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Links This page contains links to the USDA bee laboratories as well as to national and local beekeeping organizations. Also included are links to international beekeeping organizations and resources. USDA Bee Research Facilities The Beltsville Bee Lab is the main USDA Research facility for Honey bees in the U.S. It's mission is to conduct research into the biology and control of honey bee parasites, diseases and pests to ensure an adequate and viable supply for pollination and honey production. Using biological, molecular chemical and non-chemical procedures, USDA scientists are developing new and cost-effective strategies for controlling parasitic mites (Varroa, Tracheal), bacterial diseases (American, European Foulbrood), fungal infections (Nosema apis, ceranae) and pests such as Small Hive Beetle and Wax Moths. Additionally, the Beltsville facility focuses on preservation of honey bee germplasm in order to maintain genetic diversity as well as ensuring the future viability of honey bee stock. The Beltsville research staff are also available to any beekeeper in the U.S. (and worldwide) as well as to State and Federal regulatory agencies to provide authoritative diagnosis and evaluation of all sorts of honey bee diseases and problems. Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Tucson, A The Carl Hayden Bee Research facility performs many of the functions of the Beltsville Bee Research Facility, but focuses more on the study and control measures for Africanized bees and honey bee issues related more to the geographical regions of the American Southwest. The Carl Hayden Facility staff will perform diagnostic tests for beekeepers suspecting various disease problems. Honeybee Research Unit, Weslaco, TX The Weslaco Bee lab performs similar functions as the other Bee Research facilities, but focuses more on exotic and imported problems coming into the U.S. through Mexico and South America (Africanized HB's, etc.) and on problems associated with commercial and migratory beekeeping. Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, Physiology Laboratory, Baton Rouge, Louisiana The Baton Rouge Bee Lab, as the title suggests, is concerned primarily with breeding and genetic issues regarding honey bees. The development of SMR and VHS (Varroa resistance) traits were all developed at the Baton Rouge lab. The introduction of the Buckfast strain into the U.S.was through the quarantine facilities there. Development and promotion of the so- called Russian strain were also done through the Baton Rouge facility. Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, UT The Biology and Systemics Lab in Logan focuses primarily on non-apis species of bees (bumble bees, alkali bees, etc.), mainly as indigenous, alternative pollinators to honey bees. Colorado State Apiary Inspection Colorado State Department of Agriculture Colorado State Apiculturist, Mr. Mitchell Yergert, 700 Kipling St., Suite 4000, Lakewood, CO 80215 (303) 239-4142 mitchell.yergert@ag.state.co.us\ Associations and Organizations Colorado State Beekeepers Association The CSBA is the umbrella organization for all other local beekeeping organizations in Colorado. It primary mission is as an educational and referral service to other organizations and resources. CSBA is the only organization in Colorado representing the concerns of commercial beekeepers in the state. CSBA was founded in 1880 and chartered in 1889. Boulder County Beekeepers Association The BCBA was formed originally in the 1970's as a way for area beekeepers to network and protect themselves from pesticide spraying. In more recent years it's character has changed to reflect the many and often varied approaches and philosophies about beekeeping. It's membership is primarily that of hobby and backyard beekeepers. Some members have never actually kept bees. Many of MHBC members are also BCBA members as a way to network and communicate with the larger beekeeping community in Boulder County. Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association The NCBA is the state's second oldest beekeeping association established in 1890. It has long been associated with the academic work being done at CSU Fort Collins, although the actual degree of academic influence has depended upon the amount of involvement by the CSU department of Entomology. Currently, the emphasis of NCBA seems to be directed more toward practical and non-academic beekeeping concerns. Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association The Pikes Peak Association located in the Colorado Springs area, has been in existence for about 30 years, and has a very active and engaged membership. Together with the NCBA, the PPBA are perhaps the most active local organizations, and with the most members in the state. The Highland Beekeeping club is one of the newer beekeeping organizations, established several years ago and located in the Southwest Denver area. It's membership interestingly, is made-up primarily of hobbyist beekeepers associated with the aerospace and military sectors within the greater Denver area. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Suppliers National Associations American Beekeeping Federation Regional Associations Other Resources Beekeeping Publications Honeybee Research Links Ohio State University Honey Bee Laboratory Texas A and M Honeybee Research University of Minnesota - Bee Lab University of Nebraska Department of Entomology-Apiculture Washington State University Apis Lab International Bee Research Association Web Site of Mr. Randy Oliver which provides many useful, practical explanations and summaries of various scientific topics relating to honey bees (highly recommended for the inquisitive beekeeper). |