Lowville, NY. The results of the first-ever survey of bee colony health in Northern New York will be presented along with an assessment of the impact of parasites, pathogens and pesticides on bee colonies statewide at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Lewis County office in Lowville on Tuesday, August 1 from 6 to 8 pm. Cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is requested by July 27 at 315-376-5270 or http://ccelewis.org.
Cornell University Honey Bee Extension Associate Emma Mullen will talk about the factors that stress bee colonies and can reduce honey production. Mullen will present information on the levels of mites and viruses in colonies locally and statewide and suggest ways beekeepers can keep their bees healthy.
Mullen served as project leader for the Northern New York bee health survey project funded by the farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program. The survey was the first of its kind for the northern region of New York state. The survey documented seasonal colony losses and the levels of key parasites and viruses in both commercial-scale and hobby bee colonies. The complete survey report is on this website under Horticulture: Beekeeping.
The farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program provides research and technical assistance to farmers in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is supported by the New York State Senate and administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.