The Buzz: Fall 2022

Hivelights: That’s a Wrap

The 2022 bee season is now wrapped up and in the books! This year held some of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced and I’m feeling very proud of my determination, hard work and accomplishments.

As many of you already know, the year was about building back strong, healthy hives after a spring of significant losses. The bees were behind all season and that continued right into fall.

I have done my best to prepare them for the long, cold days ahead and now it’s up to them. I have to admit that I’m more worried than ever before, mostly because of the recent learning I’ve done through my Cornell University Master Beekeeping Course.

This last set of modules was Managing Pests and Diseases and I’ve come out the other side with an increased knowledge that comes with a sense of responsibility.

As beekeepers, we need to understand honey bee immunity and try our best to prevent and control all known pests, parasites, and pathogens that threaten honey bee health and their productivity. This includes the ability to monitor, diagnose and control specific problems in our hives.

As stewards of the environment, it is important for us to keep our bees healthy so we can prevent the spread of disease to our surrounding pollinator population. Many species of wild bees are facing declines from challenges including diseases, pesticides, climate change and nutrition. Large-scale pollinator initiatives are important, but as individuals, we can all help by doing our part. Every action counts, nothing is too small to help make a difference.

I feel inspired and passionate about sharing what I have learned with other beekeepers…when the time is right! For now, I’m growing my confidence and expertise and figuring out what I want to focus on in the future.

It always comes back to following my passion and letting my heart (and the bees) guide my way! I love dreaming about what’s next and am moving towards my goals, one day at a time.

Beeyard Basics: Mite Control

We can’t go into the winter season without discussing the biggest threat to honey bees — yes, you guessed it, the dreaded Varroa mite.

Varroa mites are ectoparasites of the honey bee, “ecto” meaning “outside,” that feed primarily on the bees’ fat bodies. These nasty pests depend entirely on honey bees to survive acquiring all their nutrients through feeding on the bees and larvae and reproducing exclusively inside the brood cells.

The mites suppress the honey bees’ immune systems and transmit viruses through the wounds they create, which sicken and kill the bees. They can kill entire colonies if mite infestations are left unmanaged. Without intervention, colonies typically die within six months to two years.

The best way to tackle Varroa is by using an Integrated Pest Management approach — which combines a variety of natural strategies along with chemical options to keep mite levels low. Ideally, it’s best to keep levels under a 2% threshold in the hive during the main bee season and 3% in the fall. Monitoring closely all season long is the key to success.

As beekeepers, it is important that we encourage an open and nonjudgmental attitude about problems in the bee yard, including high levels of varroa. We learn from our mistakes and it helps everyone to discuss our losses and the complicated issues we face — along with our successes!! We need to feel comfortable reaching out to the beekeeping community when we don’t know what’s going on in order to fight these pesky varroa and other diseases.

Anyway….my beautiful bees are now all tucked in their winter boxes. They will cluster together and shiver their wing muscles to generate heat, taking turns on the outside.

And that’s that! I’ve done my best and have triple checked that I didn’t miss a step. Now I get to catch up on life and plan for next year’s bee season!

*Source: Cornell University Master Beekeeping Course

Buzzworthy: Holiday Gift Ideas

BEESWAX CANDLES

These small batch, hand-poured, natural beeswax candles provide a soft, warm glow for your burning pleasure. So many shapes and styles to choose from! The bees and I have worked very hard to get these beautiful beeswax candles ready for you in time for the holidays – hope you take advantage and enjoy.

Simply CLICK HERE to order online.

GIFT BOXES

GIFT BOXES

Looking for a unique holiday gift? So many gift boxes to choose from, there’s something for every budget!

These are also perfect to give a little something special to the teachers or bring a host gift to your holiday party!

Simply CLICK HERE to order online.

If you prefer to pay by etransfer or cash for any items, please send an email to prairiesweethearthoney@gmail.com with your order and we’ll sort out the details!

Combing Soon: POP UP Markets & Deliveries

THE BUZZ MARKET: THE PARK THEATRE (map)

Saturday, December 10 / 10:30 am – 3 pm
Eat, drink and be merry — while shopping local

DELIVERY DAYS (limited spots available)

Deliveries for the Winnipeg area on Friday, December 16! Limited spots available, so place your order now!

CLICK HERE for more information.

Bees, Bees, Bees: Waitlist Now Open

Our five-frame nucleus colonies will include a robust laying queen from the previous season, three frames of brood and bees and two frames of bees and feed.

Ready for pick up end of May 2023! Cost is $250 per nuc.

To get on the waitlist, or for more information, email prairiesweethearthoney@gmail.com

Education Sessions, Workshops & Intern Experience

EDUCATION SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS

Education sessions and field day workshops are currently on hold while I finish my Cornell University Master Beekeeping course. They will be back in full swing after I complete the examination process and update materials to reflect my learning!!

INTERN EXPERIENCE

Come experience the world of bees during the 2023 bee season! This unique experience provides hands-on learning in the bee yard in exchange for work related to bees.

Learning: Join me in the hives to learn about honey bees and best beekeeping practices. Topics include honey bee biology, equipment needs, hive location and set up, beekeeping basics, swarm management, managing pests and diseases and more.
Working: Come prepared to work and get your hands dirty! Jobs may include equipment building, cleanup and prep, honey extraction, wax rendering, feeding the bees or labelling and jarring honey — to name a few.

Specific dates for 2023 are TBA – commitment is four learning days and four working days. This opportunity is limited to five people. If you are interested in further details, please call 204-391-4765 or send an email to prairiesweethearthoney@gmail.com.

Sweet Beesus: Recipes Dripping with Goodness

LEMON HONEY BUTTER TARTS

Ingredients

2 eggs
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup butter, melted
18 (2 inch) unbaked tart shells

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend in melted butter. Fill tart shells halfway.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown, and filling is set.

Optional

Sprinkle a combination of the following in the shells before filling with custard: Raisins, coconut, chopped nuts, currants, glace fruit, and/or chopped dried fruit.

Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/45895/lemon-honey-butter-tarts/

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