Presidents Message

Wow! What a great conference in Bend!

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend, and for those who couldn’t make it. We hope to see you next year. This year’s conference was truly special. We were the first in the nation to host a panel featuring three new leading Varroa mite treatment manufacturers discussing their products side by side.

We gained valuable insight into the possible causes behind the higher colony losses many of us have been experiencing. We heard from Oregon beekeepers of all sizes about local queen rearing, and we picked up practical techniques and tips for evaluating hive health. Some attendees even got creative in the stained glass workshop, and together we raised important funds for bee research.

The list of highlights could go on for pages but most importantly, we came together to become better beekeepers and connect with one another in our shared mission to keep healthy bees.

Over the past two years serving on the executive board, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how much the OSBA does for beekeepers across Oregon. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that this organization thrives because of you, the volunteers at every level, from local clubs to the state board. I have immense respect and gratitude for the time, energy, and heart you pour into making Oregon beekeeping what it is today.

One of the things that makes Oregon truly unique is our diversity of membership. Hobbyists, sideliners, commercial beekeepers, new enthusiasts, and researchers all come together to learn, laugh, collaborate, and grow. That spirit of unity and shared purpose is something rare and worth celebrating.

As we move forward, OSBA membership will be evolving. While transitions can come with questions or small challenges, I believe these changes will ultimately strengthen Oregon beekeeping and open new opportunities for all of us to continue improving hive health and beekeeper support statewide.

As winter approaches, I find myself asking the same questions many of you do: Do my bees have enough food? Did I treat for mites early enough? Are my colonies strong enough to make it to almond pollination or to the spring? While we can’t predict every outcome, we can take comfort knowing we’ve done our best to give our bees the strongest chance to survive and thrive through the winter.

Finally, I encourage everyone to stay involved with your local beekeeping clubs. They offer so many benefits, great speakers, mentorship, camaraderie, bulk purchasing opportunities, and region-specific knowledge. Stay connected, keep learning, and enjoy the company of your fellow beekeepers.

Wishing you and your bees a healthy, restful winter season.

Tom Cinquini

President, Oregon State Beekeepers Association