Rockingham County Beekeepers Association

Rockingham County Beekeepers AssociationRockingham County Beekeepers AssociationRockingham County Beekeepers Association

Rockingham County Beekeepers Association

Rockingham County Beekeepers AssociationRockingham County Beekeepers AssociationRockingham County Beekeepers Association
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Welcome to RCBA

Welcome to RCBAWelcome to RCBAWelcome to RCBA

Our Next monthly meeting is Thursday,  June 5th at 7:00 PM.   We meet at the County Cooperative Extension Building.

Join Us at Our Monthly Meetings - Connect, Learn, & Grow! The First Thursday of Every Month @ 7:00 p.m. at the Rockingham AG Extension Center

Welcome to RCBA

Welcome to RCBAWelcome to RCBAWelcome to RCBA

Our Next monthly meeting is Thursday,  June 5th at 7:00 PM.   We meet at the County Cooperative Extension Building.

Join Us at Our Monthly Meetings - Connect, Learn, & Grow! The First Thursday of Every Month @ 7:00 p.m. at the Rockingham AG Extension Center

Rockingham County Beekeepers Association

Our Beekeeping Roots

Rockingham County is rich in agricultural roots and the art of beekeeping is growing.  We are a thriving association of over 100 beekeepers.  We encourage visitors to our monthly meetings to learn the basics, ask questions or just learn about these fascinating insects.   Our meetings are on the first Thursday of each month and are held at 7:00 p.m. in the Rockingham County Cooperative Extension Office at 525 NC Highway 65, Reidsville, NC.  Checkout our Facebook Page for updates and interesting information on honey bees. 

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Rockingham County Beekeepers Association, we believe that sustainability is key to our industry's success. We are committed to providing information, knowledgeable speakers and mentors to assist new beekeepers' success!

Monthly Meetings & Events

Are You Passionate about Beekeeping Or Just Starting Your Journey with These Incredible Pollinators?

7pm

-

9pm

Rockingham County Extension Office

Event Details

Are You Passionate about Beekeeping Or Just Starting Your Journey with These Incredible Pollinators?

Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or simply curious about the buzz our monthly meetings are the perfect place to connect, share knowledge...

Event Details

7pm

-

9pm

Rockingham County Extension Office

7/5/25

June 5

7pm

-

9pm

Rockingham County Extension Office

Event Details

7/5/25

June 5

 "Honey Bee Pests & Diseases"


We have our own Tra Wyatt of WG Bee Farm as our speaker for April!  Tra will be speaking on pests & diseases.  ...

Event Details

7pm

-

9pm

Rockingham County Extension Office

What are These Bees Doing?

Your Bee Calendar is a great source of information.  A monthly guide as to what their activities are

Helpful Info for the Bugs We Love

Reference Docs/Downloads & Monthy Meeting Minutes

CALENDAR-FOR-BEEKEEPING-IN-CENTRAL-NORTH-CAROLINAupdate23 (pdf)Download
RCBA January 2025 meeting (docx)Download
RCBA February 2025 minutes (pdf)Download
RCBA March 2025 Minutes (pdf)Download
RCBA April 2025 MINUTES-correct (docx)Download
RCBA May 2025 meeting (docx)Download

Beekeeping Adventures Photo Gallery

    Swarm Removal & Bee Rescue

     

    What Is a Swarm????

        

    Swarm season is in the spring of the year in North Carolina.  It is a natural response to overcrowding in a hive and spring is when the population booms.  If the colony outgrows its hive, it signals the queen to fly off with roughly half of the colony's population to start a new hive in a different location.  They send out scouts to look for a good place to make a hive.  As they rest while the scouts are out is when most people see them resting on a tree branch as the picture to the right shows.  Some important information about swarms:  

      

    • Swarms are usually gentle as they are not defending their hive and pose no direct threat to people or animals unless disturbed. Even if disturbed, they typically do not sting.
    • Honey bees clump together and their queen is usually in the center of the mass.
    • Swarms usually stay for no longer than a day or two while they are looking for a permanent home.  
    • Bad weather or other circumstances may keep a swarm in place longer, and they may construct small amounts of comb.

    Please contact your local beekeeper association.  We have trained beekeepers that are experienced in rescuing the bees.  We will be happy to come out and hive the swarm and remove the honey bees.  Please text and/or call and leave a message.  Below is a list of our beekeepers who have the skills to remove swarms.  If you would like to speak to the swarm coordinator, Bobbie Gardner, please feel free to text or call 336-382-5939.  Remember we are all volunteers and most have day jobs but we will do our best to help!


    What to do if they are coming from my house or outbuilding?


    Honey bees sometimes set up home in walls, ceilings and other voids.  Such situations are not "swarms" and are handled differently.  We call these "Cut Outs".  We will ask you qualifying questions to assist us in working towards rescuing the bees.  We do not remove yellow jackets, hornets or wasps.  It is important to be ready to answer questions if you call a beekeeper.  We will ask you to send us a picture or two so we can figure out what you have and what is the best way to approach the bees.


    Please don't spray the entry with bug spray, you will more than likely not kill the hive and will create a situation that beekeepers don't want to work around.  Even if you could kill the bees you would leave the honey which will eventually attract other pests.  There are two options to rescue the bees:  trapping the bees or doing a "cut out".  Both of these take quite a bit of effort and experience to accomplish successfully, thus most beekeepers charge for these removals. The beekeeper will discuss the cost involved and a waiver will need to be signed for liability.  


    A trap out doesn't require any demolition or construction and takes place over an extended period of time (4 weeks to 3 months).  Sometimes this is difficult if the bees are established.  Many times this method turns into a cut out, described below.


    A cut out requires demolition from within the house or outside the house.  The beekeeper removes the bees, comb and honey, places these in a hive and then moves the hive to its new location.  This is hot, sticky and time consuming job.  It is usually in odd and awkward locations and can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours to fully remove and prepare the void to be closed up.  Most beekeepers charge and do not restore the opening they create.  Some beekeepers are skilled in home repair to fix the opening, but don't forget to ask, this should be discussed before the removal begins.  The homeowner normally assumes restoring the home to its original condition.

    Learn More

    Our goal is to rescue as many bees as we can.  Our swarm specialists are experienced beekeepers that are equipped to remove bees. 

    Swarm Beekeepers List

    By Laws & Constitution

     


    ARTICLE 1

    (Name)

    Section 1:         The name of this organization shall be Rockingham County Beekeepers Association (RCBA).

    Section 2:         This organization shall be recognized as an official Chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA).


    ARTICLE 2

    (Objectives)

    Section 1:         Provide educational opportunities for members to further their understanding of all aspects of beekeeping.

    Section 2:         Promote cooperation, share information, work together, and mentor new members.

    Section 3:         Serve as an ambassador to the general public to educate and emphasize the importance of honeybees.


    ARTICLE 3

    (Members)

    Section 1:         Membership in Rockingham County Beekeepers Association is open to anyone who is interested in honeybees and who pays the annual dues to the Treasurer.

    Section 2:         All paid members have the right to vote on official RCBA business matters.

    Section 3:         Professional conduct is required at all meetings.  Individuals who act otherwise may be asked to leave by the presiding officer.


    ARTICLE 4

    (Officers)

    Section 1:         Officers of RCBA shall be:  President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Program Chairperson.  Officers shall hold office from January 1 through December 31 of each year.

    Section 2:         RCBA officers shall be members in good standing who are interested in beekeeping and who are age 18 or older.  It is highly recommended that they be members of the NCSBA.

    Section 3:         Each year, the Nomination Committee shall present a slate of proposed officers at the November meeting, or at the last meeting of the year.  Prior to voting, the presiding officer shall call for additional nominations from the floor.  All nominations from the floor, if any, shall be added to the proposed slate of officers.  No person shall be elected to any office without his/her consent, and all proposed officers shall be members of RCBA.

    Section 4:         Voting shall be done by a show of hands if there are no additional nominations from the floor.  Voting shall be done by written ballot if there are any nominations from the floor.

    Section 5:         There are no limits to the number of terms an officer may serve, but each officer shall be re-nominated and re-elected each year by following the election procedures specified in this article.  In the event an office becomes vacant during the year, the Nominating Committee shall propose another member to serve the remainder of the term.  The proposed officer shall be approved by a majority vote at the next regular meeting.

    Section 6:         Some officer functions may be combined if limited membership makes it necessary.  If one person serves in multiple positions, he/she will perform the functions of each position.


    ARTICLE 5

    (Membership Dues)

    Section 1:         Annual dues shall be determined by a majority vote of the Association membership and shall be due January 1 of each year.  New members may join the Association at any time during the year by paying the full annual dues.

    Section 2:         Prior members who fail to pay the annual dues for the current year shall be dropped from the membership roll on March 31.  Membership may be restored by paying the current year’s dues.

    Section 3:         Membership in the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association is encouraged, but not required.  The RCBA secretary shall submit any payments for state membership dues to NCSBA.


    ARTICLE 6

    (Meetings)

    Section 1:         Regular RCBA meetings shall be scheduled monthly and shall be held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., unless otherwise changed.  If the location or time must be changed, the changes shall be approved by a majority vote of the members.

    Section 2:         Meeting information shall be made available to the public, and visitors shall be invited to attend.

    Section 3:         Special meetings shall be scheduled by a majority vote of the members and may include field days, social events, etc.


    ARTICLE 7

    (Committees)

    Section 1:         The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Chairperson, and the immediate Past President.  The Executive Committee shall have the authority to conduct business on behalf of RCBA when it is not in session.  Activities and expenditures proposed by the Executive Committee shall be approved by the members at the next meeting.

    Section 2:         The Audit Committee shall consist of three RCBA members.  The President shall recommend a Chairperson, who must be approved by the membership.  The Chairperson will, in turn, select two additional members.  The Audit Committee shall periodically audit the books of the Treasurer.  Audits must be done in January of each year or any other time the Audit Committee deems necessary.  All Audit Committee results shall be presented to the membership at the next regular meeting.

    Section 3:         The Nominating Committee shall consist of three RCBA members.  The President shall recommend a Chairperson, who must be approved by the membership.  The Chairperson will, in turn, select two additional members.  The Nominating Committee shall submit a slate of proposed officers at the November meeting each year.

    Section 4:         The President shall appoint Special Committees to conduct various RCBA activities as required.  Some of these activities will include, but not be limited to, the organization of field days and the Beginners Beekeeping Classes.


    ARTICLE 8

    (Quorum)

    Section 1:         For regular RCBA meetings, those members present shall constitute a quorum for transacting official business.

    Section 2:         A quorum for the Executive Committee shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of the committee members.


    ARTICLE 9

    (Officer Duties)

    Section 1:         The President shall preside at all meetings of the RCBA, using Robert’s Rules of Order.  The President shall initiate committees, handle officer vacancies as needed, and perform other duties as required.  The President will be authorized to make deposits and disburse funds should the Treasurer be unable to perform those duties.  The President shall be an active member of the NCSBA.

    Section 2:         The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President when the President is absent.  The Vice President shall serve as custodian of all property belonging to RCBA and maintain accurate records with all receipts, titles, and other documents as proof of ownership.

    Section 3:         The Secretary shall record the minutes of each regular meeting and other special meetings and present them to the membership for approval at the next regular meeting.  The Secretary shall maintain accurate files for membership records, meeting minutes, and all communications including correspondence and publications.  The Secretary shall assist the President and Vice President with communications between the public and RCBA.

    Section 4:         The Treasurer shall collect and disburse all monies for the RCBA.  Purchases and expenditures shall be approved by the membership prior to payment.  The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records, showing details for all receipts and disbursements and present a report to the membership at each regular meeting.  In December of each year, after all RCBA business has been completed, the Treasurer shall close the financial books and prepare a written report, which shall be provided to the RCBA members at the regular January meeting.  The Treasurer shall work with the Audit Committee to provide the necessary financial information and answer any questions.  In addition, the Treasurer shall assist the Secretary with membership records.

    Section 5:         The Program Chairperson shall work with the President and Vice President to arrange for regular meeting programs.  The Program Chairperson will assist with audiovisual equipment and other items that may be required for programs.  In addition, the Program Chairperson shall assist as required with meeting location arrangements.


    ARTICLE 10

    (Amendments)

    Section 1:         Any article or any section of this Constitution and Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting upon the approval of a two-thirds (2/3) vote by the members present.  All proposed amendments shall be presented to the Executive Committee for their recommendation and shall be presented in writing to the entire membership at least 30 days before voting.


    ARTICLE 11

    (Distribution of Assets upon Dissolution)

    Section 1:         Upon the time of dissolution of the RCBA, assets shall be distributed by the Executive Committee, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all debts and obligations, to the NCSBA or to the Rockingham County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension.


    ARTICLE 12

    (Repealing Clause)

    Section 1:         Upon acceptance by vote, this Constitution and Bylaws of the Rockingham County Beekeepers Association supersedes all previous Constitution and Bylaws.

    Section 2:         This Constitution and Bylaws were read and adopted by two-thirds (2/3) vote by the members present at the following monthly meeting:

                            Meeting date:  August 4, 2011

                            Meeting location:  Wentworth, NC

                            President:  Harvey Friddle

                            Vice President:  David W. Medlin

                            Secretary:  Kirstin Friddle

    2025 RCBA Officers

    Bee-Related Products for Sale by Members

    Honey For Sale

    Bird Nest Farm 

    Jay & Bobbie Gardner - (336) 382-5939


    Charles Blakely - (336) 643-9979


    WG Beefarm - (919) 441-6504



    Bees for Sale (Nucs & Packages)

     Inlow Family Homestead/The Bee Shack

    ~Josh Inlow (336)306-6101

    ~Jess Inlow (919)750-5336


     (30) 5 frame Nucs - *pick-up date April 12, 2025  

    (10) 10 frame hive-top feeders (used)

    The Bee Shack is Open Friday/Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    (bee supplies)


    Kevin Kaczmarek

    (336) 496-1821 


    Nucs for Spring


    WG Bee Farm

    wgbeefarm.com

    (919) 441-6504


    Packages & Nucs Call for Availability & Prices





    Local Beekeeping Supply Stores

    The Bee Shack Your Local One-Stop Shop for Bee Suppl

    At Rockingham County Beekeepers Association, we are passionate about all things bees. Our organization is dedicated to promoting the art and science of beekeeping through education, support, and community engagement. 


    We are excited about the opening of this great new bee supply store.  Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, you will find a wealth of resources and friendly faces here in Rockingham County.   


    Together, we can make a difference for bees and beekeepers alike.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Please reach us at rockinghambeesnc@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

     

    1) Why does foam form on honey?

    A natural and harmless accumulation of air bubbles appears as white foam that rises to the top of the jar. It does not affect the taste or

    quality of the honey. 2) Why does honey granulate?

    Honey has a tendency to granulate due to its natural properties. Granulation does not affect the taste or purity of honey. It can be restored to liquid form by placing the jar in a pan of very warm, but not boiling, water.

    3) Where should I store my honey?

    Store your honey in a dry, dark cupboard at room temperature. Do not refrigerate honey. Cold temperatures hasten granulation. Honey is very stable and has a long shelf life, even after a jar has been opened.  But always keep it stored in a moisture-tight container.

    4) Does honey contain fat or cholesterol?

    No, honey is primarily composed of carbohydrates.

    5) Is honey natural sugar?

    Yes, honey is natural sugar (mostly fructose and dextrose, but includes other sugars such as glucose and maltose) and is easier to digest than refined white sugar. Honey is 100% pure and natural. It is made entirely by honeybees from flower nectars.

    6) What is infant botulism?

    Honey should never be given to infants under the age of one. Honey, and other raw agricultural products, may contain a small number of spores called Clostridium botulinum. These are the same organisms that cause botulism. The spores do not thrive in the intestines of adults and older children. In the young stomachs of infants, the spores are able to grow, possibly causing a serious form of food poisoning known as infant botulism. For older children and adults, honey is unquestionably safe.

    7) Do you have any advice for people with special medical conditions?

    For all inquiries regarding the use of honey in medical conditions such as diabetes, weight control, etc., please consult your physician. Honey is used as a holistic treatment for cold sores and as a dressing for burns and other wounds. It is both antibacterial and antifungal.

    8) Is eating honey good for my allergies?

    It has been reported that eating local honey helps with allergies, but recent studies in Great Britain have shown that eating raw honey from anywhere helps. At least one informal (unfunded) study on allergies and honey conducted by students at Xavier University has produced positive results.

    9) I would like to substitute honey for sugar when baking. Do you have any guidelines that can help?

    By experimenting, honey may be substituted for granulated sugar in baked goods, cup for cup, with the following alterations to the recipe:

    For each cup of honey used, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

    Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used. This will neutralize honey's acidity and help the food rise.

    If the recipe contains sour cream or sour milk, however, you may forego adding baking soda.

    Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent over-browning.

    When using honey in jams, jellies, or candies, increase the cooking temperature just a bit to allow the extra liquid to evaporate.



    The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them.


    Saint John Chrysostom

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    Rockingham County Beekeepers Association

    525 North Carolina Highway 65, Wentworth, North Carolina 27320, United States

    (336)382-5939 Rockinghambeesnc@gmail.com

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    09:00 am – 05:00 pm

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    Rockingham County Beekeepers Association

    525 NC-65 Reidsville, NC 27320

    336-382-5939

    Copyright © 2025 Rockingham County Beekeepers Association - All Rights Reserved.

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