From the corn fields of NW Iowa

Ob1wizbang · June 25, 2008, 09:38:29 PM

Hello Everyone,

My name is Dave Van Donge and I am so glad I found this forum! I am planning on diving into this endever next spring. I'm trying to soak up as much as I can in the up coming year. There are only a hand full of beekeepers in my area and I am going to try trading some free labor during their honey harvest, for mentoring this summer. Who couldn't use an extra pair of hands when the work is the heavyest right?

I became interested in beekeeping after watching a program on Public Broadcasting that looked into the possible causes and solutions of CCD. I purchased "Beekeeping for Dumbies" and got a good look at what's involved.

I am a little apprehensive yet, when I remember the time, as a kid I stumbled across a wild hive. in the wall of one of my neighbor's out buildings. I got "taized" right in the eyebrow. I walked around the corner of the building, and it was "bees everywhere". Wearing nothing but a pair of cut offs and a set of tennis shoes, I consider myself lucky to have only gotten zinged once. And yes, those tennis shoes got a very good workout immediately following "OUR" unexpected introduction.

I have lots of questions that will need your help in the future, and i want to thank everyone in advance for all your patience and advice!

jason58104 · June 26, 2008, 10:08:46 PM

Hi dave

I am from nw Iowa also. near the lake park area. I really dont need any help, but mabey I can help you in your beekeeping journey. I am the president of the NW Iowa beekeepers assc. We are a group of beekeepers that meet and share ideas. Anyone in our group would be more than willing to help you learn

Ob1wizbang · June 26, 2008, 11:44:45 PM

Hey Jason,

Thanks for the post! I live in Sioux Center, about an hour west of the lakes area. I spent allot of Saturday mournings in the area last fall "Chasing Ducks". It's only called "Duck Hunting" if you hit anything!

How would one go about joining the association? How often is there a meeting? It might just be right up my alley.

Thanks Again,
Dave

jason58104 · June 27, 2008, 08:25:29 AM

Dave

We will be meeting in Spencer IA on july 13. At this meeting the new state apirist will be talking to the group. You are more than welcome to attend. As soon as we settle on a location I will let you know. The meetings start at 2 pm and usully go untill about 5

Cindi · June 27, 2008, 09:51:38 AM

Dave, welcome to our forum. This WILL be the place that you can spend so much time, reading and learning, asking questions, the questions will all get great answers, here you will also make some new friends. By the time that you get your bees, you will have studied much, and you will be very anxious to get some "hands on" going on with keeping bees, you will be held under their spell. Enjoy your stay with us. Have a most beautiful and wonderful day, lovin' and livin' life. Cindi

JP · June 27, 2008, 10:31:47 AM

Welcome to the site Dave, looks like you'll be in the swing of things in no time. How's it feel to live in the state that boasts the current non-typical world record whitetail?

...JP

Ob1wizbang · June 27, 2008, 11:29:28 AM

And He was one of the small ones! ;)

JP · June 27, 2008, 02:21:04 PM

Quote from: Ob1wizbang on June 27, 2008, 11:29:28 AM
And He was one of the small ones! ;)

Yeah right!! One of the small ones huh? Its the biggest deer any hunter has ever taken on planet Earth.

http://www.inmetrodetroit.com/outdoors/hunting/Iowa_Buck.htm

...JP

jason58104 · June 29, 2008, 10:51:30 AM

Dave,

Jason here, our meeting is going to be held at the sunshine redemption center in Spencer IA. If you have any questions feel free to call me at 712 330 7064

Ob1wizbang · July 01, 2008, 06:53:45 PM

Thanks Jason. Are you still shooting for the 13th?

jason58104 · July 02, 2008, 08:24:52 AM

Yes Dave, the meeting is scheduled for the 13th of July. 2:00 pm at the sunshine bottle redemption center in Spencer.

Scadsobees · July 02, 2008, 09:44:08 AM

Welcome to the forum!

I've got a passel of relatives(sister and family) from your area, in Hull, and have spent a lot of time in the area, although I'm due back for a visit some time soon since it has been a while.

Bees really are fascinating and rewarding (especially on toast!..well, the honey is!). Jump in, get a couple of hives, and then ask thousands of questions! We have lots of know-it-all beekeepers just waiting to answer questions... :roll: The trick is to be able to sort through all of the opinions and differing methodologies and decide which one works best for you.

Have a great day!
Rick