All speakers will present via zoom, so everyone will also have the option of attending via zoom if you do not wish to attend in person.  Anyone attending in person will be required to wear a face mask if required by CDC. No drinks or snacks will be provided, but you may bring something for yourself.

Mini Presentation:

Paul Niemczura will discuss varroa mites and a new EPA approved organic miticide expected to be available in 2023 which will increase the choices in our IPM.

Main Topic:

"Varroa and Risk Factors" 

Description: High varroa mite infestations are closely associated with honey bee colony death. Even when colonies appear to have a similar start in spring, varroa mite populations can be different among colonies as the bee season progresses, even within the same apiary. This presentation will address factors that increase the likelihood a colony will have high mite levels.  Understanding what makes some colonies more prone to issues can help inform decisions on mite management and the frequency of mite monitoring.

Katie Lee, PhD  

Extension Educator and Researcher, University of Minnesota

Bio: I am the Apiculture Extension Educator, a Bee Squad team member, and a post-doctoral researcher on the Minnesota Agriculture for Pollinators Project led by Dr. Dan Cariveau. My work focuses on the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, metrics that indicate queen bee and colony health, and the benefits of pollinator plantings on bee health. I developed a parasitic mite sampling protocol that is now a nationwide standard. For the Bee Informed Partnership, I founded two extension teams that provide colony assessment services for commercial beekeepers. I serve on the boards of the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association and the American Beekeeping Federation and co-chair the education and research committees.