Join the buzz and register today for the 2017 Maine State Beekeepers annual meeting held in Rockland on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Registration begins at 8 a.m.   The location is the Oceanside High School at 400 Broadway. For the second year, the meeting is hosted by the Knox-Lincoln County Beekeepers.

Featured speakers include Dr. Jim Tew, beekeeping specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University and Emeritus Professor, The Ohio State University, Dr. Anita Collins, retired US Department of Agriculture research geneticist and is a recognized authority on honey bee behavior and genetics, Lincoln Sennett, Swan's Honey, Albion, Maine, and Jennifer Lund, Maine State Apiarist and bee inspector.

As always, this meeting promises to bring you the most up-to-date information within the beekeeping industry, the latest products and services offered by our vendors, and great opportunities for you to network with your fellow beekeepers.

There is a large silent raffle with items donated by vendors and beekeepers alike.  Attendees are encouraged to bring an item for the raffle — beekeeping related or not.  Vendors, both beekeeping and others, will have tables with items for sale and information to share. Time is provided for vendor shopping and talking. Refreshment breaks and lunch are provided.

Everyone is invited to submit a one pound jar of liquid-extracted honey from their 2017 honey harvest for this year's Honey Tasting Contest. Entries will be tasted and evaluated by the attendees. Winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places are announced at the end of the day. Bring a jar of your best-tasting honey and see how it stacks up against that of your peers!

To register and read more about the speakers, please visit the MSBA website at http://mainebeekeepers.org/annual-meeting.  Details about early and late registration costs and other information is detailed on the website.