Mervin Cloake (Timaru) said, 'if we pull the pin on it now, we've done the money cold.' Questions were also asked of executive regarding the non-payment of hive levies. Many members had felt that the imposition of the marketing levy would drive beekeepers underground, or result in a large number of undeclared hives. It turns out, however, that hive levy payments are currently within 1% of last financial year, and that substantially more hives have been declared than were budgeted for (executive budgeted for a downturn). There is still, however, an outstanding debt on hive levies of $35,000 (out of a total of about $230,000) and steps are being taken to initiate legal action against larger non-payers. ALSO HEARD AT CONFERENCE 'If you establish a bee site, you don't decide to move it after only one year. You give it three or four years, taking into account the vagaries of weather, etc., before you make your evaluation.' - Findlay Abernethy 'When politicians read this order paper and see our commitment to AFB eradication, they'll see how seriously this industry is about its bio-security.' - John Dobson 'We don't need to discuss this remit, but I guess that's what I'm doing, so it looks like I will.' - Alan McCaw 'Is there anyone who wants to suggest an amendment to this motion? No, I would suggest we just let the mess stand, as it is, for the record!' 'There are 389 ordinary (non-levy paying) members in this organisation who feel that they are already contributing enough. Hobbyists are a great asset to our industry and our one of its strengths. They're not just in the association for the magazine. They're in it to help contribute to the society we all live in.' - Colin McLean 'I think there's a statement in there somewhere about small groundnuts and lesser primates.' - Peter Bray Re. controls on the function of executive - 'If we own a dog, we don't have to bark as well.' - Dale Gifford 'We've really enjoyed the deep south. The weather's been dry, and so has the humour.' 'You're the only vice-president I've had that I've been able to give a kiss.' - Dudley Ward to Frances Trewby NOTES FROM THE MARKETING COMMITTEE The Honey Industry's Marketing Plan now moves into full swing as a result of the support of delegates at this year's conference. Although the marketing levy which resulted from last year's conference provided funds for the coming (1993/94) year, it was necessary for the Marketing Committee to get confirmation of ongoing funding for 1994/95 before it could make final decisions on its strategies and priorities. If the essence of the 1993 Conference could be summed up in a few words (apart from the obvious consensus that 'line-dancing is a great toe-tapper'), it would have to be that 'its time to toe the line on quality'. The Marketing Committee had identified 'Quality Systems' and 'Product Integrity' as being vital to creating a sound foundation for all marketing promotional activities. Some packers are producing international-class products; others (while perhaps not realising it) are doing everything as if their sole objective was to reduce the return to beekeepers and themselves and to keep honey perceived as a lacklustre, mediocre product. The Honey Marketing Plan specifically addresses these 'Quality' issues, and the first priority on the Marketing Funds is to carry out the following strategies: - Develop a set of standards and industry specifications to become knows as the New Zealand Honey Quality Standards (NZHQS) - Make these standards available to the beekeeping industry - Develop a 'Honeymark' that can be used on honey packaging that has been produced to these NZHQS specifications - Create opportunities for the beekeepers and packers who use the NZHQS The NZHQS and the Honeymark 'Quality' symbol will create a foundation for the future successes of the New Zealand beekeeping industry and are the cornerstone of the Marketing Committee's own actions over the next three to five years. This year's conference was also used to release the broad details of a New Zealand Honey Food Technology Service. This service will provide New Zealand food manufacturers with opportunities to include honey in their own products. The service will follow the already successful format developed in the US. The Marketing Committee has been given permission by the US honey industry to use all their research and promotional material at no charge in return for keeping them in touch with what we achieve here in New Zealand. The move into developing honey as a food ingredient once again puts the emphasis on the need for a national industry 'Quality' standard. The intention is to develop product concepts directly with food manufacturers, and once we have their interest, provide them with a list of those beekeepers/packers who are meeting the NZHQS requirements. Those beekeepers will then be able to tender for supplying the honey for the project. The Marketing Committee also has a number of strategies aimed at increasing the profile of honey per se in New Zealand. However, our first priority is the development of the NZHQS. Bill Floyd, Honey Marketing Committee FROM THE BRANCHES The next meeting of the Auckland branch is scheduled for Thursday, August 5, beginning at 7:30 pm, at the Papakura Anglican Church Hall. Discussion topic for the meeting will be 'feeding bees'. The next meeting of the Waikato branch will be held on Friday, August 6, beginning at 10 am, at the Green Room, Homestead, Ruakura. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 19:43:00 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: NICKW@WAIKATO.AC.NZ Subject: NZ Buzzwords - September issue THIS IS THE SEPTEMBER 1993 ISSUE OF 'BUZZWORDS', THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW ZEALAND BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION. IF I CAN HELP WITH ANY MATTERS ASSOCIATED WITH IT, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. ------------------------------------- Nick Wallingford Tauranga, NZ (East coast, N Island, New Zealand) Internet nickw@waikato.ac.nz ------------------------------------- FROM THE PRESIDENT This is my first communication to you all since becoming president of your association and I would like to begin by thanking all those who have offered their assistance since I have taken up this new role. One of the great strengths of our industry is the willingness of members to get involved at branch level, in special interest groups such as the Exporters' Association, and on industry committees such as the Disease Control Committee and the Marketing Committee. There are a number of major tasks ahead for the new executive. These include 1) using the Commodity Levies Act to secure continued funding for our activities, 2) developing Pest Management Strategies under the new Biosecurity Act so that we can continue the Disease Control Programme, especially in light of the passing of remits showing industry support for the goal of eradication of AFB, and 3) maintaining the Honey Marketing Committee's programme, and especially implementing the new Honey Industry Marketing Plan. Executive Officer Ted Roberts and I attended a meeting of Parliament's Primary Production Committee in Wellington on August 11 to present our submission on the Commodity Levies Amendment Bill. Many other primary production groups were also represented. They are in a similar situation to us in that they need a Commodity Levies Act which is workable if they are to continue to provide services to their industries. On August 5, executive members Richard Bensemann and Mervyn Cloake attended a practice headquarters exercise run by MAF as part of their training for a honey bee exotic pest and disease emergency response (EDPR). From the feedback it would appear that both MAF and our executive members benefitted from the session. Richard and Mervyn were impressed with the efficient way the headquarters was organised. They were also able to contribute some practical suggestions to the participants. It's good to hear that so many branches have begun to organise their part of the '93-'94 disease control programme. Hawkes Bay, Bay of Plenty, Southern North Island, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago branches have all set dates for diseaseathons. The executive held a telephone conference call to discuss the '93-'94 AFB Disease Control Programme on August 18. An advisory group to the executive, consisting of Richard Bensemann, Russell Berry, Terry Gavin and Alan McCaw from the Disease Control Committee, with assistance from Cliff Van Eaton (MAF) and Dr. Mark Goodwin (HortResearch) held a further conference call on August 31. This advisory group will recommend to executive, at its meeting on September 7-8, the form the disease control programme should take for this season. At our meeting following conference the executive met with Terry Gavin and Malcom Haines from the Northland branch. The executive gave its approval for the Far North branch to come out of recess. Members of the Northland branch felt northern members would be better served with a separate branch. Travel times and distances make it difficult for Far North members to attend Northland branch activities, which are centred around Whangarei. We wish the Far North branch all the best. Frances Trewby, President OZ HONEY QUALITY CODE The Australian beekeeping industry recently announced that it has developed the world's first code of practice for assuring honey quality. The code is a joint venture between the Australian Honey Bureau and the Honey Bee Research and Development Council (HBRDC). Australian honey packers are providing a manual outlining the code of practice to their beekeeper suppliers. Approximately 1000 Australian honey producers are expected to receive copies. As well, a video explaining the concept of quality assurance will be made available to all state and regional beekeeper associations. According to John McKay, marketing manager of the Australian Horticultural Corporation, the Australian beekeeping industry took the initiative to develop this code of practice to 'ensure that Australian honeys satisfy the most stringent domestic and international standards'. The industry aims to both safeguard existing markets and ensure that producers are in a position to expands sales into the commercial food and beverage processing markets. Mr. McKay believes that the Australian honey industry is more disciplined and integrated than its international competitors and is therefore better placed to satisfy ISO 9002 quality requirements. The code of practice is designed to ensure that all packers meet these internationally important quality standards. A number of major Australian honey packing and marketing organisations are already committed to satisfying ISO standards. The code of practice is likely to be fully implemented by the end of 1994. The code of practice manual was produced in cooperation with the Victorian Department of Agriculture's Quality Management Unit. The manual sets forth guidelines for the maintenance of quality during all stages of production, packaging and marketing. It focuses on areas where beekeepers can have a major influence on final honey quality and colour. Bee Briefs, NSW Dept of Agriculture, May 1993 MANUKA BY THE CAPSULE A Gisborne company has started cashing in on the antibiotic properties of manuka honey, publicised by Dr. Peter Molan of Waikato University, by selling the honey in gelatine health capsules. Gisborne Honey Producers has just won its first domestic order for 100,000 capsules. Managing partner Brian Smith believes the product is a world first. His company is set to supply 1.8 million capsules from raw material worth $1.2 million. Samples of the capsules, labelled as 'nature's own antibiotic', are also going to Asian distributors and an American marketing network. According to Mr. Smith, work on research and development of the product began about five years ago. The company has spent an estimated $50,000 on the project. Mr. Smith originally went into beekeeping to supply hives for kiwifruit pollination, but came up with the capsule concept when investigating diversification options. Samples of honey used in the capsules are tested by the Cawthorn Institute in Nelson to a trademarked Pharm Qual standard. The honey is tested against a range of bacteria included MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. New Zealand Press Association FROM THE BRANCHES The next meeting of the Auckland branch is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, at the Anglican Church Hall, Papakura. Discussion topic for the meeting will be 'alternative returns from beekeeping'. The next meeting of the Hawkes Bay branch will be on Monday, September 13, at the Cruse Club rooms, Lee Road, Taradale. During their last meeting the branch discussed the pros and cons of various types of both pollen traps and feeders. They also opened up their nine branch hives last month. The hives are both a good learning tool for new members and a source of extra income for the branch. NORTH AMERICAN NOTES During my recent holiday in Canada, I was able to attend the annual Western Apicultural Society (WAS) conference, held at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. There were a number of interesting speakers at the conference, as well as some good discussions during the various social activities. Here's a brief run-down of some of the highlights - Canadian Border Re-opening - as was reported in Buzzwords 54, there is a strong possibility that the Canadian border with the US may re-open, allowing renewed shipments of queens and packages from the US. The move could have drastic consequences for New Zealand producers since our freight costs are so much higher. It turns out that almost everyone in Canada is against the move, including all the provincial ministers of agriculture, all the provincial beekeeping associations, the Canadian Honey Council, and the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturalists. Still, that doesn't seem to have stopped the Federal Minister of Agriculture, who seems hell-bent on going ahead with the move regardless. Several people I spoke to said that the situation was not just bad for Canadian beekeeping; it also showed how politicians who are elected to serve their constituents can sometimes usurp the democratic process. A meeting on the issue is set to take place in Edmonton during the first week of September. Sources believe that a final decision will be made at that meeting. Queen Mandibular Pheromone - Researchers Keith Slessor and Mark Winston from Simon Fraser isolated this pheromone and were able to synthesize it for commercial use. The pheromone is now produced by Phero Tech, a company in British Columbia, and is marketed as a pollination attractant (trade name: Fruit Boost). Fruit Boost has proven very successful on pears and cranberries and the company would like to carry out trials on kiwifruit. Interestingly, the researchers have found that the amount of pheromone (expressed in queen equivalents/ha!) is critical to pollination success. Too much pheromone can reduce pollination as much as too little, while the right amount can double the number of bees visiting the flowers. They have also found that the bees spend more time out of the hive per visit when the pheromone is applied correctly. What they haven't figured out yet, though, is why the pheromone works at all, since queen mandibular pheromone isn't usually associated with floral marking by honey bees. It's normally only found inside the hive. Changes in Canadian Beekeeping - According to Don Dixon, Provincial Apiarist for Manitoba, the reduction in honey prices in the mid-'80's caused by changes in the US subsidy programme had a greater affect on Canadian beekeeping than the border closure for queens and packages. Colony over-wintering was already accelerating in Manitoba before the border closure and the number of package bees brought into the province was declining. But the biggest reason hive numbers decreased dramatically in Canada in the late 80's was the fact that honey prices went from CDN 90 cents/lb to less than 40 cents/lb. The good news, though, is that 1993 is the first year that colony numbers have increased in Canada since 1986. Currently, according to Don, the break-even point for prairie honey producers at CDN 60 cents/lb is 150 lb (68 kg) per hive. Fortunately, the average production is 200 lb (91 kg) per hive! Varroa Mites - These mites are having a profound effect on US beekeeping, with one beekeeper at the conference reporting a reduction in his hive numbers over one year from 2000 to 800 colonies. However, according to Eric Mussen, Extension Apiculturist in California, colony reductions aren't showing up in the statistics because of the migratory nature of beekeeping there and beekeepers' ability to replace hive numbers by making early splits. Feral colonies aren't so lucky, though, and a California researcher has found that the mite is destroying most such colonies. Beekeepers are also finding that one chemical treatment per year isn't enough to control the mites, since the mites seem to spread quite quickly from hive to hive. The varroa mite has also been found along the US-Canada border in both Manitoba and British Columbia and is now regarded as being firmly established in the lower mainland area around Vancouver. Cliff Van Eaton FROM THE MARKETING COMMITTEE The NZ Honey Quality Standards - In last month's Buzzwords I explained how the Marketing Committee was first and foremost concerned with 'quality' issues. All the proposed marketing strategies have to evolve from, and be based on, the central theme of 'quality'. Sue Jenkins and I have started working on the first draft of what will become known as the NZ Honey Quality Standards (NZHQS). In carrying out the work I must say that I'm quite impressed, firstly, by Sue's knowledge, and just as importantly, by how complex the whole issue of beekeeping husbandry and honey production really is. You certainly realise this the moment you try to come up with a national quality standard. The Marketing Plan - Copies of the marketing plan are being sent to all branch secretaries during the first week of September. You'll note that some of the work is now dated and that we have already deferred some actions to stay within budget. However, the overriding strategies are all valid and we look forward to your feedback on the programme. Watch Out Or Your Labels Will Cost You Double - Despite everything you've been told or believe about honey yourself, the law is very clear on what can and cannot be said on food labels. Don't get carried away and make exciting and provocative claims about honey (especially its newly discovered anti-bacterial properties). I believe it, you believe it, but your local Health Protection Officer isn't allowed to (yet) and he or she has to be very firm on any food packaging/labelling that makes nutritional or therapeutic claims. If you refer to antibacterial activity in honey, you can run afoul of the law. We are aware of two packers who have been given 6 months to reprint their labels and stop making such claims. The Health Protection Officer concerned has also written to officers in all other regions warning them of possible honey label transgressions in their areas. The Marketing Committee's advice is as follows: - You can't win against the Health Department; and we should be pleased the Health Protection Officers are doing their jobs. They stop any 'honey hoons' from going silly with 'over-the-top' (or is that 'off-the-hive') claims that make us all look like the lunatic fringe. - Discuss with your local Health Protection Officer what you intend to put on your label. New labelling regulations come into force on 1 January 1995 and you will be surprised at what you won't be able to say on your product label. - Make sure any information you get from the committee, or from your own network, about the food and therapeutic values of honey is publicised by your local media. This can be more effective and more credible than putting something on your own packaging. A NZ Honey Showcase - the Marketing Committee wants to build up a showcase of the different types of NZ honey and honey-based products, together with any promotional material beekeepers may have done. We can't make any guarantees, but these products may get some further publicity during the next twelve months. If you want to participate, please send samples to NZ Honey Marketing Group, c/- Floyd Marketing, 4A Scott Street, PO Box 32, Blenheim. Sorry we can't afford to pay you for your items, but hopefully a showcase which includes your products will compensate for the expense. Peter Bray Goes Nationwide - Nick Wallingford was responsible for getting Peter Bray on Kim Hill's National Programme morning slot last month. It was a great interview that did us all proud. Thanks, Peter and Nick! Bill Floyd, Honey Marketing Committee BEE BRAINS AND HUMAN LEARNING Can honey bees help scientists understand how adult humans learn? Researchers at the University of Illinois are convinced they can. In the July 15 issue of the journal Nature, insect biologists Susan E. Fahrbach and Gene E. Robinson describe structural changes that occur in the brains of bees when the insects leave their domestic chores to tackle their most challenging and complex task - foraging for pollen and nectar. They believe that such changes also occur in human brains. The article describes the work of neuroscience graduate student G.S. Withers, which focused on the 'mushroom bodies', a region of the bee brain so named because it appears mushroom-shaped when viewed in cross-section. The region is closely associated with learning and memory. Withers's study of bee brain sections showed that the mushroom bodies are re-organised when a bee becomes a forager. She was also able to show that this was not simply due to aging of the bee. In a key experiment, young honey bees were forced to become foragers by removing older bees from the colony. The mushroom bodies of these young foragers, who were only about one week old, mirrored those of normal-aged foragers. The findings suggest that nerve cells in the mushroom bodies receive more informational inputs per cell as the bee learns to forage. In order to be a successful forager, a bee must learn how to navigate to and from its hive and how to collect food efficiently from many types of flowers. According to the article's authors, the implications for neuroscience go far beyond the beehive. There could also be an application to human studies because the structure of bee brains is similar to - but much simpler than - human brains. The authors believe the discovery opens up a new area of research on the relationship between brain and behaviour. One fundamental question this research raises is 'which comes first?' Do changes in behaviour lead to changes in brain structure? Or do the changes in brain structure occur first, in preparation for the changes in behaviour? BeeNet COMVITA AT EXPO Comvita NZ Ltd has been chosen, along with Canterbury International and Ariki New Zealand, as retailers in the New Zealand pavilion at the Asian Expo '93 in Taejon, South Korea. The Expo runs for three months, from August 7 to November 7, and is expected to attract more than 10 million visitors from both Korea and Japan. New Zealand is participating at the Expo along with 112 other countries. Korea is a huge and fast-growing market for New Zealand and this year is likely to nudge out Great Britain as our fourth biggest export market. Mike Pattison, Expo '93 Commissioner General for New Zealand, says the New Zealand presence at Expo will help consolidate this relationship at a time when the Korean government is lowering import barriers and Koreans are discovering New Zealand as a tourist destination. Comvita will be in the retail area of the 828m2 New Zealand pavilion and will have on sale its range of royal jelly, propolis, and honey products. The pavilion features static and audio-visual displays of New Zealand's peoples and cultures, art, primary industry, technology, and tourist attractions. The ground floor is designed as a walkway which takes visitors through a cave entrance and culminates in a landscaped area featuring a waterfall and live New Zealand vegetation. Export News, August 9, 1993 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 10:50:00 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: Invertase Lab Exercise David Your request reminded me of an excercise we did in early high school (a long time ago) I don't remember all the details, but it had a satisfactory impression, perhaps you can reinvent it. I think it used dialysis tubing, dissolved starch (or sucrose) and a (starch?) indicator (iodine?). I remember a "sausage" of the dialysis tubing, filled with a test liquid, immersed in a clear jar of another liquid, perhaps with the indicator. Some of the test liquids (starch?) sat inert in the liquid, while others (with invertase?) showed a slow cascade of colour, as the (sugar?) diffused through (into the indicator?). I remember I got a particularly good result by adding honey. Good luck Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET KCLARK@GALAXY.GOV.BC.CA ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 11:38:00 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: "Crisco" patties Anyone thinking of using antibiotic extender patties should either use the commercially available ones, or hold off a bit until a better copy of the EAS "new" recipe is available (I too would like to see it). The recipe recently reported looks too far off the old one , to be real!! The "old" recipe (Wilson, W., J. Elliot and J. Lackett 1979?) I have listed as: 1/3 lb Crisco 2/3 lb granulated sugar 2 Tbl Tablespoons TM 25 Stir antibiotic and sugar into a uniform blend. Mix in the shortening without heating, to make a large patty. Divide mix into 2, 1/2 lb patties. Put each on a 6 x 6 inch sheet of heavy brown wrapping paper. Give 1 patty per colony, on the top bars of the lower hive body. (Other recipes have used liquid veg oil and more sugar) (The recipe reported from notes had only "2 t" (?) antibiotic for 4? patties...much less than the above. I'd have to see a more definite reference before I could believe it) Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET KCLARK@GALAXY.GOV.BC.CA ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 15:38:31 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Rick Hough Subject: Crisco Patties Date 9/1/93 Subject Crisco Patties >From Rick Hough To BEE-L List REGARDING Crisco Patties Does anyone recall where at EAS this "new" Crisco patty recipe was discussed?? I was at EAS, and I don't recall it, but it may be burried in my pile of notes & handouts somewhere..... I'll go look, but anyone with tips as to when it was mentioned at EAS will help speed my search considerably!! Rick Hough, Hamilton, MA (NE of Boston) rshough@tasc.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 13:07:28 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Bee Queens Flying ? Bonjour a tous ! A friend of mine, rearing queens, asked me : Is it credible that honeybee queens reared in very small nucs, without any drone, would fly shorter distances to mate that queens reared in established hives (with a lot of drones) ? Thanks for your minds. Regards JMVD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : bitnet jmvandyck@bnandp51 B.P. 102 internet jmvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 09:30:55 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: BEELAB@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU Subject: wax moth I have wax moth in my storage facility for research bee hives. Any ideas how to control them? I am about to try an insecticide bomb! esouthwi@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 17:14:41 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Re: wax moth > I have wax moth in my storage facility for research bee hives. > Any ideas how to control them? I am about to try an insecticide > bomb! esouthwi@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu Hi Ed, *************************************************************************** Try all but insecticide ! Bees are also insects ! *************************************************************************** The solution depends on the drama extent. If you have observed a few moths on your frames : use the biological product to spray on the combs. If your store is become a wax moth breeding ... You may - burn what is too spoiled ... - use a very toxic product to kill all the living mites ... pay attention : it is toxic for you too !! The next procedure lets to kill all the mites, waxmoths, eggs &c I am thinking it kills also mildew (maybe nosema ?) I repeat : the product is very toxic o put your whole material in large strong plastic bags : don't tear (holes) the plastic o put the bags in a well vented room - outdoor is better for you ! o prepare large sheets of absorbent paper (f.ex. 4 sheets of kitchen paper for 1 bag) o put this paper on top in each bag o prepare some bonds to tie the bags o rapidly pour 50 ml of carbon tetrachloride (very very toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin) on the absorbent paper and close the bag o don't keep the bags in a close room because the product passes slowly throught the plastic o air plentiful the material at least 2 days before reusing Good luck Jean-Marie ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 11:50:20 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Rick Hough Subject: RE>wax moth Date 9/2/93 Subject RE>wax moth >From Rick Hough To E. Southwick, Discussion of Bee Biology Reply to: RE>wax moth Most good beginner beekeeping books talk about wax-moth prevention. Memory tells me that Paradichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals are generally used to store stacks of supers or brood chambers with a pile of PDB at the top of the stack. The stack needs to be relatively air-tight (i.e. solid top & bottom covers on the stacks, and some folks tape the joints between the boxes, too), to keep the PDB from disipating. Also, good ventilation around the stacks is important, as you don't want the PDB fumes to collect in an area where people might breath them. I'm not sure if PDB is good at eradicating wax moth once a serious infestation has settled into the equipment - more drastic measures might be called for. Also, be sure to air out any comb treated with PDB for a couple days before returning them to the hives - the bees don't care for PDB any more than the moths do! Send me e-mail directly if you have further questions. Good Luck! Rick Hough, Hamilton, MA (NE of Boston) Internet: rshough@tasc.com -------------------------------------- From: BEELAB@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU Subject: wax moth Comments: To: bee-l%albnyvm1.BITNET@ubvm.cc.buffalo.edu To: Multiple recipients of list BEE-L I have wax moth in my storage facility for research bee hives. Any ideas how to control them? I am about to try an insecticide bomb! esouthwi@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 09:00:10 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Re: RE>wax moth >Date 9/2/93 >Subject RE>wax moth >>From Rick Hough >To E. Southwick, Discussion of Bee Biology > > Reply to: RE>wax moth > 0900 / 2 Sept. 1993 Carbon tetrachloride is very dangerous and likely on the banned list in the U.S. Rick Hough's advice is good - more complete details can be found starting on p. 1130 of THE HIVE AND THE HONEY BEE (1992 edition). Adrian M. Wenner >I have wax moth in my storage facility for research bee hives. >Any ideas how to control them? I am about to try an insecticide >bomb! esouthwi@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu *************************************************************** * Adrian Wenner E-Mail wenner@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu * * Department of Biology Office Phone (805) 893-2838 * * University of California Lab Phone (805) 893-2838 * * Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX (805) 893-4724 * *************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 08:50:00 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: Bee Queens Flying ? I don't know of any study that compared the 2 specific conditions you mention, but Dr. Tibor Szabo, Agric. Cda. Research Stn Beaverlodge Alberta (now at Guelph Univ. Ontario) did 2 years of tests to determine the maximum distance that queens (from small, droneless nucs) would fly to connect with drones. The nucs were distributed in a forest with no honey bees, at varying distances from normal apiaries. Perhaps someone can quote the reference to the published article, or other details, but my recollection is that queens within 10 km were usually well inseminated, then there was a zone of less complete mating, to a further 10 km. One queen was well mated at about 20 km. Queen breeders have observed that nucs with virgin queens will attract drones from nearby colonies. Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET KCLARK@GALAXY.GOV.BC.CA ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 17:13:47 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Orville G. Marti" Organization: COASTAL PLAIN EXPERIMENT STATION Subject: Subscription problems?? Several people in my building have expressed interest in joining the entomology discussion groups, of which Bee-l is one. I subscribed about a year ago, without problems. Now, in attempting to give my colleagues assistance in subscribing to this group, I find that the procedure has changed; the original subscription request is answered with a message asking the sender to send an "ok", or if that does not work, to send "ok xxxxxx", where the x's represent a code supplied by listserv. I have tried several times without success to get others subscribed. Replying with the "ok", with or without the code has been unsuccessful. Can someone (listowner?) spell out just what it is that one must do to subscribe? The same message is sent in response to attempts to join other discussion groups as well. The directions seem not to be as well written as they could have been. Thanx in advance for any help.. -- ************************************************************************ Orville G. Marti, Jr. O.G. Marti, Jr. Dick Marti Phone: 912-387-2328 (office) BITNET: OMARTI@tifton Phone: 912-387-2350 (lab) Internet: OMARTI@tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu Fax: 912-387-2321 (office) Fax: 912-386-3571 (computer center) ************************************************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 20:36:04 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bee Surgeon Subject: 1st issue of J. Insect Behavior ?? Anybody has the 1st issue of J. of Insect Behavior that he/she does not need ? I used to have one (picked up free at an ESA meeting, 1989 ?). but could not find it. Now I am going back to china and the libaray asks for a copy of th first one. If anybody has one that is not needed, I would appreciate receivi ng it at: Zhiyong Huang/Dept Entomology/320 Morrill Hall/U of Illinois/Urbana, IL 61801 I will be leaving Sept. 12th so probably need to mail right away. Thanks for any help. Zhiyong ==================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1993 11:46:00 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Wilhelm Bos, Microbiologie" I can give you the phone number of some fellows who have flying chambers for honey bees since years in Utrecht Holland if you want. Interested? Greetings, Wilhelm Bos Internet: Bos@voeding.tno.nl ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1993 16:07:32 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Re: RE>wax moth 3-Sep-93 15:51 in reply to ... Adrian > Carbon tetrachloride is very dangerous and likely on the banned > list in the U.S. Rick Hough's advice is good - more complete details can > be found starting on p. 1130 of THE HIVE AND THE HONEY BEE (1992 edition). > Adrian M. Wenner reply to Ed asking ... >>I have wax moth in my storage facility for research bee hives. >>Any ideas how to control them? I am about to try an insecticide >>bomb! esouthwi@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu Adrian, Sorry, I apologize for speaking about CCl4 ... (however, it is a tool, and a lot of tools are very, very dangerous -handyman tools, &c.- ... people must take care in keeping with this danger) Rick says ... < Most good beginner beekeeping books talk about wax-moth prevention. < Memory tells me that Paradichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals are generally < used to store stacks of supers or brood chambers with a pile of PDB < at the top of the stack. Pay attention also with PDB : this product is not inoffensive .. it is noticed: "Harmfull. Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition. Harmfull if swallowed. Avoid contact with skin and eyes." (safety recommendations) and "Vapors may cause irritation to skin, throat and eyes. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations may show weakness, dizziness loss of weight; liver injury may develop." (Merck Index, 10th ed., p444) : the popular use let to loss the risk ... On the other hand, it dissolve itself, not in water (practically insoluble) but very easily in wax ... About this wax solubility, I remember a study (I am catching references ...) were the authors mesured the weight of PDB in the wax after different times of exposure : it was enormous. And the time to remove this PCB dissolved into wax is very long according to the conditions of airing ... but also because PCB diffuses very slowly into wax : what is entered in 6 months may not get out in 2 days ... And Rick is OK < Also, be sure to air out any comb treated with PDB for a < couple days before returning them to the hives - the bees don't care < for PDB any more than the moths do! The article recorded cases where bees died after laying supers and ... I should say a couple WEEKS ... But the problem remains. Apparently the infection is serious (Ed raised the alarm) and the PCB in not suitable to kill a established moth colony. < ... more drastic measures might be called for ... said Rick If you can't use CCl4, you may use Carbon Disulfide : it is also toxic (see below) with an horrible odour. Contrary to CCl4 which is putting out the fire, CDS is "highly flammable, it is also very toxic by inhalation. Take off immediately all contaminated clothing, don't empty into drains, take precautionary measures against static discharges" (safety recommendations) and "poisoning usually occurs from inhalation but also may be caused by ingestion and skin absorption" (Merck Index p251). Otherwise, I'm thinking the best way is to melt with steam the rest of the wax and to take care the next time ... As Rick I say you < Good Luck ! Jean-Marie P.S. A la queue le venin : In the case of ED I should certainly use CCl4 in an open, vented room, as I said in my 1st mail. I should also completely empty and sanitized the room where the moth breeding had occured. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : bitnet jmvandyck@bnandp51 B.P. 102 internet jmvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1993 09:42:04 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jerry J Bromenshenk Subject: Re: your mail In-Reply-To: (null) On Fri, 3 Sep 1993, Wilhelm Bos, Microbiologie wrote: > I can give you the phone number of some fellows who have flying chambers for > honey bees since years in Utrecht Holland if you want. Interested? > Greetings, Wilhelm Bos > Internet: Bos@voeding.tno.nl Sorry, this message came after the first. Great, I would much like their numbers, addresses, fax, etc. Do they have e-mail??? Thanks much for the help. Jerry Bromenshenk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1993 09:44:46 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jerry J Bromenshenk Subject: Re: wax moth In-Reply-To: (null) On Thu, 2 Sep 1993 BEELAB@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU wrote: > I have wax moth in my storage facility for research bee hives. > Any ideas how to control them? I am about to try an insecticide > bomb! esouthwi@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu Ed: Seems to me that there is a BT (MPCA) that someone distributes for wax moth. Takes longer, but leaves no residues. Carbon Tet has been banned for most usages such as given by your respondents, too dangerous to the applicator. You can freeze them out in your -85 C freezer. Do not use a Vapona strip. Kills the moths and the bees - for months, gets into the wax and then keeps on ticking. On a different note, do you now have 2 internet addresses. Couldn't reach you the other day, or didn't get a reply. Still would much like names, addresses, fax, e-mail, etc. of people flying bees in chambers. Also info about the Social Insect Listserver. Thanks Jerry Bromenshenk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1993 12:02:03 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ERIK@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU Subject: Re: Subscription problems?? > From: "Orville G. Marti" > Subject: Subscription problems?? > > the original subscription request is answered with a message > asking the sender to send an "ok", or if that does not work, to > send "ok xxxxxx", where the x's represent a code supplied by > listserv. > > I have tried several times without success to get others subscribed. > Replying with the "ok", with or without the code has been unsuccessful. > Can someone (listowner?) spell out just what it is that one must do to > subscribe? The same message is sent in response to attempts to join other > discussion groups as well. The directions seem not to be as well written > as they could have been. Thanx in advance for any help.. The LISTSERV software generated replies to the subscription requests, as a way of verifying that the address in the 'from' line of your subscription request is really a valid e-mail address. As such, the software requires that the 'ok' reply be sent back within a certain length of time (I think it might be 48 or 72 hours). If your mail program doesn't generate replies, you should send a letter back to the listserv with the 'ok xxxxx' code that the listserver sent you. If you have problems subscribing, you can send mail to the list-owners, and they can add you by hand. (the easy way to find a listowner is to send mail to the LISTSERV with the message: review short like: review bee-l short -erik P.S. let me know if you have any problems. -- Erik Seielstad | Systems Programmer/Analyst Internet: erik@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu | SUNY College at Brockport ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1993 10:01:46 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jerry J Bromenshenk Subject: Re: Bee Queens Flying ? In-Reply-To: (null) Kerry, you must check your e-mail every day. Glad to see I am not the only one. On Thu, 2 Sep 1993, Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299 wrote: > I don't know of any study that compared the 2 specific conditions you mention, > but Dr. Tibor Szabo, Agric. Cda. Research Stn Beaverlodge Alberta (now at Guelph > Univ. Ontario) did 2 years of tests to determine the maximum distance that > queens (from small, droneless nucs) would fly to connect with drones. The nucs > were distributed in a forest with no honey bees, at varying distances from > normal apiaries. > > Perhaps someone can quote the reference to the published article, or other > details, but my recollection is that queens within 10 km were usually well > inseminated, then there was a zone of less complete mating, to a further 10 km. > One queen was well mated at about 20 km. > > Queen breeders have observed that nucs with virgin queens will attract drones > from nearby colonies. > > Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist > B.C. Ministry of Agriculture > 1201 103 Ave > Dawson Creek B.C. > V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 > INTERNET KCLARK@GALAXY.GOV.BC.CA ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Sep 1993 21:07:00 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: NICKW@WAIKATO.AC.NZ Subject: Re: RE>wax moth For actually killing waxmoths, I agree with the extreme cold. Any commercial fruit coolstores that you could rent (assuming you have quite a few boxes to do?) One method, not so commonly used now, is pa based on the idea that the moths almost aways enter a stack of superfro (oops..bear with me, i don't know how to use this editor!) supers from the top (DO THEY???). Storage area for the boxes of combs was in a drafty room with slatted floor with very small mesh (flyscreen). With air current coming up through the stacks of boxes, the idea was that moths would not enter them. Wasn't there research some years back re: banging on the side of the hive at dusk to make bees attack the bo moths/larvae???? Baton Roughe? I am a very critical speller. It pains me to send out a posting that looks like this!!!! I should do it off line, eh? ------------------------------------- Nick Wallingford Bay of Plenty Polytechnic (East coast, N Island, New Zealand) Internet nickw@waikato.ac.nz Amateur radio ZL1BSN@ZL1UX.NZL.OC ------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Sep 1993 18:38:32 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Re: Bee Queens Flying ? Bonjour a tous ! On 02 Sep 1993 13:07:28 +0000 I asked ... < A friend of mine, rearing queens, asked me : < Is it credible that honeybee queens reared in very small nucs, without < any drone, would fly shorter distances to mate that queens reared in < established hives (with a lot of drones) ? Adam Finkelstein answer ... 02 Sep 1993 07:38:20 -0500 > Your queen flight question is interesting. Please let me know what you hear. and Kerry Clark ... 02 Sep 1993 08:50:00 -0700 > I don't know of any study that compared the 2 specific conditions you > mention, but Dr. Tibor Szabo, Agric. Cda. Research Stn Beaverlodge > Alberta (now at Guelph Univ. Ontario) did 2 years of tests to > determine the maximum distance that queens (from small, droneless > nucs) would fly to connect with drones. The nucs were distributed in a > forest with no honey bees, at varying distances from normal apiaries. > Perhaps someone can quote the reference to the published article, or > other details, but my recollection is that queens within 10 km were > usually well inseminated, then there was a zone of less complete > mating, to a further 10 km. One queen was well mated at about 20 km. Seems the problem is at the other end ... The reason was ... 06 Sep 93 For two years, this friend changed all the queenbees of the neighboring apiaries within a radius of 2 miles. There is probably no wild colony. There is a lot of choosed drones at the mating place. They had 240 nucs (max. 5 half Dadant frames) and observed that the outspring of queens emerged in nucs looks more homogeneous than this of queens emerged in established colonies located, however, in the same mating station. Regards JMVD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : bitnet jmvandyck@bnandp51 B.P. 102 internet jmvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Sep 1993 07:09:32 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Lynn Janes Subject: Re: wax moth In-Reply-To: Message of Thu, 2 Sep 1993 09:30:55 EDT from After I extract the honey from my supers I put them in the freezer for two weeks. After which I stack them making sure no holes are left for wax moths to get in, this gives me 100% control. Hope this helps. Lynn ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1993 11:27:34 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Pheromone Research Dear Bee liners, I am looking for interesting research to read concerning honeybee pheromones. If you have a favorite topic, idea or researcher please drop me a note at the address below - I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks, Adam -- Adam Finkelstein adamf@hopper.acs.virginia.edu VDACS Apiary Inspector 703-433-1006 116 Reservoir St. 703-434-5607 (fax) Harrisonburg, VA 22801 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1993 09:48:28 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jerry J Bromenshenk Subject: Dr. E.J. Jacobs - telephone and e-mail In response to an earlier query, a bee-list member suggested that I contact Dr. E.J. Jacobs, Insect Research Center, Rijkuniversiteit, B-900 Gent, Belgia. I was provided the address, telephone number, and fax number. The telephone and fax numbers were obtained from a business card. Apparently, Belgium has changed the structure of these numbers. For example, I was given the following as the fax number 32.091.21.44.78 Using the proper access code, and trying the number with and without the 0 before the 91, all result in a pre-recorded Belgium operator telling us that we need a 7 digit number. Notice the business card number has only 6. Since my ability to communicate with a Belgium operator is limited (due to my primitive language skills), I hope someone can provide the correct telephone and fax numbers. Also, if Dr. Jacobs has an e-mail address, I would much like to obtain it. Thanks for the help. Jerry Bromenshenk, The University of Montana Tel: 406-243-5648 Fax: 406-243-4184 Internet: jjbmail@selway.umt.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1993 16:12:55 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jim Sims Subject: test, please ignore please excuse the bandwidth ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1993 02:58:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: GIVE PEAS A CHANCE Subject: Re: Pheromone Research Definitely do Gould & Gould if you haven't and also check out WC Agosta, Chemical Communication. Cheers Lois ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1993 11:07:00 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Wilhelm Bos, Microbiologie" Subject: Re: your mail Call Dr. Hayo Velthuis, University of Utrecht: +31 30 535421 I don't have his FAX number, but if you want I can get it. Greetings Wilhelm Bos ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1993 11:56:09 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Dr Franz Jacobs - flight chambers Seems my direct e-mail (internet) to Jerry doesn't go correctly ... Sorry for the listeners not interesting to the flight chambers > Jerry J Bromenshenk > Subject: Dr. E.J. Jacobs - telephone and e-mail ||| ? Hi Jerry, You have some problems with the belgian phone ... Ok! * * They are changing the second number in the zone "9" ... * *AND* * They have changed the University numbers ... * For Dr *Franz* JACOBS (the flight chambers specialist) Work : RijksUniversitijt te Gent (RUG) Fac. Wetenschap. - Labor. Zoophys. Sint Pietersnieuwstraat 25 B-9000-GENT-Belgium phone labor.: +32.9.264.52.46 bee center : +32.9.264.49.25 Home : Lange Munte 37 B-9860-OOSTERZELE-Belgium phone & fax : +32.9.362.7057 I phoned him this morning : he was very kind and well disposed to answer all your questions. Actually, he have no e.mail facility but a fax at his home ... (I phoned him at the bee lab center) Good luck with your nucs Regards JMVD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : => bitnet jmvandyck@bnandp51 B.P. 102 internet jmvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- . . . ****************************************************************************** Baudouin Albert Charles Leopold Axel Maria Gustave of Saxe-Coburg Gotha (8-Sep-1930 - 1993) Fifth Constitutional King of the Belgians, 1950-1993 ****************************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1993 06:15:03 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Re: Pheromone Research In-Reply-To: from "GIVE PEAS A CHANCE" at Sep 9, 93 02:58:00 am Lois, thanks for the input, Adam (Gould + Gould is an excellent book!) -- Adam Finkelstein adamf@hopper.acs.virginia.edu VDACS Apiary Inspector 116 Reservoir St. 703-433-1006 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 703-434-5607 (fax) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1993 06:16:26 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Re: Pheromone input/Thanks In-Reply-To: from "Wilhelm Bos, Microbiologie" at Sep 9, 93 11:07:00 am Thanks for the input. Adam -- Adam Finkelstein adamf@hopper.acs.virginia.edu VDACS Apiary Inspector 116 Reservoir St. 703-433-1006 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 703-434-5607 (fax) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1993 11:59:29 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Re: Pheromone Research On 09 Sep 1993 02:58:00 -0500 (EST) Lois Brynes advice : > Definitely do Gould & Gould if you haven't and also check out > WC Agosta, Chemical Communication. Don't forget ... Free JB, Pheromones of Social Bees, Chapman & Hall Eds, 452 references. Regards JMVD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : bitnet jmvandyck@bnandp51 B.P. 102 internet jmvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1993 01:21:05 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jose Claudio Faria POSTMAX@albnyvm1 I would like to know if you have the bitnet adress of Fernando Amaral DA Silveira. He is a braziliam student that be doing doctor science at Lawrence, and I Think that is possible you have. He is researche worker of bee. Thank you! Jose Claudio Faria Universidade Federal De Vicosa Departamento De Fitotecnia 36.570-000 - VICOSA - M.G Brasil ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Sep 1993 13:23:22 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MARYJO@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU Subject: NAL Reference Service *************************************************************************** NAL REFERENCE SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE BY INTERNET Starting May 1, the Reference Section of the U.S. National Agricultural Library began accepting requests for reference services over the Internet. The address for requests is agref@nalusda.gov. Services are provided to federal, state, and local government researchers, scientists, and officials; university and college professors, researchers, and students; private scientific, business, and agricultural organizations; foreign government agencies; and the general public. Most reference requests are answered without charge, although Keith Russell, NAL's Associate Director for Public Services, said that comprehensive searches may require NAL to charge a user fee. NAL defines comprehensive searches as those that require NAL to search commercial online databases and exceed a $25 charge to fill, or those that require more than one hour of the NAL librarian's time, charged at $11 per hour. User fees are assessed only upon prior agreement with the user and are only charged for work over the one-hour limit. For further information, contact the Reference Branch, Room 111, National Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Boulevard, Beltsville, MD 20705-2351; phone 301-504-5204; TDD 301-504-6856, fax 301-504-7098; Internet jforbes@nalusda.gov. *************************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1993 11:53:38 +1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Robert Rice Subject: Re: your mail--Reply In-Reply-To: <9309180523.AA07119@spider.ento.csiro.au> from "Jose Claudio Faria" at Sep 18, 93 01:21:05 am > POSTMAX@albnyvm1 > > I would like to know if you have the bitnet adress > of Fernando Amaral DA Silveira. He is a braziliam student > that be doing doctor science at Lawrence, and I Think > that is possible you have. He is researche worker of > bee. > > Thank you! > > Jose Claudio Faria > Universidade Federal De Vicosa > Departamento De Fitotecnia > 36.570-000 - VICOSA - M.G > Brasil > Sorry I can not help you with the bitnet address of Fernando Amaral DA Silveiras. I will try and locate the address via the computer network but am not confident that I will be successful. Robert Rice. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1993 08:41:20 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Gerald Wallis I have a question submitted by a previous student in my Apiculture course here at the University of Arkansas. What is the mechanism used by worker bees to distinguish capped brood avai lable for food from capped brood cells? Location...color...temperature...odor tags? Thanks, Gerald Wallis Department of Entomology A320 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1993 11:30:27 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Celso Martins Organization: Universidade Federal da Paraiba-JP/BRASIL Subject: Re: email address... Dear Jose Claudio Faria, The email of Fernando Silveira is BEEMAN@UKANVM.BITNET Holpe this help you. Celso F. Martins Dep. Sistematica e Ecologia - CCEN Universidade Federal da Paraiba Joao Pessoa, PB, Brasil 58059-900 Email: CENDSE05@BRUFPB ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1993 09:15:57 +1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Robert Rice Subject: Nosema apis spores/DNA Hi Everyone, I am Robert Rice and am a PhD student working at the CSIRO Division of Entomology in Canberra, Australia. My research topic is the molecular taxonomy of Nosema apis. Actually I am trying to determine if there are virulent and avirulent strains of Nosema apis and if so, to identify markers for these strains. This interest in Nosema was acquired after a number of years trying to control the parasite in mating colonies while Queen Bee breeding /rearing in Beaudesert, Queensland,Australia. This project, being molecular in nature, requires comparitive DNA sequence studies of unrelated Nosema apis isolates from geographically isolated areas. Is there anyone able to provide Nosema apis spores or DNA too assist in this research project and in doing so provide a wider sample size. Thankyou in advance, Robert Rice CSIRO Division of Entomology Clunies-Ross Street, Canberra,2601 Australian Capital Territory, Australia. email: robertr@ento.csiro.au ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1993 07:57:31 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: KESLER@RHODES.BITNET Subject: Autumnal Equinox and Waggle Dances The movement of the sun, celebrated at the autumnal equinox, makes me wonder how honey bees living between 15 S and 15 N deal with the sun's passage overhead. Certainly somebody has looked at waggle dancing in these latitudes. Is the sun's movement so slow that new foragers "imprint" during their orientation flights? David Kesler Rhodes College Kesler@Rhodes.bitnet ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1993 06:52:46 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Re: Autumnal Equinox and Waggle Dances >The movement of the sun, celebrated at the autumnal equinox, makes me >wonder how honey bees living between 15 S and 15 N deal with the sun's >passage overhead. Certainly somebody has looked at waggle dancing in >these latitudes. Is the sun's movement so slow that new foragers >"imprint" during their orientation flights? > >David Kesler >Rhodes College >Kesler@Rhodes.bitnet 0745 - 9/21/93 Dear David, Yes, the team of New and New worked in Trinidad in the 1960s (?) on this issue. However, their studies should be repeated in light of new interpretation. Foragers apparently use landmarks as they traverse the distance between hive and food source. Recruits apparently exploit odor molecules and wind patterns as they locate the same type of food as that visited by experienced foragers, just as outlined by von Frisch in 1937 (just re-published in BEE WORLD: Vol. 74 (2) 90-98, Summer, 1993). That article and a spectrum of studies are reviewed in AMERICAN ZOOLOGIST: Vol 31:768-782, 1991. Cheers! Adrian M. Wenner Adrian M. Wenner Prof. of Natural History, Emeritus Dept. of Biol. Sciences wenner@lifesci.ucsb.edu Univ. of Calif., Santa Barbara Phone: (805) 893-2838 Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX: (805) 893-8062 *************************************************************** * Adrian Wenner E-Mail wenner@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu * * Department of Biology Office Phone (805) 893-2838 * * University of California Lab Phone (805) 893-2838 * * Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX (805) 893-4724 * *************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1993 01:19:29 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: Re: Autumnal Equinox and Waggle Dances I vaguely remember a study of bees in India south of the Tropic of Cancer, and there bees tended to get confused and stayed in the hives near local noon, at the times of the year the sun was nearly directly overhead at local noon. Also bees trained to forage at a particular sspot would fly off 180 degrees if their hive was moved from a spot where the sun was to the south during local noon to a spot where the sun was to the north during local noon. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1993 17:58:47 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Murray Reid Subject: Nosema apis spores/DNA -Reply Hi Robert,Mark Goodwin here at Ruakura wants to know if you want bees with spores or just spores,or do you have enuf material from NZ?And what are the permit conditions for sending such stuff to OZ ? Is Denis on the Email Bitnet network too and if so what is his address please?.Haven't got a recent users list.Are you a rugby league supporter? Good chance to give Denis a serve about Canberra being bundled out of the competition and Queensland in the Grand Final !!!! ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1993 14:25:29 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MARYJO@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU Subject: 4 H Manuals --Original letter-- Return-Path: Received: from ULKYVM.LOUISVILLE.EDU [136.165.4.21] by acspr1.acs.brockport.edu ; 22 Sep 93 09:17:24 EDT Received: from ULKYVM.LOUISVILLE.EDU by ULKYVM.LOUISVILLE.EDU (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with BSMTP id 5268; Wed, 22 Sep 93 09:03:59 EDT Received: from ULKYVM.LOUISVILLE.EDU by ULKYVM.LOUISVILLE.EDU (Mailer R2.08 R208004) with BSMTP id 1471; Wed, 22 Sep 93 09:03:56 EDT Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1993 08:58:54 EDT Reply-To: Computer-assisted Reporting & Research Sender: Computer-assisted Reporting & Research From: Elliott Parker <3ZLUFUR@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU> Organization: Central Michigan University Subject: Fwd: 4H project manuals online X-To: carr-l@ulkyvm.louisville.edu To: Multiple recipients of list CARR-L ======================= Forwarded Message =========================== Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1993 18:22:38 EDT From: KIDSPHERE Mailing List Subject: New Ed Materials Date: Tue, 21 Sep 93 08:53:27 PDT From: plrisdon@ucdavis.EDU Subject: New Ed Materials ================================================================= ANNOUCEMENT ================================================================= Cooperative Extension Service of The University of California, Davis is making over eighty-five 4H Project Manuals in fifteen different project areas (from bee-keeping to public-speaking) available on the Internet. This is a joint experimental project between University of California Cooperative Extension and the Tennessee State 4-H Program to test the limits of electronic technology in disseminating research information to the public. California is converting the 4-H printed materials to electronic format, coordinating editing and updating of the material, and providing the technical services necessary to make the material accessible on the Internet. Tennessee is providing the educational materials for global dissemination. Tennessee and California subject-matter Specialists are volunteering their time and knowledge to assist young people in learning basic agriculture & family resource information. Additional 4-H projects will be added as the pilot project progresses. Please direct any comments or problem areas to: Penny L Risdon or Mina M Ostergard CES Volunteer Extension Computer Specialist plrisdon@ucdavis.edu mmostergard@ucdavis.edu ================================================================= ACCESS: E-mail --------------- To: almanac@ucdavis.edu send extension 4h-youth catalog Gopher --------------- gopher.ucdavis.edu gopher topic: Community Outreach/U. C. Cooperative Extension/4h-youth ftp --------------- Anonymous ftp: ftp.ucdavis.edu Ftp directory: pub/extension/4h-youth NOTE: The 4-H projects are available in Postscript format or as MSDOS self extracting WordPerfect 5.1 files. If the WordPerfect self extracting files are requested via the almanac, they will be sent to you via e-mail in "uuencoded" format. If your e-mail program does not have the capability to automatically convert ("uudecode") the e-mail message back to the WordPerfect 5.1 self extracting file, you can use an MSDOS program called uudecode.exe. uudecode.exe is public domain and is widely available via FTP over the internet (contact your local internet support staff). After the WordPerfect self extracting file is received, enter .exe at MSDOS prompt to convert file to the .wpf WordPerfect 5.1 file. The fonts used in the WordPerfect files are Times 12 and 14. ================================================================ BECOME A LOCAL HERO BECOME A 4-H VOLUNTEER 4-H Youth Program 4-H is the comprehensive youth development educational program of the United States Department of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service, which endeavors to assist youth in becoming self-directing, contributing, and productive members of an interdependent global community. The concerns and needs of youth and their families are addressed by educational programs resulting from a collaboration of resources from land-grant universities, public or private agencies and organizations. The USDA-CES 4-H Program utilizes experimential learning opportunities to teach the latest research based subject matter knowledge while facilitating the development of skills for successful living. These life skills are: Understanding Self -- Understanding and developing a positive attitude toward self and the pursuit of personal potential. Acquiring, Analyzing and Using Information -- Developing an inquiring mind, knowing how to acquire, analyze and use knowledge. Problem Solving & Decision Making -- Involves the ability to examine a situation, generate alternatives, and make intelligent decisions. Managing Resources -- The identification, planning, organization and allocation of resources to meet goals. Communicating and Relating to Others -- Giving, receiving and exchanging information and interacting with others in a positive manner. Increasing leadership capabilities, being able to work with others in a group to accomplish group goals. ================================================================ [ govt. disclaimer boilerplate deleted ] ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1993 19:28:00 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: NICKW@WAIKATO.AC.NZ Subject: Buzzwords October 1993 ______________________________________________________________ Buzzwords is the monthly newsletter of the National Beekeepers Association of New Zealand. It contains, often, articles that are of only local interest. It often has other articles that give insight into current practices and politics of NZ beekeeping. If you have any questions about any matters contained in it, feel free to contact me. Nick Wallingford nickw@waikato.ac.nz --------------------------------------------------------------- BUZZWORDS ISSUE 57, OCTOBER 1993 FROM THE PRESIDENT A strong national AFB disease control programme has been an important requirement for our industry for many years now. NBA members will therefore be pleased to learn that the executive has signed a $100,000 AFB disease control contract with the MAF for the 1993/94 year (see following article for more details). Future disease control programmes are also a priority, of course. The Endemic Pest Management Strategy Committee (previously the Disease Control Committee) will be continuing its work under the able chairmanship of Terry Gavin, Whangarei. This is the committee which recently prepared the AFB Control Plan for the NBA. Our thanks to Ian Berry, who chaired the Disease Control Committee from its beginnings to the presentation of the plan at this year's annual conference. A major job for the committee now is to prepare the way for adoption of an AFB 'pest management strategy' under provisions of the new Biosecurity Act. At our September executive meeting we were disappointed to learn that following a review of their activities, the Pork Industry Board has decided to cease providing services to our association, as of 31 December 1993. The board has been the administrative centre of our association for the last 20 years and we have benefited greatly from the close relationship we have had. Members will recall the significant contributions that previous Executive Secretaries Graham Beard, Len Jones, and David Dobson made to the NBA, and the current incumbent, Steuart Goodman, and his hard-working assistant, Olive Hebron, have continued in that fine tradition. The Pork Industry Board has built up a great deal of background information on our industry and membership over the years which will be very difficult to replace. Steuart and Olive have complied a description of the services provided by the board which should assist the executive in seeking alternative administrative arrangements. Past presidents Ian Berry, Allen McCaw, and Dudley Ward are also providing suggestions. Provision of administration services is one of the issues to be discussed at a special executive meeting to be held in Wellington on October 5. The 1994 budget and 1994 hive levy will also be considered. Frances Trewby, President AFB CONTRACT SIGNED The 1993/94 American foulbrood programme contract between the NBA and MAF Quality Management was signed on 13 September, following the September meeting of the executive. Earlier in the month, an advisory committee to the executive, made up of members from both the executive and the Disease Control Committee, had recommended that MAF's July 12 proposal be adopted by executive. The contract, which had been under consideration since the annual conference in July, is for $100,000, a 17% reduction in expenditure over the previous year's contract. Executive had previously decided on the lower expenditure figure for this year during its April executive meeting. The $100,000 figure will result in 3.9% of the nation's apiaries being inspected by MAF personnel, down from the 1992/93 figure of 4.2%. However, the percentage reduction in inspections is significantly less than the total expenditure reduction, and reflects significant cost savings which hopefully can be made by MAF Quality Management. According to Cliff Van Eaton, MAF's manager for the AFB control contract, this year's programme is based on a detailed budget and incorporates cost savings in the areas of beekeeper contractors, the use of more trained MAF personnel to reduce unproductive travelling time, and the streamlining of NBA inspection list preparation. Significant new features of this year's contract also include the auditing by MAF of 2% of apiaries inspected during diseaseathons, the notification of robbed out AFB hives to beekeepers with apiaries in the surrounding area, and the use of a formalised reporting procedure for any complaints received relating to inspections carried out under the programme. MARKETING LEVY CONCERN The minutes of the September meeting of the executive record the following item: 'In considering the 1994 financial requirements for marketing, a proposal that the levy for marketing be struck at 35 cents for 1994 lapsed for the want of a seconder, following which the executive agreed that the marketing levy for 1994 be set at 30 cents. The President (Frances Trewby) and Vice-President (Richard Bensemann) requested their votes against the proposal to be recorded. The Executive Secretary was requested to ascertain from the Marketing Committee their proposals for expenditure in line wit h the reduced income proposed.' (Note: executive member Gerard Martin was not present at the time.) The Marketing Committee is due to meet on September 24 in Christchurch, and this decision will be considered in line with our continuing efforts to implement the NBA Marketing Plan. Quite obviously, our 'proposals for expenditure' will have to be considerably reduced as a result of this 40% cutback in available income for 1994. This reduction will have a big effect - we will be able to achieve less, and it will take longer to get the results the industry is asking for. Based on the 1993 levy of 50 cents per hive, the Marketing Committee has already undertaken a number of initiatives in establishing quality standards, product diversification and product promotion. The need for progress in these areas has been obvious for some time, and was clearly identified in the Marketing Plan. That our progress obviously enjoyed the support of the majority of NBA members was evidenced by the positive response to the establishment of the marketing levy at the 1992 Conference, and the added support for the Marketing Plan at the 1993 Conference. Executive, however, have now moved to reduce the financial support for this programme and therefore the marketing effort which can be made on behalf of the industry. The Marketing Committee firmly believes that this decision will not do anything to increase the profitability of our industry. We believe it may, in fact, have the opposite effect for many beekeepers. It is the Marketing Committee's belief that one of the best ways to increase beekeeper profitability is to explore new and more profitable markets for their products. To do this, beekeepers need a marketing organisation which enjoys the support of the industry and the executive. The marketing organisation also needs to be adequately funded to have at least a fair chance of achieving results. Some of the most innovative ideas in honey market development have come from individuals and small companies who have sought alternatives to chasing a house brand or bulk export market. Sadly, we believe it is this sector of our industry which will suffer most from any cutbacks in the marketing effort. The cutbacks would likely have a lesser effect on the larger companies because they are better able to provide for most of their own marketing requirements. Nevertheless, we believe the Marketing Plan will help the entire industry. The whole thrust of the plan is to encourage innovation and improve the consumer environment for our products, with the emphasis being on quality and product enhancement. Everyone in the industry, large or small, stands to gain from such a coordinated promotional effort. A further aim of the committee is to establish alternative means of funding for the industry's marketing projects. We plan to eventually move away from a producer-based levy system and move towards funding support based on the products concerned. The Commodities Levy Act takes over in 1996 and we need to be prepared for this major change well in advance if we wish to progress towards our marketing goals for the future. If you believe these aims are worth pursuing and that full financial support for the Marketing Plan should continue, make your views known by writing to the NBA head office or by contacting your nearest executive member. A special executive meeting will be held on October 5 during which next year's budget for the Marketing Plan will be considered. Make sure your opinion is also considered. Alan McCaw, Marketing Committee Chairman FROM THE BRANCHES The Hawkes Bay branch will be holding an open day at the branch apiary, Pakowhai Country Park, on Saturday, October 2, beginning at 10 am. Pakowhai Park is west of the motorway, just on the Hastings side of the Ngaruroro River bridge. All local registered hive owners have been invited to join in this 'beekeeping expose'. Hives will be opened for inspection, committee members will be describing various beekeeping techniques, and a variety of equipment will be on display. There will also be a sales tabl e and raffles. The object, according to branch secretary Ron Morison, is to give as many hobbyists as possible the chance to meet with branch members, to encourage membership in our association, and to give new beekeepers in particular a chance to talk to those with more experience. The Hawkes Bay branch is also hoping to run another beginners' beekeeping course at their local Polytech. According to Ron, 'we have the venue, we have the tutor, all we need now is some beginners willing to learn.' If you're interested, you can contact Ron by phone on (06) 844 9493. The Southern North Island branch will be holding their spring field day on Saturday, October 2, at Ken and Louise Fleming's, State Highway 1, Pekapeka (between Otaki and Waikanae). The venue will be signposted on the main highway. Topics include 'when to spray (dead bees don't pollinate)' and pollination techniques. The field day begins at 10 am and finishes at approximately 3.30 pm. The Auckland branch will be holding a spring field day at Dave and Lorna Young's residence, Drury Hill Road, on Sunday, October 17, beginning at 10 am. Directions are as follows: turn east at the Drury roundabout onto Waihoehoe Road. At the end of the road, turn right onto Drury Hill Road. Dave's honey house and orchid nursery is on the right. According to Nigel Birse, the branch president, people can either bring their own lunch or decide to 'suffer Rob's barbecue cooking'. The programme includes sessions on the renewed interest in Carniolan bees, royal jelly production, propolis production, and pollen cleansing and traps. There will also be on display one of the country's top orchid hybridising concerns. Just a note to branch secretaries: we're keen to include notice of your branch meetings and other events in Buzzwords. But remember, we need notification at least a month in advance, particularly if the event falls after the 20th of the month. We try to ensure readers receive their copies as soon after the first of the month as possible, but we can't get the issue out any earlier to accommodate notice of those end-of-the month meetings. FROM THE MARKETING COMMITTEE Lately, almost everyone I've had conversations with in the beekeeping industry has been asking me the same two questions. The first - when does all the brouhaha and publicity about honey get under way? And the second - how the heck are we going to combat house brands; they're knocking the profit right out of honey sales? I touched on the answer to the first question in last month's issue of Buzzwords. The gist of it is, 'there ain't no use bursting into song until you've got something to sing about.' In the case of the honey industry, that means we have to get our act together on a national quality standard and quality mark before we start touting our wares. Recently I received a copy of the Australian Honey Standards (see Buzzwords 56). It's obvious that a large amount of time (and I think cost!) has gone into their standards and they are both very, very comprehensive and very, very good. Make no bones about it, the Australians certainly believe they've gotten their act together (and they have). They also believe that their competitors (and I think they include NZ in the list), haven't. We're now going to look like we're copying them. The only good news is that the NBA Marketing Committee's intention to introduce a national standard and set of codes of practice has been public for many months now. Nevertheless, I've no doubt that the Aussies will still believe we're copying them. But what about house brands? The latest copy of Marketing Magazine has a very good article on house brands. Honey, unfortunately, has been given some publicity in the magazine since it is one of the fifteen top categories, in terms of house brand activity, in supermarkets. House brands can perhaps be likened to (if we use the words of Marketing Magazine), a 'vulture' which preys on the efforts of other brands. According to the magazine, house brands only work where products are undifferentiated. In other words, for such products it makes very little difference to the consumer whether they buy the branded label or the supermarket's house brand. So house brands are a symptom or result of lack of marketing. And that certainly applies in the case of honey, because as has been said now for a number of years, the honey industry has done very little, as an industry, to prove to consumers that our products are more than 'just honey'. Until we, as an industry, get our act together, until we set standards that enable professional and entrepreneurial packers to create their own unique honey products, then we will continue to get picked off by the house brand mechanism. Those in the industry with the most to fear, of course, are the smaller beekeepers and packers. The larger companies should survive, but when they and the house brands compete, there will be no prizes for guessing who will get stomped on in the process. I mention this because I think its worth noting that major NZ honey companies have put a lot of time and effort into making sure that the industry does have a marketing plan and creates opportunities for the small as well as the big. That willingness by the large to work for the benefit of both themselves and the smaller players in the industry, I think augers well for everyone in beekeeping. That's all for this month; but the Buzz WORD for the month is 'Chromium'. I'll tell you why in next month's Buzzwords. Bill Floyd, Honey Marketing Committee CLEMENTS ISO'D We received a cryptic fax the other day from Waikato Honey Products, which is owned by Bryan Clements, president of the Waikato branch. There was no covering sheet, just a copy of his company's Telarc certificate of ISO 9002 registration (registration number 351), dated September 14. As we reported in Buzzwords 55, Bryan and his company decided last year to undertake the programme necessary to achieve ISO accreditation. Speaking at this year's conference seminar, Bryan commented that although it was a process which required a great deal of soul searching, it was worth it in terms of improved efficiencies and the new business (as an accredited supplier) his company is likely to gain. Bryan's message at that seminar was 'if I can do it, so can you.' Well, now it looks like he has. Congratulations to Bryan and all the other employees at Waikato Honey Products. Now lets see who will be the next one in the industry to send us an ISO 9002 certificate by fax. UNPAID HIVE LEVIES Currently there are a number of beekeepers who have either not paid, or have not made arrangements to pay, their 1993 hive levy. While these non-payers have been give ample time to make such arrangements, in many cases they haven't even acknowledged letters from the executive offering assistance. As you can imagine, the vast majority of members who have fulfilled this important obligation have quite frankly 'had it' with those who still haven't paid. Noting this displeasure, your executive has therefore undertaken to collect from these non-payers, if for no other reason than to lessen the load on those who are abiding by the law. The executive has sought legal opinion on the various reasons members have given for why they are not liable to pay, and we now feel quite confident that in all cases we will win if the matter goes to court. The executive has no qualms about taking the matter further if required. We are confident that we have the support of the industry in this regard. Beekeepers who still haven't paid their hive levy because of the costs involved should realise that the price certainly won't be reduced by waiting any longer. Once the matter is put into the hands of the association's solicitors, non-payers might expect to foot a bill for legal fees as well. Your executive is also in the process of investigating several cases of beekeepers who are believed to have under-declared hive numbers. Beekeepers should be aware that this is a fraudulent activity under the terms of the Hive Levy Act, and we will be pursuing these cases with the help of our lawyers. If you know of anyone who is a non-payer or under-declarer, please contact a member of the executive. You'll be helping us, and because more people will be paying what they owe, you'll also be helping yourself. Remember, only if everyone pays will the system once again be fair. And to non-payers, the message is simple: you have two options - either pay up, or face the legal consequences. Richard Bensemann and Mervyn Cloake, NBA Executive NEW TRUSTEE APPOINTMENT The September meeting of the NBA Executive confirmed the appointment of Ian Berry, Havelock North, as a trustee on the Honey Industry Trust. Ian replaces his brother, Russell Berry, Waiotapu, as North Island industry representative on the trust.