Honey production was a challenge for many this year due to the severe drought our area experienced.  When honey yields fluctuate due to weather or nectar flow, other hive products can provide a stable income.  Mart Bumgarner will address how to successfully promote and sell the full range of hive-derived goods including beeswax, propolis, pollen and royal jelly at the August 13 meeting.

Mart Bumgarner works for the Orange County Extension Service as the crops and horticulture agent.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in general agriculture from Tennessee Technical University and his Masters of Science from NC State University.  He served in the US Army for more than 26 years as an armor officer before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.  He happily states he loves his job and thrives by giving back to the community.  Come hear what he wishes to share with our beekeeper community on Thursday, August 13.  Our OCBA meeting will be held at the Orange County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension located at 1020 US Highway 70 West in Hillsborough beginning at 6:00 p.m. with appetizers and desserts provided by the members.  Mart will speak at 7:00 p.m. and our meeting will conclude with a brief coverage of business topics.