Beekeeping is an ancient occupation, but the successful beekeeper in 2020 is one who has learned to adapt to changing times. We can no longer just stick hives in a field, ignore them, and expect to have healthy colonies (or honey crops) at the end of the year. Mite treatment guidelines are continually being refined, antibiotics now require a Veterinary Feed Directive to purchase, and a new collection of gadgets and fad hive designs is available every year.  RIBA has always honored the wisdom and traditions of the past while simultaneously looking towards the future. We don’t want to cling to lore and anecdote, or ignore potentially important innovations. This spring is certainly putting that philosophy to the test. I had anticipated challenges when I was elected, but obviously nothing like the situation we’re dealing with now. Rest assured, RIBA is committed to fulfilling our core goals as laid out by our bylaws: education, best practices, cooperation, support, and networking. How we will accomplish these goals will look different this summer than it has in the past, but we’re beekeepers; by nature we are resilient, stubborn, and iconoclastic. I think we can also add optimistic to that list; beekeeping is more challenging than ever, and the potential rewards come months, or years, in the future, yet here we are.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about how we can better serve RI’s bees and beekeepers during this period, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally.

The decision to cancel these events was made with a heavy heart, but the health of our membership is of paramount importance. I want to thank all of our dedicated board members, committee chairs, and other volunteers who have been working so hard over the past month to plan these events. I anxiously look forward to being able to meet again in person, whenever that may be.

I hope you’re all staying safe and sane. Here’s to another exciting season!