One of the nice things about having to write a report this late in the year is that you have had a lot happen. Now the problem is trying to remember it all. To begin with, Mr. Stanford Brantley and I went to Sacramento to attend the first joint meeting of the two national beekeeping organizations. Expected attendance was around 800, but over 1200 was the last count that I heard. Of course numbers mean something, but more important was all of the information that was presented. I also have to mention the over 30 vendors that presented anything you could want in beekeeping. For those of us who are picky, I know my numbers aren’t correct and this is old news.

More recently, beekeeping in East Texas is for, well, I don’t really know who would thrive here. We have had too much rain/too little rain—too cold/too hot. Of course, we are a hard lot to please. One of the good things is that we have been able to increase the price of local honey, if nothing more than because of the price of fuel. And of course, the supply of pure local honey is in short supply. And how about the bees? More swarming, bees in trees and buildings than I can ever remember. Some hives built up great, to some it didn’t matter how much you fed.

Now for the too late GOOD NEWS. If you missed the TBA Summer Clinic, you really missed a good one—lots and lots of good useful information. It was hosted by Randy & Arlene Johnson, owner of Johnson Honey Company of Paris. You missed seeing a well run outfit. Co–hosting this year was Ray Latner, Manager of Dadant & Sons Beekeeping Supply, also in Paris. My hats off to Eddie Priest and Jimmie Oakley for a job well done. Also thanks to Dadant for being open on Saturday.

For you guys who pollinate, I believe the blueberry growers are about to realize the benefit of honey bee pollination. If interested for next year, give me a call.