The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Local News

July 30, 2012

Fayette beekeepers swarm to meeting

By C.V. Moore Register-Herald Reporter

FAYETTEVILLE — Honey super, worker brood, queen castle — beekeepers have a unique language all their own. And in Fayette County, honey harvesters are talking to each other more than ever before.

The Fayette County Beekeeper’s Association is a fledgling group aimed at networking and education for those interested in beekeeping as a hobby or commercial enterprise.

“Educate and pollinate,” says John Brenemen Jr., one of the organization’s founders, summing up the group’s goals. Brenemen also sells bee keeping equipment to a growing number of beekeepers in his home county.

The group hosted its second meeting last Monday at Fayetteville Presbyterian Church. A crowd of 35 listened to advice and instruction from Rebecca Moretto, an apiary specialist from Mercer County who works with the Department of Agriculture.

One thing was clear from her presentation.

“I love my bees,” said Moretto, who tends around 45 bee hives at one time and sells her honey commercially.

Her informal talk included topics like splitting hives, treating for disease and grafting queens.

The association’s intended membership base includes beginner hobbyists, as well as those who have kept bees for decades. Members also don’t have to be from Fayette County to participate.

One of the advantages of a formal group includes bulk ordering of bees and supplies, which can be pricey, especially with shipping.

“That’s the whole joy of having a bee club,” says Moretto.

Then there’s the possibility of lobbying for bee-related resources and support at the state level.

“A lot of voices stand better than one,” Extension Agent Brian Sparks reminded the group.

Then there’s the simple need for community.

“My whole reason for being here is to find out who’s raising bees in the area, so I have the contacts to ask for help,” said Wayne Persinger of Fayetteville, summarizing the motivations of many in attendance.

“There’s always something out there to help you be a better beekeeper, whether you have one hive or 40,” says Sparks.

He estimates that there are 200 bee robbers in Fayette County today.

Brenemen says he has seen beekeeping bloom as a hobby in recent times, especially among women. He attributes it in part to a growing movement towards naturally-grown products.

“There’s nothing more natural than bees,” says Brenemen, who this year transitioned his farm to organic growing methods. “We all need to start living cleaner.”

He says he would like to see the group organize a six-week course for new beekeepers, as well as educational visits to area schools.

Some of the counties surrounding Fayette already have their own clubs.

Joe Strickland, a leader of the Nicholas County club who attended Monday’s meeting, says some members of his club harvest between 400 and 800 pounds of honey per year.

He volunteered to work with the Fayette County group to set up bylaws if needed.

“It’s a fascinating hobby,” he said, encouraging those gathered to keep up their organizational efforts.

“I always learn something at these meetings,” he says. “You can never learn enough about beekeeping.”

The next meeting of the association will be Aug. 27, with the location to be determined. They plan to discuss more about formal organization, as well as other topics on the minds of beekeepers as autumn rolls around.

For more information, call John Breneman Jr., at 304-894-6064, or Brian Sparks at 304-574-4253.

— E-mail: cmoore@register-herald.com

 

Text Only
Local News
  • coda uke Deadline June 1 for Coda Kidz

    The sound of music and children’s laughter are in the air as budding young musicians, ages 5 to 12,  discover their musical talent in the fun and innovative summer program, Coda Kidz.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Fayette working to improve disaster response

    Improving the county’s communications during a disaster is a top priority of the Fayette County Office of Emergency Services, says the agency’s new director.

    May 23, 2013

  • School projects are prioritized in Mount Hope

    Mount Hope wants a new elementary school. That much is clear. But how and whether that’s going to happen is by no means apparent at this stage in Fayette County’s effort to address its numerous aging school buildings.

    May 23, 2013

  • izzys treehouse Smilin’ and playin’ at Izzy’s Treehouse

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Two Memorial Day events planned at Huse Memorial

    For those looking to spend their Memorial Day weekend taking part in a traditional graveside ceremony, Fayetteville offers two: A candlelight vigil and a groundbreaking for a new veterans’ memorial.

    May 23, 2013

  • carrie hill Memorial Day celebration

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Manchin rep to visit Oak Hill today

    U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced his office launched its fifth “Commonsense Connections” Week Monday. Representatives from Senator Manchin’s office will make more than 95 stops across West Virginia – traveling to all 55 counties – to meet with constituents, hear their commonsense priorities and concerns, and gather their feedback.

    May 23, 2013

  • cms hannah kaley kayden CMS Social Studies Fair winners

    May 23, 2013 4 Photos

  • jennifer williamsd Williams earns degree

    Jennifer Leigh Williams of Oak Hill received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree (cum laude) from the West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources on Saturday, May 18 at West Virginia University Coliseum.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Honor rolls

    May 23, 2013