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Dear Subscribers,

The Apis newsletter is delayed this month due to Apimondia 43, which I attended in the Ukraine.  The event had its challenges.  Check them out and get a flavor of the proceedings from my blog.   I left my trusty 7-pound laptop at home and tried to cover everything using my Galaxy Tab 2  tablet (much lighter).  Quite an adjustment and not always successful.  I will be adding some tweaks to the posts in the future, including photos, not possible using the tablet in Ukraine. 

It was unseasonably cold and lots of folks were glad they brought heavier clothes with them.  The heating season doesn't start until October 15, so everyone was affected, including the bees, although we were able to examine some colonies during the warm part of the day.  The bees were uniformly gentle and dark in color, so called Carpathian honey bees, found in most of the country it seems.  See the blog post for more about Ukrainian honey bee stock.  I came home to cooler weather in Gainesville, but nothing like the 4-degree centigrade temperatures we were exposed to in Ukraine.

Perhaps the newest thing I observed in Ukraine, which apparently began in Poland, and then made its way to Ukraine via Crimea, was something I'm calling here a “honey bee therapy house.”  I can't find reference to it on Wikipedia.org or elsewhere. 

The “honey bee therapy house” consists of a small house or shed complete with door and benches.  Under the benches, however, are full-sized honey bee colonies.  The bees are separated (screened off) from anyone inside the shed and happily enter and exit their colonies directly through the outside wall.  This means that one can sit/recline on the benches inside the house directly on top of the colonies, not be in contact with the insects, but still avail themselves of being in a honey bee “environment.”  The noises, pheromones, vibrations, heat etc. of busy colonies emanate into the screened-off therapy house providing health-giving benefits to humans.  The first one of these I saw, the beekeeper was allowing anyone to pay what they felt the therapy was “worth to them,” because the concept was so new.  Apparently humans must stay in the therapy house at least two hours to get the full benefits.  The beekeeper said that in some areas of Poland, beekeepers made most of their income on therapy houses, rather than honey.  He made his therapy house look somewhat different than the one he saw in Crimea so that he could not be accused of purloining the idea.

The Bidens alba (beggar's tick; Spanish needle) continues to bloom in Gainesville and appears to be responsible for a fall flow of sorts.  There can be some extensive nectar flows in this part of the world in the fall, resulting in a true poly-floral honey that can be considered unique because it is different (and sometimes non existent) each year.

Another apicultural giant has fallen.  Jim Bach, retired Washington State Apiculturist died on August 30, 2013 at his home.  Those who knew Jim admired him and were often assisted by his knowledge of culturing honey bees.  Last year he published his views on sustainable beekeeping, which everyone should read. 

Jerry Bromenshenk of Bee Alert Technology published an homage to Jim in the October 2012 Alberta Bee News:

“I have very sad news today.  Jim Bach died at home this morning.  He had been under the weather, had a fit full night, finally fell asleep, Fran found him this morning.  Many of us know Jim as person who not only was exceedingly good at his  job, but  an advocate for all beekeepers.  He’s the only person I’ve ever seen  always use two hive tools so he didn’t have to pass his hands over the frames, which he  felt increased frequency of bee stings.  I know well that his superiors always wanted him to spend more time at a desk, but he was only truly happy when in a beeyard, particularly if he  could teach someone a bit about bees.  I for one will miss him as a colleague and a friend.”

I was taken aback a month or so ago when a Canadian researcher I have known for many years said that CCD is rarely mentioned when considering Canadian bee losses.  After looking further into that discussion, I also note that neonicotinoids are considered less problematic than we might think given their extensive use in Canada. 

A recent letter published by the Canadian Honey Council (CHC)  concludes: “...the fact remains that last year, that there was over 21.3 million acres of seed treated canola planted... and there were no reported incidents of neonicotinoid poisoning.  In addition, there were millions of other acres planted with crops that use the seed treatments such as soybeans, and again, no reported incidents, at least none that the CHC is aware of.
 
"While the sub-lethal impacts may be proven in these crops, they have not been evident to date, at least in widely accepted scientific form. While it may seem contrary to some, we have been working with CropLife in putting forward information, BMP and IPM recommendations to minimize the risk. We have been working with, and gathering information from national commodity organizations like the Grain Growers of Canada, the Canola Council of Canada and the Grain Growers of Ontario all of whom are directly impacted by seed treatments. We have been working with the equipment manufacturers association, the PMRA, and other interested parties all in an effort to ensure beekeepers needs and representations are effectively heard and recognized. We also have been looking at the alternatives should a national ban or moratorium be placed on neonicotinoids, its impact on beekeepers across the country as well as the impact it would have on our fellow agricultural producers.

"As a national organization we are aware that there are a vast array of interests and opinions and try as we might to support all provincial actions, sometimes the national perspective needs to take precedence. The CHC will continue to work toward getting answers, whether it be through sponsoring additional research as with the Corn Dust Research Consortium, working with the PMRA in ensuring the PMRA investigation covers all the necessary bases, working with the chemical companies urging them to develop more pollinator friendly products, working with farmers in engaging their awareness of the importance of bees and most importantly, working for and with beekeepers, ensuring that their livelihood is nurtured,  protected and sustained.”

Rod Scarlett, Executive Director, Canadian Honey Council

As part of the above efforts, The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Canada is inviting stakeholders and the public to submit written comments on Notice of Intent NOI2013-01, Action to Protect Bees from Exposure to Neonicotinoid Pesticides.

Not everyone in Canada is so sanguine about the situation.  This has prompted the following press release:

“CHATHAM, Ont. — The world’s largest producer of hybrid seeds is offering a neonicotinoid-free option for corn and soybean seed — but only in Canada.  Dave Harwood, technical services manager for Dupont Pioneer in Eastern Canada, said the move began with a request from the Grain Farmers of Ontario. They sent a letter to the Canadian Seed Trade Association asking for the choice.
“Farmers will need to order ahead.  The new option does include a fungicide treatment.  With soybeans, farmers will pay less for their seed without the treatment, Harwood said. With corn seed, they’ll pay the same price.

“Neonicotinoid seed treatments have been linked to bee deaths in Ontario and Quebec. A suspension on the products was announced in the European Union earlier this year.  'The situation that has developed here has been an association made with these neonicotinoids … either acute injury to bees or, there has been speculation, there’s been more of a chronic effect. That’s the discussion,' Harwood said. 'It is good press for production agriculture to bring that option.' ”
 
“Asked whether the option would be offered in the U.S., Harwood said that neonicotinoid issue is 'less visible' there.  He announced his company’s intention at the annual field day near Chatham, next to its Eastern Canadian headquarters."

Looking further afield, an extensive article in the Irish Examiner on September 14, 2013 deserves attention.  Titled:  Last winter a third of US honeybees died. Should we be worried? It focused on many of the issues surrounding bee losses, including the effects of  inclement weather, Varroa mites, and honey bee genetics (introduction of “Buckfast” bees, resulting in bad tempered honey bees).
 
The article concludes with a rather upbeat analysis of why we should be more upbeat about beekeeping, mirroring much of what's happening in the rest of the world: “...recession years have seen a huge increase in the take-up of beekeeping in Ireland. There are currently 2,850 beekeepers in the federation, more than double the number there was 15 years ago.  Since the (economic) downturn, people have more time on their hands, they’re getting back to nature… Some people keep bees not for honey but for enjoyment, just to observe them working.

“Moreover, the traditional image of the elderly beekeeper no longer really applies. 'I’m optimistic,' says Gleeson. 'The future is bright. There are a lot of young people coming into beekeeping. In the past it was traditionally a hobby of elderly men. Now you’re getting a lot of women, and people with qualifications other than in beekeeping. That’s of great benefit.'”

A note of caution considering all the press about CCD, pesticides and other causes of honey bee “decline,” in some cases suggesting the insect might in fact go “extinct.”  A certain “Einstein quote” comes to mind.  If one looks more closely into the data on world beekeeping, it's difficult to escape the conclusion that much of this kind of rhetoric is way overblown.  The statistics uniformly support a different view as noted by Mr. Peter Bray of New Zealand's Airborne Honey Company.

This is not the say that honey bees are not in trouble.  Human activity has taken a toll on their health just like it has on numerous other species.  The case is well laid out by Dr. Marla Spivak in her TED talk on the subject.   Joe Traynor among others has called it a “brilliant presenation.”  We expect as much from apiculture's only MacArthur Genius Awardee.
  
The honey bee extension site  has two major documents on the health the U.S. Beekeeping, including a statement from the American Association of Professional Apiculturists (AAPA)  and the latest Report on the National Stakeholder Conference on Honey Bee Health, released on May 3, 2013 from both the USDA and EPA  See a summary published by the American Beekeeping Federation.
 
Pesticides and CCD aside, most researchers, educators and beekeepers still must confront the proverbial  “800-pound gorilla” in the room, Varroa destructor.  No one knows that better that the person credited with naming the critter, Australian researcher Denis Anderson.  Frustrated with the slow pace of funding and having in some cases to rely on small amounts of help from Australian's fashion industry, Dr. Anderson is quitting Australia's research institution (CSIRO) and striking out on his own.  He believes that research has found it possible to trick the mite into not laying eggs, and therefore, not reproducing.
 
"Anderson figures it will take about five years and A$10 million to find the chemical switch and a way of changing it to stop the mite breeding, but says it is very achievable and would be a breakthrough for agriculture around the world.  He is working to establish a foundation to fund research by universities and PhD students in the area that he hopes will lead to a bee resistant to the mite.”   Given his research record, it's not smart to bet against Dr. Anderson.  We all wish him luck.

A coalition for bee health has been announced by Monsanto Corporation as part  of the Clinton Global Initiative.  Those unsure of the motives of this multinational company are waiting to see what comes next.

Amazon.com reports 51units of Storey's Guide to Keeping Honey Bees  were sold from September 16, 2013 - October 13, 2013.  The Minneapolis St. Paul, MN  area led for the second month in a row with  seventeen (17), followed by six (6) in Portland, OR.  The begs the question:  Why is this book so popular in the twin cities? 

As always, see the latest on bee health with the most current information on the health of the U.S beekeeping industry as noted above.

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Gleanings from the October  2013  Bee Culture:

Remember that Bee Culture  now has a digital edition.

Bill Ferguson, Hensall, Ontario, Canada wonders what has happened to the natural experience he used to encounter at Hay Swamp and Black Creek.  Things are awfully quiet.  C. Michael Stanley provides a case for renaming CCD to CRD or Colony Death Result.  Jim Hess, Blanchardville, WI believes beekeepers should plant native species for nectar production and not advocate the spread of invasive plants.  Jeanne Hansen, Madison, WI enjoyed the July issue and George Bleekman, Granite Bay, CA thanks all the writers for 37 years of good information.  Sebastian Spiewok, Berlin, Germany reports that linden (Tilia tomentosa) is not toxic to either honey bees or bumblebees in spite of suggestion to the contrary.  Roger and Mary Sutherland thank Jim Tew for his idea to produce comb honey using a swarm.  Brett Cree, Lafayette, IN asks if anyone knows “legit petitions” out there that need signatures.  Cindy Hodges, Atlanta, GA provides lots of ideas about why one should enter a honey show.

New for the fall is the roll out of Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping by D. Caron and L. Connor, available at Wicwas Press.  Take a look at the“living” document entitled Coloss Beebook Vols 1 and 2.
See also Watershed (story of the Colorado River), Mosquitos of the S.E. USA and a new beetle baffler. 

In the Inner Cover, editor Flottum wonders about what his mom would think about feeding drone pupae to chickens.  Read his conclusion and the description of the next edition of Bee Culture, “The Interview Issue.”

It's Summers Time reports on the end of Summer itself.  Kathy Summers looks at snakes, boys and of course bees, during this time of year.

Clarence Collison takes a closer look at comb construction and use.  Read about the design that maximizes strength while minimizing materials. 

Gard Otis and Nicola Bradbear provide ten rules and  a large number of guidelines for creating a successful beekeeping development program.  This is required reading for anyone thinking along these lines. 

Kathy Kellison reports on North Dakota's Pollinator Summit.  Read about its history and why it might affect the entire nation's approach to pollinator protection.

Toni Burnham asks if there's enough food in the city for bees.  Read her research consulting with Dr. Gordon Wardell, and contrasting opinions with a publicized paper by Drs. Francis Ratnieks and Karin Alton in the UK Journal, The Biologist, concerning fewer resources for honey bees in London.

Toni Burnham discusses seed bombs and why they work.  Read what not to do when making these and how they are best deployed.

Ross Contrad looks at a new product called “Bee's Wrap.”    Read about the various uses of this unique technology.

Larry Connor looks at Mastering Beekeeping.  Read what you should know after your first year.

Jeff Harris is nagged by the history of racial relationships in the U.S.  Read about what he learned from a beekeeping mentor and how things are  not always what they seem.  This one  of the most thoughtful pieces  on race relations I have  seen.

Mary wrote a letter as a beekeeper's wife in 1917.  Some of what she addresses still resonate. Read the tattered paper facsimile.

Jim Tew likes attempting to read common hive entrance activities.  See what he learned and in the process didn't have to get “all hot and sweat

Jessica Lawrence looks at the bigger picture.  Read what she observed while off the grid due to a storm.  Look for her to invest in some alternate energy schemes.

Ed Simon constructs a double hive stand using concrete block and two by fours.  Read why he thinks that's more stable and efficient. 

Heather Luther meditates on the October swarm.  Considered a miracle by some.  Read how the only thing worse than herding cats is herding social insects.

Wyatt Mangum provides information on how to winter a top bar colony.  Read how the bees store honey (complete with photos) to ensure the best possible outcome during cold weather.

Alan Harman looks at Manuka honey fraud in detail.  Read the history of this and the scope of the problem.  We are now seeing that other honey may have similar activity to Manuka.  Scottish heather honey is the latest  kind to be examined.  We can  look for others  to also be examined in the future.  Think buckwheat.

Walt Dahlgren has designed at top bar honey extractor.  Read the genesis of this gadget and why it makes a lot of sense.

Ann Harman asks what's next after the honey harvest.  She answers it's all about labeling the honey produced and processed.  Read about the requirements and the possible options, including the “organic” designation.

Phil Craft answers a question about robbing, which leads to a creative solution.  Read also about dark cappings and their relationship to conditions, like American foulbrood.

In all the news that fits, we read about more honey imports from places most never thought about (Fiji!) and the same for climate change.  The  subnivium is in danger. Yikes!
 
Ed Colby talks about a bad memory related to pickles, Varroa mites and his girl friend learning Ukrainian in preparation for Apimondia 43.  I will be interested to read about his experiences in Kiev.

The next Apimondia will be in South Korea.  After that, Istanbul will host the world's  beekeepers in 2017.  A small, but motivated group is looking to welcome the beekeeping world to the U.S. in 2019.  This will be no small task and will require an unparalleled effort by beekeepers all across the country.  Anyone interested  in this is asked to contact the American Beekeeping Federation.



Sincerely,


Malcolm T. Sanford
beeactor@apisenterprises.com
http://apis.shorturl.com

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