Stand and keep watch

Join us this Sunday as we welcome John Miller of Miller Honey Farms, Inc. John will be talking about national bee research and advocacy, and how hobbyist beekeepers can participate in research to help bees.

John is a "sort of" retired 4th generation beekeeper of Miller Honey Farms, which operates in Newcastle, CA, and Gackle, ND. Son Jason (5th generation beekeeper), has since taken over. The company runs ~18,000 hives. In 2019, the Miller family marked their 125th anniversary of family beekeeping.

During spring, Miller Honey Farms provide pollination services to almond and fruit growers in CA and WA, and oil seed producers in ND. In summertime, their bees are back in ND where they produce an annual honey crop, most of which is sold to Dutch Gold Honey Co. of Lancaster, PA.

John serves as board member on the Bee Informed Project and chief financial officer for Project Apis m. Other industry service includes advisor to the California Almond Board; past-chair, National Honey Board; and past-president, California State Beekeepers Association. John is also co-founder of En-R-G Holdings, manufacturer of Honey Stinger Energy Products.

A friendly reminder that all 2019 memberships expired on December 31. Members will need to renew their membership and create new website credentials to get back onto the website. Class discounts, buying bees and the swarm hotline are all member benefits. So be sure to join or renew your membership first before logging on to sign up.

If you haven't already registered your hives for 2020, log on to our resource page for the direct link to BeeWhere. Registration is easy.

Don't forget our raffle. All re-gifted, gently used or plant donations are greatly appreciated. Receive a free raffle ticket for every donated item you bring. Our club store will also be open. We have new tee-shirts for sale along with our hats, tote bags, mite wash cups and pollen patties.

After the meeting many members head to Placerville Brewing Company for dinner and more bee conversation. Join us there!

See everyone this Sunday!