Minutes of meeting of the ETBA April 3, 2008:

President Joe Moench opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag and the invocation.  Persons visiting for the first time were introduced.  Count of swarms amounted to eighteen.

The election of officers was held and the following will serve for 2008-2009:

    President - Joe Moench

    Vice President - Andrew Bellefeuille

    Treasurer - Don Johnson

    Secretary - J. Ethridge

    Members at Large - Eddie Collins, Gloria Harmon, Randy Bobo

    Past President - Stanford Brantley

The speaker for the evening, Paul Jackson, Texas Chief Apiary Inspector, was introduced by Stan Brantley.  Copies of all forms discussed by Mr. Jackson are available from Dick if any members need them.  Mr. Jackson stressed it is important to secure permits when moving bees in/out/across the State in order for his office to know where apiaries are located.  This is especially important if the State finds it necessary to enforce a quarantine.  Queen breeders have to be checked in order for them to ship queens out of state.  Twenty years ago, Texas, California, and Florida were the main queen breeder states.  Since Texas has had permits for moving bees for many years, bees can be moved without problems.  Florida did not have control of their bees, and they nearly lost their queen rearing bees.    Fire ants are a big problem in moving bees over state lines.  California and Arizona are very strict, and they will stop a truckload at the border if fire ants are found.

Last year over 300,000 hives were exported from Texas.  In 1975, that number was about 200,000.  Presently, 450-500,000 hives are moved in the State of Texas annually.  Border states with Texas are also watchful for Africanized bees.  Some of permits are as follows:

    Export permit - $75 - 1-1000+ hives

    Import permit - $175 - Limited period, extension is available.

    Intrastate permit - $35, Good Sept 1 - August 31, no limit in number of hives.  If a beekeeper has no more

                   that 10 hives, fee can be waived.

    No permit is required if all bees are in the same county.

    Queen Certificate - $300. plus cost of tags.  Tags cost about $13.00 per thousand.

Mr. Jackson recommended that each beekeeper secure an owner number, cost $15.  The number reads as follows:  0--000--000 - Texas, district, owner number.  This number should be placed on all hives, and a hive in two corners of the apiary should include name and address of the owner.  Owner bee brand on hives can be helpful in handling insurance claim if owner incurs theft.

It was pointed out that the 2007 Legislature approved bill allowing beekeepers to remove bees from buildings, but the exterminators included an item that stated that beekeepers could use not insecticides or electrical equipment.  This means that vacuums cannot be used.  This  bill is being reviewed with the intention to add all bee equipment required in the removal of bees.  The control of beekeepers has been placed under Mr. Jackson's office, but no additional funds have been furnished.  It was pointed out that most of the complaints were the result of turn-ins.

Mr. Jackson was thanked for his presentation, which was enjoyed by all.

Andrew Bellefeuille reported that a committee is working on a Welcome Package for new members.  The committee is composed of Andrew, Gloria Harmon, and Jim Lathem.  Andrew outlined various items that will bee included--activities, raffle/auction, State organizations, bee suppliers.  He also raised question about choosing a logo.  This was done a few years ago, and Dick will try to locate the logo.

It was reported that the Collin County Association is having attendance of 120 +/-.  They are having a short meeting before their regular meetings for new beekeepers.  The ETBA would like to try this, and Dick asked for a volunteer.  There were about 10 persons interested in such a meeting.  Those present were asked to give this consideration.

Gloria reminded those present that the Blue Bird Festival will be held in Wills Point on April 26.  Place it on  your calendar for a fun day. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,