North Central PA Beekeepers Assoc.
Meeting Wednesday, May 15, 2019
We welcomed the representatives from Farm Service Agency, Mike and Megan.
Mike explained the ELAP program (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey bees and Farm-raised Fish Program) and how it can help beekeepers with their losses.
Eligible Honey Bees – Beekeeper must have an income from the bees. If you use your honey yourself or give it to your neighbors you are not eligible.
Eligible Losses – Annually they set the normal mortality rate. This year it is, I think, 22%. So, your losses must be in excess of 22%.
Eligible Conditions – If you state excessive cold weather for your reason your bees died, your weather must have been less than 14 degrees for 7 consecutive days or less than 23 degrees for 40 consecutive days. You must keep excellent weather records if you want to report this and it is different than the National weather system reports.
If you claim CCD you must write up a paragraph of management practices as specified in the section called Applying for Assistance.
Colony Loss Payment. – FSA established a Fair market value of $140 per hive.
The normal mortality rate is 22% so you will be paid on the hives lost over the 22%. The payment is based on 75 % of the Fair Market Value. ( If considered socially Disadvantaged then the reduction will be reduced by no more than 10%)
You must file every year with your beginning number of hives at that point, before January 2nd . (if you file after that date there is a $46 late fee) Then you must notify them of changes increases and decreases in your colonies, all year. You must have receipts for the purchases of your bees.
You can live in town and still be included in this. If you do not have a farm number they will assign one to you.
Questions, call your Farm Service Agency. Potter/McKean/Cameron Counties the office number is 814-274-8522 ext.2
This is under the US Department of Agriculture so is also for our New York Members also.
I emailed the fact sheet earlier today. For those that get this mailed to them I will include one with this meeting minutes.
John and Leon showed the use of an insect fogger to reduce mites by using mineral oil or oxalic acid.
The business meeting was postponed due to lack of time.
Joan had a power point of John and Joan’s swarms they had rescued and building cut outs. Joan explained how they collected swarms and how they rescued bees out of buildings. There was also a handout of questions you might ask before you go on a call.
Tom brought his bee vac and showed how that works.
Next meeting is Sunday, June 23, 2 PM, at Joel’s Apiary, rain date Sunday, June 30th.
Thanks to everyone for your support of the club.
Respectfully submitted
Meeting Wednesday, May 15, 2019
We welcomed the representatives from Farm Service Agency, Mike and Megan.
Mike explained the ELAP program (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey bees and Farm-raised Fish Program) and how it can help beekeepers with their losses.
Eligible Honey Bees – Beekeeper must have an income from the bees. If you use your honey yourself or give it to your neighbors you are not eligible.
Eligible Losses – Annually they set the normal mortality rate. This year it is, I think, 22%. So, your losses must be in excess of 22%.
Eligible Conditions – If you state excessive cold weather for your reason your bees died, your weather must have been less than 14 degrees for 7 consecutive days or less than 23 degrees for 40 consecutive days. You must keep excellent weather records if you want to report this and it is different than the National weather system reports.
If you claim CCD you must write up a paragraph of management practices as specified in the section called Applying for Assistance.
Colony Loss Payment. – FSA established a Fair market value of $140 per hive.
The normal mortality rate is 22% so you will be paid on the hives lost over the 22%. The payment is based on 75 % of the Fair Market Value. ( If considered socially Disadvantaged then the reduction will be reduced by no more than 10%)
You must file every year with your beginning number of hives at that point, before January 2nd . (if you file after that date there is a $46 late fee) Then you must notify them of changes increases and decreases in your colonies, all year. You must have receipts for the purchases of your bees.
You can live in town and still be included in this. If you do not have a farm number they will assign one to you.
Questions, call your Farm Service Agency. Potter/McKean/Cameron Counties the office number is 814-274-8522 ext.2
This is under the US Department of Agriculture so is also for our New York Members also.
I emailed the fact sheet earlier today. For those that get this mailed to them I will include one with this meeting minutes.
John and Leon showed the use of an insect fogger to reduce mites by using mineral oil or oxalic acid.
The business meeting was postponed due to lack of time.
Joan had a power point of John and Joan’s swarms they had rescued and building cut outs. Joan explained how they collected swarms and how they rescued bees out of buildings. There was also a handout of questions you might ask before you go on a call.
Tom brought his bee vac and showed how that works.
Next meeting is Sunday, June 23, 2 PM, at Joel’s Apiary, rain date Sunday, June 30th.
- Remember if you have not already done so – register your hives
- If you want to sell honey, you must register (different area of Dept of Ag from the above registration)
- Club members get discounts for American Bee Journal, contact me for a coupon.
- Need 1-3 for nominating committee before August 1.
- John’s Terms as President is ending, we need a new President as of Jan 2020, we also need a new Vice President. Please volunteer
- Fair is 28th – August 3th, we will be asking for volunteers
- Looking for a location for the July Meeting, great time to get a meeting in your area.
- Join the PA State Beekeepers Assoc. Not mandatory but they support us.
Thanks to everyone for your support of the club.
Respectfully submitted