The Utah County Beekeepers Association Beekeeping Calendar

Below is the calendar for January . Other months coming soon! You can also check the bottom of this page for a schedule of our meetings for 2011.

The Bees
The bees really aren't doing much this month other than just staying alive. They are clustered up on the frames but will move around when temperatures are above 40F. When they do move, it is to go as a cluster to anew area of the hive with honey stores.
The cluster may cover 4-8 frames from top to bottom. During the month of January, the bees may consume 20- 25 ounces of food per day to maintain the hive's temperature.
The Beekeeper

Order package bees or nukes for next year. There is actually quite a bit that you can be doing this time of year. Below is a suggested list of "to do" items. If they make sense to you, try them.
Keep the hive entrances clear. Brush away snow dead bees to ensure adequate ventilation.
Check that your hive has enough food to last until spring. On a mild day when there is no wind and bees are taking cleansing flights, take a quick peak inside the hive. Don't remove any frames, just look under the cover and make sure there are bees. They should be loosely clustered in the top box and slightly active. Also look for sealed honey stores; if you don't notice any, you may need to start feeding, but remember, if you start to feed, you cannot stop until spring.


Check mouse blocks (if you use them) to ensure that they are still in place and secure.
Clean and repair your other equipment in anticipation of the spring.
Read bee related literature - hardcopy or on the web
Think about exploring new honey markets for next year - what products could you offer but don't? Is there a market for you?

 

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Meeting Schedule for 2011*+

Month
Date
Day
Time
Location
January
7th
Friday
6pm
Orem
February
12th
Saturday
10am
Orem
March
4th
Friday
6pm
Orem
April
9th
Saturday
10am
Orem
May
6th
Friday
6pm
Orem
June
11th
Saturday
10am
Orem
July
1st
Friday
6pm
Orem
August
TBD
Saturday
TBD
TBD
September
2nd
Friday
6pm
Orem
October
8th
Saturday
10am
Orem
November
4th
Friday
6pm
Orem
December
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD

* Not all meetings are held at 1206 South 1680 West, Orem (Blendtec Building, west building, south facing double doors) so please read the home page or in the newsletter for current location.

+ Final dates for 2011 may adjust slightly from this posting of 11/26/10 - please return to this page regulary for any changes.

Extractor Rental Calendar (Members Only)

Bee a Beekeeper