The Minnesota Honey Producers Assoc. Inc.

Our Mission

We educate beekeepers about problems facing the industry.
We work closely with the University of Minnesota to provide beekeepers with the latest beekeeping research.
We inform the public of the benefits of beekeeping and pollination of crops and the production of honey as a healthful food product at one of the largest Bee and Honey exhibits in the nation. We sell honey in our sales area called "The Beehive". This is the major fundraiser of the organization.
The organization serves as an advisory board for beekeeping issues on the state level.
The organization is a supporter of the American Beekeeping Federation and the National Honey Board, Ag in the Classroom, Mn Grown Dept. of Agriculture.
Minnesota Honey Producers Association currently has a Honey Queen to represent the industry at events. To invite our Honey Queen to your event or to speak in your classroom - see our contact page.

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The President’s Buzz...

As I write this, my Texas stay is coming to a close. It is May 9th and it has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. January and February were the coldest and all around nastiest for bees I have ever seen. Most of it involved very little pollen.

The call for bees to pollinate apples in a warm April in Minnesota has turned into a cold frost and wet snow in early May in some parts. This is just great!! Let’s all get on the roller coaster and see where the ride takes us!

Some people lost a good part of their bees this past winter and in turn their lively hood. We all hope this type of loss can be stopped and that you and your families are coping ok with this.

Again, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our State Fair Manager to you. Her name is Linda Newman of Watertown, MN. She will be at the July meeting. Please visit with her and make her feel welcome. Let her know if you have honey for sale so she can include you when she does her ordering for the fair. You will be able to find her at the State Fair display or out in the hallway area. She is anxious to meet you and is excited about coming to her first beekeeping conference.

Vice President Hull has put together a great agenda for our conference in July. I hope you will all join us in Mankato July 15, 16, and 17. He has put together some interesting workshops, great speakers, good displays and lots of FUN for all. It will be HUGE if you all attend because I don’t think you will want to miss the trip to Honl’s or to say good bye and thank you to our Queen Chairs and our MHPA Honey Queen or our State Fair Superintendent. It is going to be a fantastic meeting for everyone with one hive, a few hives, or guys and gals who are “Big Shooters”. Now, speaking of “Big Shooters”, we will be giving out the “Big Shooter” award at the July meeting. We hope you will be there to celebrate with us. I know a good time will be had by all, so register today. Pick up the phone and make your reservation, make sure your dues are up-to-date, encourage others to come, be an advocate for the organization, voice your opinion at our annual meeting where issues might need discussing and your input would help solve a problem or create new beginnings. We welcome every voice, we welcome YOU.

Finally, this will be my last letter as President the last time around. Thank you for letting me serve an exceptional organization and an exceptional group of people. I would also like to thank all the Officers, Directors, Advisors, and Committee Chairs. You have been tops!!

“Big D” The President

Honey Producers Annual Conference

Best Western on Hwy 169 in North Mankato, MN
Webster exit, 1111 Range Street
Rooms starting at $79.99
July 15, 16, and 17th, 2010
Reservations: 507-625-9333

Thursday - July 15th

Committee Meetings as Scheduled
1:30 PM Executive Board Meeting (Members Welcome)
6:30 PM Display Room Opens
7:00 PM MHPA MN Honey Queen Reception (Snacks Available)
7:30 PM Informal Crop Meeting

Friday - July 16th

7:00 AM Sioux Honey Breakfast
8:30 AM Registration and Displays open
9:05 AM Welcome
9:10 AM Invocation
9:15 AM MN Honey Queen Report
9:30 AM Keynote Speaker - Randy Oliver
10:30AM Break
10:50AM "Medical Records for Bees" - Dr. Marla Spivak
11:35AM "A Research Post Card" - University of MN Grad Students
1:10PM "The Effects of Neonicotinoids on Honey Bees and Bumble Bees" - Dr. Vera Krischik
1:55PM "Assessment of Rist to Honey Bees; Pesticides and Floral Landscapes" Panel Discussion
2:30PM "What's Happening at the Great Get-Together?" - David Ellingson
3:00PM "American Beekeeping Update and Invitation - David Ellingson
3:15PM 103rd Annual MHPA Business Meeting
4:30PM Meet for buses to Honl's (MHPA Banquet and Tour)
6:15PM Banquet
6:45PM MN Honey Queen Farewell and Live Auction
7:15PM 5th Annual "MHPA Beekeeper of the Year" Award Presentation and Reception
8:40PM Bus leaves to return to Motel

Saturday - July 17th

8:30 AM Displays Open
9:00 AM Meeting Starts
9:05 AM Keynote - Randy Oliver
10:10AM Mini Workshops
Ray Nicholson - Comb Honey Production
Winnie Johnson - Preparing Your Entries for the State Fair
Ginger Reuter - Beeswax Candle Making
Gary Reuter - Breaking the Mead Mysteries
12:00PM Final Thoughts - That's a Rap!!

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