Anybody Home?

[Pete]

Hello, Central Oregon!
I'm a newbie starting a couple hives in the spring (Grant County, Dayville/Kimberly), and would like to connect with anybody in the area who "does" bees.

Thanks!

[williamfaulkner]

Im in n/e oregon, union county, I guess this is as close as I can come to Eastern Oregon forum. This year is my first year also, and am having a hard time locating a place to purchase bees that doesnt come from a AHB area and is willing to ship. Let me know if you find a decent supplier.

[Pete]

"William":
Don't take it from me, 'cuz I know next to nothing about the subject, but it seems to me that (as most bee packages originate in the South) you've gotta take it on faith that the packages you order are "clean".
Time and experience with different suppliers will tell...

For myself (lacking any contrary information), I've decided on Ruhl Bee Supply in Clackamas, as they're about the only suppliers I've found in the state who ship packages.

My partner and I stopped by there a week ago after a rare trip to Portland, and the woman we visited with was extremely helpful.
We ended up getting some of the basics there, and plan on using them in the future.

We're starting in "hobby" mode with two hives (plus spares, built by us from lumber I milled myself), split between the ranch I live on (a huge Linden tree, alfalfa, apricots and lilacs) and a local apple orchard.

Please keep in touch about your experiences in apiculture!

Pete
(prathbun-at-gmail-dot-com)

[williamfaulkner]

Hey pete, how did your bees do over the winter? I will be expanding to 4 hives this year, how about you?

[Thom]

Pete and William, I think the Bend Group is going to buy nucs from Vince Vazza this year. Email the president of the group and see if you can get in on the deal.

Also I'm doing another bee school up there in May.

[williamfaulkner]

hey good deal! I will follow up on that tip. I am also hoping to get some hives from bettis this year also...he hasnt responded though... Its good to be back on this site!