Dear Members and Fellow Beekeepers,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. As we start a new year, we find
ourselves with several new challenges. As President of the Minnesota
Honey Producers Association, I am honored to share some highlights
from our recent events and shed light on important industry updates.

Farm Fest 2023: A Blooming Success
Last year, we had the pleasure of participating in Farm Fest, one of the
region’s largest agricultural events held near Redwood Falls, MN. Our
booth attracted a tremendous amount of attention, providing an
opportunity to showcase the diversity of beekeeping in Minnesota. Our
members engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing their expertise
and passion for beekeeping, while also educating the public about the
crucial role bees play in our food system. We also had the chance to
collaborate with other agricultural organizations, fostering stronger
connections within the larger farming community. Thanks especially to
Becky Masterman for making the Farm Fest connection!
Minnesota State Fair 2023
The Minnesota State Fair has always been a platform for us to showcase
the magic of honey and its countless applications. Our booth, adorned
with vibrant displays and interactive exhibits, captivated fairgoers of all
ages. The honey tasting sessions were a hit, allowing visitors to savor
the unique flavors and aromas of locally sourced honey. It was
encouraging to witness the genuine interest and curiosity among fair
attendees, and we believe that our efforts have contributed to raising
awareness about the challenges facing bees and the significance of their
conservation. Special thanks to managers Dave and Cristie for guiding
us to another profitable year!

American Beekeeping Federation Meeting in New Orleans 2024
This year, I had the privilege of attending the American Beekeeping
Federation meeting in the vibrant city of New Orleans. The event brought

together beekeepers, researchers, and industry experts from across the
country to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and address challenges.
Please see a more detailed report on the convention from our ABF
delegates David Ellingson and David Schroeder in this issue. Many
thanks to Dave and Dave for representing the MHPA.

Honey Market in Decline
While we celebrate our successes, it is vital to acknowledge the
challenges that lie ahead. The honey market has experienced a decline in
recent times, with fluctuating prices and increased competition. Our
association is working closely with government agencies and industry
leaders to address regulatory issues and ensure fair market access for
our beekeepers.

Bee Losses during the 2024 Almond Pollination Season
The almond pollination season of 2024 presented us with unexpected
hardships. Many of our members experienced significant bee losses,
impacting both their livelihoods and the overall health of our pollinators.
We understand the importance of providing our members with the
necessary support and resources during these difficult times. I encourage
any of you who have suffered losses to consider using the ELAP
program if you aren’t already. It’s not like having live hives, but it does
soften the blow when so many empty covers are opened.

2024 MHPA Summer Meeting: Farewell to Marla Spivak
As we are aware, Dr. Marla Spivak will be retiring at the end of this
year. Vice President Liz Schroeder is putting together an exceptional
program this summer in St. Paul for our annual meeting that will be
celebrate Marla’s outstanding career, with talks form several of her
former students who are active in the research community. We
encourage you all to attend the summer meeting in St. Paul in July!
Also, the University of Minnesota is currently working on securing Marla’s
position at the bee lab by creating an endowment for her position. This
will ensure someone in this position for generations to come. The
University of Minnesota has long been a leader in bee research and we
are lucky to have such an incredible resource here in Minnesota.
Towards the endowment fund goal of $5 million, we, the MHPA, have
committed $100,000. Once the endowment funds have been raised the
search for the next Marla will begin. We have been asked to be at the
table during this process and will be enthusiastic participants.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
As we reflect on the past year’s achievements and challenges, it is
evident that our collective efforts will shape the future of Minnesota’s
honey industry. Together, we have the power to safeguard our bees,
pioneer sustainable practices, and promote the remarkable qualities of
our local honey. I encourage you all to stay engaged, participate in our
upcoming events, and continue sharing your knowledge and
experiences. Your dedication is invaluable and essential to the growth
and prosperity of our association.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of
you for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission.
Together, we will continue to thrive, adapt, and create a brighter future!

Mark Sundberg
President, MHPA