Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Beekeepers Pollinating Agricultural Crops elearning modules

Best Management Practices Module 5: Best Management Practices For Colony Management

Successful beekeepers employ practices that are tested and proven to be profitable. What are these “Practices”?

The answer to that question falls into 5 categories: Resource Management. Practice judicious methods. Monitor colony strength. Manage stock. Water availability. Let’s explore each one.

Invest time, money and energy on your healthy colonies. Resource Management Invest time, money and energy on your healthy colonies. i.e., prioritize and economize your moves!

Use good judgment in all you do. Judicious Methods Use good judgment in all you do. Also, maintain a reserve of colonies; don’t commit all colonies to contract. Use a pollination contract whenever possible.

How much time and effort should I use on weak or sick colonies? Monitor How much time and effort should I use on weak or sick colonies? Rule of thumb: Cull weak colonies.

Monitor Use diagnostic services for objective colony assessment. Check frames of brood for intended strength to coincide with almond bloom.

Be mindful of colony placement to minimize stress. Monitor Be mindful of colony placement to minimize stress. True or False: Combine weak colonies with much stronger ones to help the weak survive.

Although it may seem counter-intuitive, Do not combine weak collapsing Monitor False! Although it may seem counter-intuitive, Do not combine weak collapsing colonies with healthy colonies. Next, let’s discuss the management of our stock.

Maintain genetic quality to meet your objectives. Managing Stock Maintain genetic quality to meet your objectives. What exactly does this entail?

Managing Stock Maintain stocks that are productive and disease & pest resistant. Encourage high drone densities to provide well-mated queens & genetically diverse colonies. Discourage stocks that are excessively defensive. Select stock by propagating colonies that prosper when other colonies exhibit symptoms of stress.

Requeen colonies, at least annually. Managing Stock Requeen colonies, at least annually. True or False: Package bees aren’t a particularly effective method of managing stock.

Managing Stock False! Package bees typically exhibit low Varroa and virus levels during the year following installation. Consider making increases by shaking package bees from your own colonies.

Consider water access when transporting colonies and when placing colonies orchards. Place straw or burlap on the water surface to create a landing pad for the bees to stand on.

The Beekeeper’s Goal Work towards strong eight-frame colonies for almond pollination by February 1st. Invest your energy in the expectation of future returns and benefits. Use discretion to avoid waste. Employ genetics, diagnostic services and placement of hives to ensure healthy colonies!

Any questions? Want more information? Email ProjectApis@gmail.com www.ProjectApism.org Any questions? Want more information? Email ProjectApis@gmail.com Visit www.ProjectApism.org