Janet Sutherland, Apiary Section Steward at the Royal Bathurst Show said everyone from beginners to long time producers will be competing.

“It does not matter how long you have been keeping bees for or if you just produce honey products, the Royal Bathurst Show - Apiary section has a place for you. From clear, creamed, candied honey to wax and mead we also have sections for the small producer or open to all. We encourage everyone to enter,” she said.

Janet encouraged everyone entering the competition to read the schedule carefully.

“It may sound silly but every point counts. Points are deducted if your entry is not in the correct class. Does it smell of eucalyptus? The Eucalyptus classes needs to have the eucalyptus aroma otherwise it needs go into the classes “produced from sources other than eucalyptus”.

“In the liquid honey classes look for good density. A good trick here is to turn the lidded jar upside down and watch the air bubble - how long did it take to rise to the top? The slower the better. Use clean jars. As clarity is judged the points come off if the judge can not see through the jar.”

In the frames of honey classes entries can be displayed in either home made units making sure that the frame of honey can be easily seen by the judge from all angles and both sides or you can purchase the display units from Tom at E C Tobin and Son at 43 Christie Street, Raglan.

“Tom is very helpful with advise being a beekeeper himself. Don’t leave it to the last moment or he might run out. Tom also has jars, lids and wax.”

In the wax section Janet said good preparation is the key to gaining points.

“You also don’t have to be a beekeeper as it is the product that is judged here. You must use 100% bee’s wax. Talk to Tom about sourcing the bees wax or your local beekeeper. For the fancy wax moulds consider using those silicon baking trays. They come in different shapes and sizes. Makes removing the wax from the mould so much simpler and creates less damage to the finished product.”

Janet said they also introduced a new Mead section in 2016.

“This section is open to anyone who produces mead. Talk to your local beekeeper about sourcing the honey.”

People interested in competing can get a form from the show office or it can be downloaded from www.bathurstshow.com.au

Entry forms for the Apiary section will need to be in to the show office by Friday and exhibits will need to be at the show office by April 24.