1. Keeping Honey Bees

3. Industrial Ag – Industrial Beekeeping

4. Scientific America Aug 20, 2013 By Ferris JabrFerris Jabr

5. 5 P Stressors Pesticides (On the plants like neonics, fungicides, … and in the hive like antibiotics, mite treatments…) Pests (Varroa, tracheal mites, …) Pathogens (Foul Brood, viruses, …) Poor Nutrition (Sugar syrup, pollen patties, monoculture flowers…) Pedigree

6. Honey bee US history Introduced to N. America in 1600 with early colonists Feral populations noted in 1622 and expanded populations in advance of settlers 1852 Langstroth bee hive – movable frames Migratory hives increasing as monoculture increasing since 1900 Feral colonies once flourished with genetic composition different than managed colonies 1980s Varroa mites decimated feral populations but some evidence feral populations may be recovering 1990s Neonics introduced making up 80% seed treatment market by mid-2000s. 2008 neonics 24% of global market for insecticides. 2006 Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) noted. Managed colonies have declined nationwide.

7. Why keep honey bees? Honey Interested in social insects Apitherapy, bee products Enhance pollination in farm and gardens

8. But … are honey bees competing with native bees for floral resources? Maybe during seasonal scarcity Perhaps competition makes everyone work harder so more visits to flowers and more pollination Coastal California studies Re-establishment of native plant restoration areas in California

9. Start Up Costs Beginner kits range from about $170-$250 but need to add some additional medium supers and shipping. Bare minimum about $350. Bees (local nucleus colony) about $160.

10. Other Major Considerations Ensure ecology of area can ‘handle’ colonies Time –need to spend time with them and learn about them Location – easily accessible and safe Ability to lift deeps and supers Don’t mind getting stung

11. Honey Flow (at The Farm Between) TimePlants Mid-late AprilPussy willows, alder, maples May-early JuneFruit trees, berry bushes Dandelions JuneRaspberries, blackberries, aronia Black Locust June/JulyElderberry, Clovers, Milkweed, boneset, vetch, summer wildflowers, mints Basswood trees, Sumac Late August to early October Goldenrod, Joe Pye Weed, Asters Late September, OctoberMaximillian sunflowers Witch hazel

12. Resources for Vermont Vermontbeekeepers.org Ross Conrad’s book Natural Beekeeping Mike Palmer (St. Albans) Youtube videos (Franklin County Beekeepers Club) Kirk Webster (Champlain Valley) Youtube videos

13. Know your beekeeper, know your honey, know your bees