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February 2011Vol 24 # 1
True Source HoneyTrue Source HoneyTMTM Launches Certified Launches Certified Honey Traceability ProgramHoney Traceability Program
North American Beekeeping ConferenceNorth American Beekeeping ConferenceForeign Workers and Business GrowthForeign Workers and Business Growth
Heather Clay’s RetirementHeather Clay’s Retirement
2011
1
1
www.honeycouncil.cawww.honeycouncil.ca
Canadian Honey CouncilCanadian Honey Council
Call Mike at 1-866-948-6084 todayor email [email protected]
Proud sponsor of the Canadian Honey Council
HiveLights February 2011 1
Publication Mail Agreement number
40031644ISSN 1489-730X
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses toCANADIAN HONEY COUNCIL
#36 High Vale CrescentSherwood Park, AB T8A [email protected]
www.honeycouncil.ca(877) 356 8935
Canadian Honey CouncilThe Canadian Honey Council (CHC) is the national
organization of the Canadian beekeeping industry
and Hivelights is the industry’s magazine. Our
association is an “organization of organizations”.
One of the benefi ts of belonging to our member
organizations is that all members receive a copy of
Hivelights magazine. In order to receive Hivelights
you must be a current member of your provincial
association. International subscribers can receive our
high quality magazine for a fee of $50 Canadian per
year.
Schools, libraries, non beekeepers, university or government personnel can receive Hivelights magazine through special membership as “Friends of Canadian Apiculture”.
Please contact the CHC offi ce for more information.
Canadian Honey CouncilSuite 236, 234-5149 Country Hills Blvd.NW Calgary, AB T3A 5K8
Hivelights is published quarterly (Feb, May, Aug, Nov). Deadline for submissions are 6 weeks prior to publication (i.e. Dec 15th for Feb issue). For guidelines on article submission and advertising rates please visit our website at www.hivelights.ca
The opinions expressed in the articles printed in Hivelights are those of the authors and do not imply endorsement of the Canadian Honey Council for the promotion of any product, goods or services mentioned unless specifi cally stated.
Editor ...................................................... Geoff Todd
Design and Production ............... Cristian Campean
Advertising enquiries ............................. Geoff Todd
Publisher .......................... Canadian Honey Council
Printer ..............................................McAra Printing
HiveLightsHiveLightsFebruary 2011 Vol 24 #1#1
Foreign worker in ManitobaPhoto: Jim Campbell, MB
Table of Contents
3 Canadian Honey Council Report ...................................... Rod Scarlett
4 2011 CHC Directors 4 BeeMaid Press Release 4 Sponsorship Plaque 5 Provincial Reports ..........................................................................CHC Directors
10 True Source HoneyTrue Source HoneyTMTM Launches Certified Honey Launches Certified Honey Traceability Program Traceability Program ........................................................... Caroline Hull
13 The 2011 North American Beekeeping Conference & Tradeshow Report .................................................................. Rod Scarlett
16 2010 Pollinator Advocate Award for Canada16 Calgary Bee Club’s Farewell to Heather ................... Geoff Todd
21 Foreign Workers And Business Growth ....... Barrie Termeer
24 A Success Story from Toronto, Ontario26 Classifieds
The colour of the spine of Hivelights has changed to white for 2011 to match the internati onal code for marking queens. A quick way to remember the code:
When White 1/6
You Yellow 2/7
Requeen Red 3/8
Get the Green 4/9
Best Blue 5/0
CHC Chairman Corey Bacon (SK) welcomes new Executive Director Rod Scarlett (AB).Photo: Geoff Todd
Proud sponsor of the Canadian Honey CouncilProud sponsor of the Canadian Honey Council
HiveLights February 2011 3
Canadian Honey Council ReportRod Scarlett , Executi ve Director, CHC
Happy New Year! I am excited to become the Executive Director for the Canadian Honey Council and look forward to working for you to improve the honey industry. I was born and raised in Central Alberta and graduated (fi nally) from Carleton University in Ottawa with a Master’s degree in Canadian Studies. I have
Heather Clay’s Retirement
CHC Chair Corey Bacon presents a clock to Heather from the CHC Board of Directors.
worked in the public sector, but for the last 15 years have worked for farmers as the Executive Director of Wild Rose Agricultural Producers, Alberta’s general farm organization and at the same acting as the General Manager of the Canadian Young
Farmers’ Forum. While the specifi c issues may be different, and as I
have already learned, the technical terms may vary, I have noticed that from the broad perspective there are a lot of similarities with other aspects of the agricultural sector. I hope that I will be able to assist the organization in integrating in those areas that benefi t the industry while at the same preserving the identity of beekeeping in Canada. I look forward to the challenges and look forward to meeting and talking to as many of you as possible. May each and every one of you have a healthy, happy and profi table new year.
Dear Heather:
The Canadian Honey Council and members of the beekeeping industry across Canada would like to extend you our congratulations and a thank you for the work you performed on behalf of the beekeeping industry.
The twelve years you served as Chief Executive Offi cer helped move the honeybee industry into a recognized and more prominent role in the agricultural sector. Your vision for a new direction and structure for the Canadian Honey Council has truly helped shape the organization into a stronger and more dynamic organization ready to face all and any challenges going forward.
The respect you garnered from your colleagues and peers as well as from the past and present Board members is something you can point to with a sense of pride. The dedication you exhibited in serving the best interests of beekeepers across Canada was without question. Throughout your career, beekeepers always knew that some one who had their best interests at heart was representing them.
Heather, we wish you (and your husband) all the best in your retirement and any endeavors the future may hold for you.
Yours Truly,
Corey BaconBoard ChairmanCanadian Honey Council
The Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists met in Markham ON November 27th, 2010 and awarded CHC’s retiring CEO Heather Clay with an
honourary lifetime membership in CAPA. Pictured CAPA members
2011 Directors Canadian Honey Council
Conseil Canadien de Miel
ChairCorey BaconSaskatchewan Beekeepers AssociationB’s Bee RanchBox 84 Kinistino SK S0J 1H0 ph. 306-864-3774 fax 306-864-3260cell [email protected]
Vice Chair
Lee TownsendAlberta BeekeepersTPLA Honey Farms443 St. Andrews CrescentStony Plain AB T7Z 1W8ph 780-968-4624 fax 780-963-8257cell 780-913-5345
SecretaryGerry McKeeBC Honey Producers AssociationMcKee’s Bees5430 Portland StreetBurnaby BC V5J 2R4ph [email protected]
TreasurerJerry PoelmanAlberta BeekeepersPoelman ApiariesPO Box 1887Fort MacLeod AB T0L 0Z0ph 403-687-2244 cell [email protected]
Director
Gordon MarksBee Maid Honey 147 Shoreline DriveWinnipeg MB R3P 2E9ph 204-487-4535 cell [email protected]
Director
Tom TruemanMaritime Beekeepers AssociationTrueman Farms 200 Etter Ridge RdAulac NB E4L 2V2ph 506-536-2854 fax 506-536-3088cell [email protected]
Director
Tim Greer Ontario Beekeepers Association16 Redwood AvenueSt. Catherines ON L2M 3B2ph [email protected]
Director
Bryan AshManitoba Beekeepers Association Ash ApiariesBox 63Gilbert Plains, MB R0L 0Y0ph. 204-548-2036 fax [email protected]
CHC OFFICE
Executive DirectorRod Scarlett#36 High Vale CrescentSherwood Park, AB T8A 5J7ph [email protected]
Advertising / Office Manager
Geoff [email protected]
2011 Directors Canadian Honey Council
Conseil Canadien de Miel
Membership in CHC
National organizations with a vested interest in honey bees, in addition to
the existing provincial beekeeper organizations, are eligible for membership
in the Canadian Honey Council. Applications are subject to review by the
CHC Membership Committee. Those associations that meet established
criteria are then considered for approval by the Board of Directors.
Application form available from CHC offi ce.
4 November 2010 HiveLights
Ursula Da Rugna from Medivet receiving her CHC silver sponsorship plaque from Heather Clay (CEO)
Press ReleaseDecember 13, 2010
Neil Specht, Chairman and the Board of Directors of Bee Maid Honey Limited are pleased to announce the continuation of apicultural research funding by Bee Maid Honey.
Bee Maid will consider project proposals in any area of apiculture or pollination research. Preference will be given to the area of honey, and the production of pure quality honey in the Canadian beekeeping industry.
Proposals for projects are to be submitted to Bee Maid Honey by February 28, 2011. Projects are expected to be completed within one year of funding, although renewal applications will be considered.
Bee Maid Honey Limited is the marketing arm of the Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative Limited and the Manitoba Cooperative Honey Producers Limited. Honey produced by beekeepers in western Canada is processed and packaged at Bee Maid’s Winnipeg, MB and Spruce Grove, AB plants.
Bee Maid Honey is proudly owned by Canadian Beekeepers.
For further information and to receive an application for research, please contact:Guy Chartier – Bee Maid Honey Limited Phone: 204 786 8977 ext. 234Fax: 204-783-8468E-mail: [email protected]
HiveLights February 2011 5
Maritimes
Fall of 2010 saw lots of weather extremes in eastern Canada, while it was not particularly cold it was not warm either. It was
however very wet and the last few weeks have brought lots of wind as well.
Spring will tell us how this affected our bees.
Most beekeepers indicate good colony health as they prepared their bees for winter. Relatively strong nectar fl ows leading up to feeding season resulted in less feed taken in most operations. A large number of beekeepers used Apivar this fall and are reporting good mite control at this stage. Hopefully these factors are indicative of good over wintering.
Most beekeepers have reported average and above average honey crops this combined with relatively strong prices has most feeling optimistic heading into 2011
Finally I would like to thank the maritime beekeepers for allowing me to represent on honey council the last three years. It has been a very rewarding and informative
normal. Many are concerned with the affects this early brooding has had on late season mite levels and how this may affect overwintering.
The OBA is pleased to announce that Les Eccles has accepted the position as lead for the Tech Transfer
Program. The beekeepers of Ontario working
with OMAFRA continue to support the efforts of this very successful program. The OBA Tech Transfer Program was the recent recipient on the Regional Award for the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence 2010
The OBA has been working with Foodland Ontario on the development of the Foodland Ontario honey commodity card and the recent Foodland Ontario commercials for television and radio that now include Ontario Honey. “Pour on the goodness” is the new catch phrase.
Manitoba
Honey producers in Manitoba have seen an above average temperature for October/November. Outdoor wintering operations have seen good cleansing fl ights up to Mid November, while indoor winters started to tuck hives into buildings.
Snowfall came later, but P pg 7
RegionalReportsexperience. I wish the best to my replacement.
Ontario
Ontario held their Annual General Meeting in Markham on November 25th and 26th. We were pleased that CAPA held their AGM in conjunction with the OBA offering a great opportunity to share resources and network. There was a full agenda with presenters from throughout Canada and the U.S.A. Don Hopkins, president of the Apiary Inspectors of America was our keynote speaker. During our Gala Banquet Corey Bacon made the presentation on behalf of CHC thanking Heather Clay for all her efforts to strengthen the Canadian Beekeeping Industry.
The recent discovery of Small Hive Beetle in the most Southwestern county of Ontario was the topic of many discussions. The prompt response from beekeepers and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has resulted in the affected yards being quarantined. Throughout the fall OMAFRA’s bee inspection program focused their efforts on conducting inspections in all regions along the US border. To date small hive beetle has only been found in Essex County along the Michigan border. Surveillance efforts
will continue early in the spring. Several areas of government have been involved in the response to this discovery. Small Hive Beetle was not a named pest under the provincial bees act, which limited the possible responses of the bee inspection program. However, action could be taken under the new Animal Health Legislation. Several bee inspectors were trained and certifi ed as Animal Health Inspectors and the process continued. An Emergency Use Registration for Permethrin (Gardstar), a ground drench product for the control of Small Hive Beetle was attained. Monitoring efforts including various trapping methods were employed in the affected areas. Currently our Minister of Agriculture is considering creating a Control Area around Essex County giving a broader range of options to control the spread of or eradicate the pest.
The honey crop for Ontario appears to have come in above average. Many areas of the province reported excellent numbers for the early part of the summer with August seeming to have shut down. In recent years we have seen tremendous support from the public and sales of local honey have been very good leading to the price remaining stable. Ontario enjoyed a very early spring this year, approximately three weeks ahead of
Tom Trueman
Tim Greer
6 February 2011 HiveLights
Alberta Honey Producers70 Alberta Avenue, Box 3909, Spruce Grove, Alberta T7X 3B1Phone: (780) 962-5573 Fax: (780) 962-1653
Manitoba Co-operative Honey Producers625 Roseberry Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 0T4Phone: (204) 783-2240 Fax: (204) 783-8468
BeeMaid Honey Ltd.1210 – 100 Street, Tisdale, Saskatchewan S0E 1T0Phone: (306) 873-2521 Fax: (306) 873-3455
Carrying a full line of beekeeping equipment from several manufacturers:
• Dadant & Sons Ltd. • Mann Lake Supplies • Maxant • Dakota Gunness • Walter T. Kelly • Medivet • Perma-Dent Foundation • Pierco Canada • Cook & Beals • Plus Many More.
Whatever your requirements we would be glad to help. Quality products for the beekeeping industry, including:
• Woodenware • Queen Rearing Supplies • Package Bees & Queens • Bee Apparel • Honey Containers • Extracting Equipment • Beekeeper Tools • Novelties • Foundation • Medication & Chemicals.
Buyers of Light & Dark Beeswax at Competitive Prices. We can arrange your sugar requirements - dry or liquid sugar in small lots or trailer load lots delivered.
Hive Contaminati on ManagementIotron provides a soluti on for today’s bee colony problems. Iotron’s treatment program provides Apiculturist’s a cost eff ecti ve and environmentally friendly soluti on for managing common beehive contaminants. Iotron’s
Electron Beam irradiati on treatment is proven eff ecti ve for eliminati ng AFB and Nosema from comb, pollen, and wax. Iotron’s treatment method penetrates through materials like an X-Ray, yeilding superior results and does not leave any residues. The Iotron treatment allows beekeepers to reduce the need of anti bioti cs and other intervensions. Iotron’s Electron Beam irradiati on treatment program is an advanced IPM tool for working on today’s complex issues.
Please contact Iotron for more informati on Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3, Tel: 604 945-8838 Fax: 604 945-8827 Email [email protected] Website www.Iotron.com
HiveLights February 2011 7
colonies in SK. More SK beekeepers are realizing the value of self-sustainability and nuc production within one’s operation or at least from within the province.
Considering disease/pest issues have the potential to slam a border shut to imports at any given time, beekeepers are re-thinking their dependence on a single offshore
source for their entire bee replacement stock. Beekeepers are also seeing the positive impact of individual and provincial breeding efforts and the hardiness of queens bred for our environment, management and desired prairie traits (especially overwintering and honey production).
Alberta
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and the New Year is treating you well. It has been a busy fall so far for the Alberta Beekeepers Commission (ABC). Our 2010 AGM was very productive and I feel that the ABC board of directors will be very successful in accomplishing all the items before it.
Labour has been a very large issue across the Prairies this fall with the proposed wage rates for 2011 and Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) “4 and 4 rule”. Saskatchewan and Manitoba were the fi rst to have a positive resolution
the province. Testing was not completed to determine whether this was apis or ceranae. Generally, results were higher in operations that do not use Fumagillin-B for treatment. With nosema ceranae added to the mix, beekeepers not treating may want to re-evaluate their options.
The SBA was informed in spring that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources was dropping the $15,000/yr bear fence program offered through the SBA. Fortunately we were able to have the program picked up through SK crop insurance. We are also negotiating a change to the program and individual caps and cost share structure to better benefi t the industry. We are also working to adjust valuations based on timing of loss. This was also the fi rst year of crop insurance on our honey production. Participation included only a handful of producers. Various reasons, including the timing of the launch of the program and lack of complete program details were factors. The SBA board continues to work with crop insurance to address issues and defi ciencies with the program. We also continue to make advancements on the overwinter mortality insurance and expect the program to be in place for full participation next fall.
Colony numbers seem to indicate an increasing trend going into winter for both nucleus colonies and honey production
Corey Bacon
P pg 8
with quantity. Outdoor hives have ample snow cover to help protect against extreme cold weather and wind.
MBA’s annual meeting saw resolutions in support for fumagilin-B label expansion and apivar emergency use registration. An inter-provincial resolution carried to ensure MBA work closely with other provinces to ensure protocol fl exibility while mitigating risks of SHB dispersal during movement of honey bees. Queen availability also was a hot topic. Hawaiian queen
imports is currently closed, and Manitoba honey producers
heavily rely on imports
of queens. Hawaii exports approx 80,000 queens per year into Canada. Thus a resolution was passed that even if risk mitigating conditions placed on importing queens from Hawaii cannot fully guarantee “zero” risk of acquiring Small Hive Beetle, Manitoba producers support continued importation of queens from Hawaii. Producers also support efforts to have CFIA negotiate a protocol with their counterparts in Chile, to allow Canadian sourced Apis Melifera genetic material to be imported into Chile for Queen Breeding purposes.
Manitoba Beekeepers Association will be hosting a convention on March 4th and 5th at Viscount Gort
Hotel, Winnipeg, MB
Manitoba honey producers are still anxiously awaiting a CHC stakeholder meeting to discuss bee health and discuss a doable importation plan of package bees.
Saskatchewan
In spite of the weather, the SK crop average will be higher than anticipated, perhaps as much as 25%+ above the long-term average thanks to several operations with averages well above 300 lbs/colony and a couple above 400 lbs/colony. Offerings from packers/buyers for white honey have been reported slow this fall in spite of a reported shortage of white honey worldwide. However, those reports may be inaccurate as I am aware of many large producers who have already sold their entire crop this fall. Prices offered in fall have been in the $1.45 - $1.65 range. The SBA TATeam is completing their fi rst year. Though there were some growing pains, this fi rst year was considered a success. Year one focused on spring and fall testing of mostly sustainable options for varroa mite control. Results were mixed and testing will continue for the 2011 season with the current products as well as adding other products into the mix. Different combinations and treatment windows will also be explored in year two of the program. Nosema testing was also completed by the TATeam and results varied from zero to 18 million spores from sampling across
Bryan Ash
8 February 2011 HiveLights
In Alberta winter came with a bang this year in mid November with record setting low temperatures. We have had better weather since then and the
hope is for a normal winter and a warm spring.
Most hives
went into winter with strong healthy populations and with varroa mite levels under control, but showing some rebound from the unusual low numbers that were found last year. Nosema spore counts were low on average across the province as well. It is expected that by reviewing the results of Medhat Nasr’s sampling project, that is a wide cross reference of Alberta beekeepers that our overwintering success may increase. Last winter Alberta had very healthy bees going into winter and lost approximately 10% -15%.This year we are expecting a 5%-10% increase, just due to some operations having slightly higher varroa numbers. It is hoped that these producers were able to get their levels down, but the damage may have been done. The higher varroa levels were mostly caused by poor weather this spring and fall for some types of treatments, also this fall there was a very small window to fi nd alternative controls.
This fall had a steady market for honey in Alberta and it would seem
that there is not much inventory of honey. The market was between $1.50 for domestic and up $2.00 for export. This is good for producers here and gives them incentive to reach for export markets. This also encourages producers to be CFIA registered and then meet their standards for producing honey. With these prices remaining stable it helps to create a strong industry in Alberta.
Canola pollination also looks positive in 2011. Canola prices have reached new highs this fall that is translating into a huge crop of commercial canola into the ground for 2011. This should also translate into a large production of seed canola being produced, hence a strong demand for honeybees to pollinate. I would estimate that we will be over 80,000 hives in pollination next season. If this happens it can only strengthen our industry here and should have some ripple effect to neighbouring provinces.
British Columbia
In the Fraser Valley and most parts of British Columbia, our fall weather was really wet - almost setting a 65 year old record for rain in September. Our potato and pumpkin producers really took heavy losses and dairy farmers were only able to harvest their silage corn in mid October. Beekeepers had to start feeding early as strong colonies were on the verge of starvation. October allowed more fl ying and the stronger colonies started making
to the wage issue, and Alberta was able to receive
the same response from HRSDC after some diligent work by the ABC
Labour Committee. It’s very important for employers in our industry to remember that this ruling by HRSDC is only in effect for 2011, and industry will have to work closely with HRSDC in the coming year to fi nd a more permanent solution. It was refreshing to hear that HRSDC wants to work with us on creating an industry specifi c survey in order to set the prevailing wage rate in 2011, as well as fi nally receiving clarifi cation regarding the National Occupation Code (NOC) issue. We do not need industry specifi c NOC codes as was previously understood. What we do need is proper job descriptions for each NOC code, and the ABC Labour Committee looks forward to working with the CHC on this. Once the job descriptions are created and ratifi ed by HRSDC, it is imperative all employers only use those descriptions in future employment advertising.
I had the privilege of traveling to Japan again this fall to speak at Alberta honey seminars across Japan with Dr. Medhat Nasr. Food safety and quality are the key reasons why honey from across Canada is considered a premium product in
Japan. There has been a lot of work done towards food safety in our industry over the past 7 years and while it may not have achieved the goals we had set for it yet (CBISQT Manual completion, etc.), it has allowed us to better access premium markets that do pay a premium for achieving a food safety and quality system. Tylosin residues have become a large issue in Japan and while I have heard some people in our industry say that this is not a problem as other food products may have higher Tylosin residues in it, ignorance is not bliss. If the Japanese buyers have a concern about Tylosin residues or any other issue regarding our honey, it’s our duty to recognize those concerns and fi nd a way to resolve them. The ABC and Alberta Agriculture recognized those concerns and created the “Export Protocols for honey from Alberta to Japan” to help producers and exporters understand what the requirements for Japan are. These protocols can be found on the ABC website.
As you know, Heather Clay is retiring from her position within CHC. I would like to thank Heather for her work and patience with our industry over the past 12 years. This does lead to an exciting time for CHC with the hiring process for Heather’s replacement. I believe that the new Executive Director of CHC will continue Heather’s hard work and lead the CHC into a prosperous future.
Jerry Poelman
Lee Townsend
HiveLights February 2011 9
gains, possibly as much from robbing as foraging. Even with entrance reducers, aggressive colonies harassed the weaker ones, an indication that our queen breeders have succeeded in selecting for honey production. Experienced operators who equalized colonies after harvesting in August had less robbing and spread of disease and mites. The extra work payed off.
Early snow during the latter part of November, brought a halt to feeding syrup and a temporary delay in oxalic treatments for colonies in need of mite control. Local honey is very limited and prices are steadily increasing.
The B.C. AGM was held in late October, following CHC’s Fall meeting in Cranbrook. Our members took this opportunity to discuss several issues and challenges facing both organizations. Membership development and sustainability were several issues of concern. No discussion, however, on the import restriction of Hawaiian queens. During the business session, only one resolution was presented for the memberships endorsement (21 vs 17 votes) which was the lack of confidence in B.C.s Apiculture Program. The BCHPA Executive has written a letter to the Ministry as directed by the membership regarding this resolution.
Our Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Steve Thompson, his Assistant Deputy Minister,
Ms Leslie Kislock, and our Provincial Apiculturist, Paul van Westendorp, were present during the discussion and promised to improve communication.
On the following morning, in his opening address to the Education session, the Honourable Thompson encouraged our Association to take advantage of the various Agricultural programs to strengthen our beekeeping industry. There are many funding and business consulting opportunities for beekeepers to consider in developing value added products and services.
Unfortunately, by the end of the following week, the Honourable Thompson was reassigned to a new portfolio as our Liberal Government strives to increase access to our mineral wealth and give hope to some of our smaller communities hit by the decline in the forestry sector over the past decade. We now have the Honourable Ben Stewart, an orchardist from the Okanagan Valley. Our executive have asked to meet with him and his staff early in the New Year. So there is hope that our specialized sector of agriculture will receive some attention.
There was a wealth of information shared during the Cranbrook Convention, including Dr. Ibrahim’s update on Beaverlodge Research Station’s Nosema project,
Jerry Bromenshenk’s Colony Collapse and Nosema ceranae. Allen Dick’s thoughts for those thinking of becoming commercial operators, Dave Johnson’s sideliner
operation and Dr. Steve Sheppard’s honeybee gene search to strengthen immunity. Past President, John Gibeau, introduced the Bee World
Project for developing commercial beekeeping in Third World Countries. In cooperation with Hope International and Rotary International this project is to benefi t more than one person in the village of Pursat, Cambodia. The goal is to ensure longevity by encouraging independent entrepreneurship and, I think, this project has a reasonable expectation of success with John at the helm. It might also serve as a possible model for encouraging new entrants to our industry.
However, again, I was not aware of any discussion on the emerging problem of restricted importation. Hawaiian queens are essential to many Beekeepers in B.C. who make splits to cover winter lossess and contract increases in the Blueberry pollination. There were many beekeepers at this Conference who would later become concerned with this issue. Why was it not raised, for surely it would merit concern to those also involved with Nuc and queen sales as well as pollination in spring ? Indeed,
there is need for better communication within our industry as well as earlier awareness of potential threats and opportunities . The importation of Hawaiian queens was temporarily threatened last spring. and this probably would have been the time for our industry take action to ensure that our bureaucratic system would not delay changes to our importation protocols. Beekeepers receiving these queens and not just the wholesalers, CHC Board and CAPA should have been concerned at that time. At least one Provincial apiarist could foresee a problem with the current importation protocol and undertook some experiments. It is indeed ironic, that now, our importation of Hawaiian queens will depend on the cooperation we receive from a foreign agency, APHIS.
Best wishes for the New Year.
John Gibeau, co founder of Bee World Project, reports that Doug Johnson, Washington State commercial beekeeper was sent to Pursat, Cambodia, two weeks ago. He has just acquired 10 colonies (five cerana and five european) and has started teaching the villagers who are keen to learn. John is presently recruiting for Ecuador and Nicaragua. If interested, send resume and cover letter to John Gibeau at [email protected]
Gerry McKee
10 February 2011 HiveLights
G
CO-OP Honey Packer
Gordon Marks
Bee Maid Honey is pleased to report that at the Annual General Meeting of Bee Maid Honey Limited on December 1st, 2010 Neil Specht was re-elected as Chairman of the Board and Ron Bacon was re-elected as Vice-Chair. The Executive members of Bee Maid Honey Limited for this coming year are Mr. Bill Bygarski Jr. and Mr. Barrie Termeer. At the earlier Cooperative annual meetings, Elmer Zumwalt, representing the
Alberta Honey Producers and Lorne Peters from the
Manitoba Honey Producers both having completed three consecutive terms with their respective Cooperatives, stepped down from their cooperative
Boards and the Bee Maid Board. Bee Maid extends a very sincere thank you and heartfelt appreciation to Elmer and Lorne for their many years of service and dedication to the Boards of Alberta Honey, Manitoba Honey and Bee Maid.
Jason Boykiw from Smoky Lake, Alberta will replace Elmer on the Alberta Honey Board and Bill Bygarski Jr. from Brandon, Manitoba will replace Lorne on the Manitoba Board. At the Cooperative annual meetings, Barrie Termeer from Rollyview, Alberta was elected Chairman of the Alberta Board and Ron Bacon from Kinistino, Sask. was re-elected as Chairman of the Manitoba Board.
Bee Maid is proud to be recognized as Canada’s premiere supplier of 100% pure Canadian honey. More and more consumers are interested in knowing
where their food is coming from with an emphasis on the quality of home grown foods. Bee Maid is a natural fi t for this type of consumer as we are able to link the producer directly to the consumer and the brand – Bee Maid. Bee Maid includes stories of our producers in our consumer newsletters highlighting their pride in producing the best honey in the world being packed into a Bee Maid jar. If you would like to receive our Sweet Talk e-Newsletter please visit our web site at www.beemaid.com to sign up.
(Galveston, Texas January 11, 2011) The True Source Honey™ Initiative enthusiastically announces the launch of a Certifi ed Honey Traceability Program beginning in January 2011. The program offi cially known as True Source Certifi ed™ was unveiled at the 2011 North American Beekeeping Conference in Galveston this past week. Details were revealed regarding the program, which is designed to certify the origin of honey being distributed and consumed within North America, resulting in better food safety and product purity assurances for quality-minded customers and consumers. Further details of the program have been posted at www.TrueSourceHoney.com.
This new voluntary program is open to all interested honey companies (packers, beekeepers, importers and exporters) who desire True Source Certifi cation. It was developed by a multi-
True Source Honey™ Launches Certified Honey Traceability Program To Protect Honey Consumers and Customers
Caroline Hull, 202-585-2057, [email protected]
disciplined group of industry participants who want to maximize industry participation in solving the problem of illegally sourced honey. Intertek, an internationally recognized third party audit fi rm, will begin conducting audits for any interested candidates starting this month. The program will help create transparency within the industry, going beyond current certifi cation expectations and federal regulations while adding an additional layer of traceability beginning at the hive. For those applying for certifi cation, Intertek will conduct unannounced inspections, review documents and collect samples for country-of-origin verifi cation.
There are a number of honey companies in North America that have resolved to purchase only legal, properly sourced honey from legitimate sources. These companies now have an opportunity to certify their purchasing practices through
an independent third party auditor, enhancing customer and consumer confi dence while clearly demonstrating the value which they have been providing.
Most imported and domestic honey is from high-quality, legal sources. However, some importers and honey packers have been illegally importing honey by misrepresenting the true country-of-origin, in order to circumvent dumping duties of $1.20 per pound that have been assessed against certain countries. This results in honey being sold to companies and consumers that is of questionable origin. In addition to creating food safety issues for consumers, this practice threatens the honey industry by undercutting fair market prices and damaging honey’s reputation for quality and safety.
“Cheap illegal imports hurt all legitimate U.S. packers and beekeepers,” said David Mendes,
HiveLights February 2011 11
CAREER OPPORTUNITY - Spruce Grove, AlbertaBEE SUPPLIES MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE
The Bee Supply Marketing Representative contributes to the success of
Bee Maid Honey Ltd. by supporting the direction and priorities for Bee
Supplies with purpose of sales growth and exceeding service expectation
of our customers. This position will be responsible for the management of
customer orders and the overall maintenance of stock ordering, receiving and
maintenance within the Alberta Bee Supplies department.
Primary Responsibilities Include:• Ordering, Receiving & Maintenance of Stock Coordinates ordering and arranging of stock from suppliers.
Receives stock physically and purchase orders via computer
Physically moves stock into the warehouse via forklift
Maintains product displays, presentation, positioning and promotion.
• Customer order Management Fields customer phone calls and responds to inquiries
Assembles an packs supplies for customers as walk in or ship out requests
Enters invoicing data into computer and collects payments from customers.
Performs daily close and cash out functions.
Performs a variety functions in the warehouse as required; loading and unloading,
organizing the warehouse.
• Qualifi cations:
Contact: You can email your resume to Derrick Johnston at [email protected] or fax to (780) 962-1653.
High School Diploma required.
Beekeeping experience an asset.
Prior merchandizing, retail customer
service experience required
Skilled in computer software Microsoft
Word and Excel.
Ability to manage moderate and heavy
physical lifting.
Ability to drive a forklift independently.
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
president of the American Beekeeping Federation. “I applaud the efforts of the True Source Honey Initiative to create a “bottom up” solution to illegal transshipment. I would encourage U.S. beekeepers to support this effort.”
The new certifi cation system is consistent with the latest food safety reforms, including the new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010. The new law is designed to change the mission of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so that the agency is focused on preventing food-borne illnesses and implementing new import requirements that provide for tighter controls. Since these new food safety-related traceability requirements are now statutory law, the True Source Certifi ed system has been designed to accommodate these new mandates.
The True Source Honey Initiative is an effort by a number of honey companies and importers to call attention to the problem of illegally sourced honey; to encourage action to protect consumers and customers from these practices; and to highlight and support legal, transparent and ethical sourcing. The initiative seeks to help maintain the reputation of honey as a high-quality, highly valued food and further sustain the U.S. honey sector. For more information, visit www.TrueSourceHoney.com and follow us on Twitter at and Facebook.
12 February 2011 HiveLights
HiveLights February 2011 13
The 2011 North American Beekeeping Conference & Tradeshow Report
Rod Scarlett , Executi ve Director, CHC
The Annual General of the Canadian Honey Council was recently held in conjunction with the 2011 North American Beekeeping Conference and Tradeshow in Galveston, Texas. The meeting also included the AGM’s of the American Beekeepers Federation and the American Honey Producers Association. Approximately 900 people attended the Conference with a very strong Canadian contingent.
The CHC conducted its AGM, hosted a Canada night, presented a legislative update, held various meeting and had great networking opportunities. In addition, Geoff Todd from the offi ce manned our booth for the trade fair. He met with hundreds of beekeepers and passed on information on the Canadian industry. The business side of the AGM resulted in the passage of a number of resolutions which will be printed in the May issue of Hivelights and can also be found on our web-site. The new executive committee of CHC consists of Corey Bacon, who
was once again elected as President, Lee Townsend, Vice-President, Gerry McKee, Secretary, and Jerry Poelman, Treasurer. Business meeting were
CHC Offi ce Manager Geoff Todd at the Canadian Honey Council’s booth.
Photo: Johana Todd
The Canadian Honey Council Board of Directors for 2011:Rod Scarlett, Jerry Poelman, Lee Townsend, Corey Bacon, Bryan Ash,
Gerry McKee, Paul Kittilsen, Tim Greer and Gordon Marks.Photo: Geoff Todd
CHC Chair Corey Bacon making his presentation.
Photo: Rod Scarlett
14 February 2011 HiveLights 1414111414141414 FeFeFeFebrubrubrubruaryaryaryaryaryary 202020202020202202020202 11111111111111111111111111 HHiHiiiivHivHivHivivHivvHiveeeeeeeeeeeLigLigLigLigLigLigLigLigLiLigLigLiLigLigLigLigLigLiLiggghtshtsthtsthtstshtshtsthtshtshtshtshthhhts
held with various America and Mexican beekeepers. The highlight of the conference for Canada was the presentation by President Corey Bacon of the legislative activities of the CHC. Corey updated everyone on issues such as hive health, market access and share, food safety and labour and succession.
CHC Secretary Gerry McKee (BC) chats with Albert Robertson (SK).Photo: Geoff Todd
Kevin Nixon (AB), Ron Althouse (SK) and Norm Knudsen (SK).
Photo: Geoff Todd
CHC Chairman Corey Bacon presents the Fred Rathje Trophy to Tom Congdon. Tom
received it on behalf of Howard Bryans the 2010 winner who could not attend.
Photo: Geoff Todd
HiveLights February 2011 15HivHivHivHivHivHivivHHiHivHiHiHH eeeeeeeeeeeeLigLigLigLigLigLigLigLigLL gLLL htshtshtshtshtsshtshtss FebebFebFebFebFebbFebFebbebebFebFFebruaruaruarrrrrrruar ry ryryryry ry y rry yyy 20120120120120120012010120201202222 1 1 11 1 1 11 1 1555
CHC Director Tim Greer (ON) at the Mann Lake display.Photo: Geoff Todd
Mike and Elizabeth Darazs (AB) at their GLOBAL PATTIES booth.
Photo: Geoff Todd
Janet Tam of the OBA Tech Transfer Team stands beside the NOD Apiary Products display.Photo: Geoff Todd
Finally, the CHC was very proud to select Howard Bryans as the Fred Rathje Award winner. Howard has been involved in the bee industry in Ontario for over sixty years being a longstanding director for the OBA as well as acting as president of both the OBA and CHC. Congratulations Howard and Mavis!
16 February 2011 HiveLights
CCongratulations to Sabrina Malach of York University, who has been chosen to receive 2010 Canadian Pollinator Advocate Award from the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign. Sabrina’s excellent work and success in organizing the fi rst Canadian Pollinator Week celebration in Toronto has inspired a new public appreciation of the importance of pollinators in Canada’s largest urban center. More importantly, she has demonstrated that the public response to Pollinator Week celebrations is suffi cient to make the event viable in future years, and in other Canadian cities. Sabrina’s initial venture is a milestone for NAPPC’s public presence in Canada. Her dedication, vision, and hard work make her deserving of
2010 Pollinator Advocate Award for Canada
the recognition bestowed by this award.A ceremony honoring Ms. Malach will be held Thursday, October 21nd during the 10th Annual NAPPC International Conference in Washington, DC.
Sabrina Malach of York University (second from right) with her award
T
Calgary Bee Club gave Heather a warm send off
Twenty years ago, Calgary had no beekeepers’ club. Ed Samoil, a Calgary Beemaster with fi fty years’ experience, explained “the old bee club died a slow death in the late 1980s. No one had the energy to revive it.” But around 1998, Ed heard about a new girl in town – someone named Heather Clay - who had taken some sort of job with the Canadian Honey Council. Ed asked her to start a local branch of the honey council, so beekeepers could get together and talk about bees. Heather patiently explained that her job was a bit different, but she’d love to help the Calgary beekeepers organize themselves. Heather hosted a meet-up at her house. Then she co-ordinated the fi rst gathering - volunteering hours of effort after work to see the organization up and running. Because she was National Coordinator for the Canadian Honey Council (later CEO), she would never hold any offi ce for the local bee club. But during the early years, she presented at nearly
every Calgary Bee Club meeting – often summarizing national issues and always encouraging good beekeeping practices. By the year 2000, the membership list had 76 names – including Adony Melathopoulos, the Baumgartners, Rudy Gelderbloom, Jim Rogers, Cherie and Art Andrews, and Ron Miksha. Today, the Calgary and District Beekeepers Association continues to promote and encourage
beekeeping. In appreciation of her help, members hosted a dinner in honour of Heather. The December gathering – attended by about thirty club members – wished Heather and Doug Clay a fond farewell and best of luck in all their future travels and endeavours. They are leaving Calgary for places farther west and they will be missed by many folks in our town.
Calgary Bee Club presented Heather with a Stained Glass art by Neil Vanderput and a Calgary white cowboy hat. Photo: Ron Miksha
HiveLights February 2011 17
or check our website:www.fraserauction.com
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- bee suits, veilsOxytetPermadentFramesSupers painted and
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Buy SellHoney Beekeeping SuppliesWax Extracting EquipmentPropolis Used Equipment
Tony Lalonde Sales Prt.Box 42, Clavet Sk, Canada S0K 0Y0Ph: 306-931-0155fax: 931-1646
Tony Lalonde Sales Prt.Box 42, Clavet Sk, Canada S0K 0Y0Ph: 306-931-0155fax: 931-1646
Distributors for some or all of the suppliesAlbertaAlberta Honey Producers Coop ..................... 780-960-8010
ManitobaManitoba Honey Coop .................................. 204-783-2240
MaritimesClaude Hachey .............................................. 506-546-6687
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BOX 316, AUSTIN, MANITOBAToll-free 1-866-800-2077
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18 February 2011 HiveLights
HiveLights February 2011 19
20 February 2011 HiveLights
HAWMAN CONTAINERS1-705-719-6042
Your source for all your container needsClean and ready to go.
HiveLights February 2011 21
OFOREIGN WORKERS AND BUSINESS GROWTH
Barrie Termeer, Honeybear Apiaries Ltd
Our operation, (Barrie & Julie Termeer) Honeybear Apiaries Ltd. is located in central Alberta , south of Edmonton in the hamlet of Rollyview. We ran 4400 colonies in 2010 and when we started in 1983 we had 800 hives in a partnership. This article
is about the role foreign seasonal workers played in the growth of Honeybear.
In the early years our operation peaked at 1200 colonies, all I could work, with extra help hired locally when I could get them for the summer season and if I was lucky for some of the spring and fall work. In the late 80’s and early 90’s there was a very good apiculture program in Fairview College run under the direction of Dennis McKenna with help from industry supporters and key employees. The College began to also do extension work in other countries, and established a link with the Philippines. This gave several Filipinos the opportunity to study bees in Canada and get work experience under their student visas.
We were fortunate to be able to provide on the job training and housing for one of the fi rst two Filipinos to work in Alberta through the Fairview program. That particular worker was with us for 15 years on a seasonal basis! Now I would
guess that over 200 Filipinos work in the Alberta bee industry, not to mention workers from other countries. This number would be hire if we consider the bee industry across all of Canada. I can’t imagine our industry functioning very well without those skilled workers.
Eventually the Fairview program ended, but we continue to employ several Filipinos through the current process of obtaining a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) under the temporary foreign worker program. Also in the past 10 years we began using MEXSAWP (Mexico Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program) and have two dedicated workers from Mexico returning each spring to Honeybear. We use both programs
to be sure we obtain the workers we need each year.
We have been able to expand hive counts on a steady basis as a result of having experienced reliable foreign workers who return year after year. We have also been able to employ good Canadian workers on shorter terms, as labourers, as crew leaders and also high school students each year for our extracting plant. It is that combination that has made us successful and we enjoy the dynamics. Our crews are diverse but highly productive. We use a team approach and have learned to give each worker enough responsibility and knowledge of operations to allow them to contribute to improvements and increased effi ciencies.
There are a number of practical things that need to be done each year for us to continue using foreign workers on our crews.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The SAWP (Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program) which I’ve used for my Mexican employees, also includes several other Caribbean countries. The program is run really well, but requires the employer to be detailed and complete in their submissions. . There are 6 specifi c things you must have in your application: 1) A completed application that you can download from the website. 2) A letter of inspection for housing. You need to provide housing that has been inspected by local health authorities. 3) A WCB clearance letter is required that can also be obtained online. It is in your interest to cover your employees with WCB, as it protects you from liabilities and your workers from loss of income due to injury. 4) Copies of advertising on the Canada job board, which is done online. 5) A fee of $150 must be provided per worker. 6) A signed employment contract which is found online.
For our Filipino workers, the process with HRSDC is a little different.
P pg 22
A happy crew celebrating the end of extracting but not the end of the season!
Left to right: Colin, Jonathan, Hernando, Barrie (the Boss), McKentzie, Dylan, Atanacio, Carl, Harrison
22 February 2011 HiveLights
“BUY COWEN”
800-257-2894
www.cowenmfg.com
There are specifi c types of workers with stated skill requirements and related wage rates. Each year you must acquire an LMO for the next season and this is done based on advertising and demonstrating your recruitment and training methods for Canadian workers. There are no
direct fees, however the worker pays a fee in the Philippines for their work visas. With our returning workers we provide them with Honeybear Certifi cates of Excellence that state the number of years of commercial beekeeping experience they have acquired. This is updated annually. Also we provide them with a letter of offer of employment for the next season, stating timelines, wage rates, benefi ts, etc. This helps them in the interview process in the Philippines where they have to obtain work visas to enter Canada in the spring. Those workers often are required to pass medicals and the whole process in their country will take at least 10 weeks to complete minimum.
We begin the process in September as advertising and recruiting has to be done before fi ling applications. We like to have the Philippine LMOs in place for Dec. 1 and the MEXSAWP LMOs done by end of January. The MEXSAWP program works faster as workers are pre-approved and do their medicals early. They also require the employer to fi le a performance
survey each year, which we now do on line.
HOUSING
We have two residences, a trailer on site, and a farm house on a nearby acreage. We make sure they are in excellent condition, properly furnished,
provide satellite television and phone services. We don’t charge for any of this, but consider it a production expense but also remind the workers of its’ value. It is worth it to you to have workers who are comfortable and have plenty of living space with separate bedrooms. We have two workers in each residence, but wouldn’t go over three. This reduces stress in the
kitchen, bathrooms and in general. The return you receive is rested workers who are productive at work and who have less confl icts with each other. Remember, while everyone is here to make money, we all need a little break from each other from time to time.
TRANSPORTATION
We also provide access to vehicles with limitations on their use as far as distances and time they can use them. In the past some of our returning workers from the Philippines have purchased old vehicles for their own use. Recently Honeybear purchased a reliable used Jeep SUV for the employees to use (rather than Julie or myself driving them) and that also keeps our work trucks at home to be used in operations only. Again it gives the worker some independence and freedom for the same benefi ts in morale.
AIRFARES
We provide return airfare for the workers, required by MEXSAWP and in certain categories for HRSDC. Costs are around $1500 to $2000 per worker, higher now that Mexicana is not fl ying directly to Edmonton.
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
We provide all bee equipment, including gloves, veils, coveralls, hive tools and smokers, and just require our
The splitting crew with last splits of the day ready to unload with rain on the way!
Left to right: Jon, Colin, Ata, Mac, Hernando
HiveLights February 2011 23
workers to provide work boots.
TRUCKING
Some seasonal workers have driver licences, some do not. We follow government regulations that require either international or provincial driver licences, and also make sure our insurance provider is informed and satisfi ed. It would be very unwise to circumvent this in any way, and possibly expose your business to millions of dollars in liability issues in the event of an uninsured accident. My experience is that Filipino workers are generally good drivers and are licensed. Mexican workers are less likely to be licensed, although they can get domestic licenses and can be trained to drive in Canada. We start with the smaller trucks and work them up. When I can, I use Canadians for the 3 ton trucks used during honey hauling but several of the Filipinos also drive the big trucks. Usually our drivers are the crew leaders.
SYSTEMS OF WORK
We break down our management into repeatable, trainable methods and do less per round in each hive, but more hives per day. We use daily clipboards with clear instructions, laminated area maps and daily morning meetings, as well as yard charts and a large wall chart to record daily work outcomes. All the workers fi nd this very useful, and it allows them to understand the big picture and track the work, and understand the need to meet daily and weekly goals and to keep on schedule.
WAGES
Wage rates are set by SAWP and HRSDC for different categories of workers. You will fi nd them on the web site. They are reviewed and can change from year to year, and from region to region. Overall, foreign worker wages cannot be lower than what the Canadian market would pay. However, your total costs for foreign workers can and likely will be higher than hiring Canadian workers.
We pay fair value for each guy, based on experience with yearly increases. Bonuses are based on both profi ciency,
total hours worked and productivity. In other words, doing the required work well, and secondly, getting a good crop. Your workers can do a good job, the bees are great as a result, but weather still affects the crop. So we reward both, but still recognize good work even with a smaller crop.
RECOVERING COSTS
I have one over-riding philosophy and principal when it comes to wage rates and pay, including bonuses and benefi ts for ALL our employees. We make money through worker productivity and effi ciencies of operations.
Depending on the category of worker, there are clear guidelines for what you can deduct from wages. However, for the most part, Honeybear does not recover these costs from our workers (who also have households to maintain in their home country). These labour costs are built into our costs of production. The difference and the real return on these costs, which is around $3-4 per hour, is that our foreign workers return every year, are reliable and are very
experienced. This translates into more beehives, more honey and more returns.
RESULTS
At Honeybear, we currently run about 750 hives per beekeeper, and average about 48 hours per week per man each season. Our operations are highly organized and the workers achieve required outputs every day. A very important part of our success has been our great crew of foreign workers and Canadians!
Lots of supers ready to go! The only reason we’re not smiling is it’s been raining and mud is no fun with heavy trucks!
Left to right: Hernando, Barrie (the Boss), Mike, Henry, Jonathan
24 February 2011 HiveLights
N
Above, picture takenFebruary 14, 2008 (TX)
Below, picture taken March 18, 2008 (TX)
The proof is in the frame!Made from 100% Natural Vegetable Ingredients
Contains:No Pollen - No Hive Products - No Animal Products
- No Soy Products - No ChemicalsFormulated to closely emulate the natural diet of
HoneybeesAvailable Dry and in Patties
Available from:Ellingson’s Inc. – 1.888.273.2300
Cell - 1.320.760.6769www.FeedBee.com
Nude Bee Honey Co.® was launched in 2010 by entrepreneurs Edward Okun (26) and Jared Cantor (25), with the aim of delivering the most delicious raw honeys produced by independent beekeepers.
Working with independent beekeepers to deliver varietal honeys means a constantly evolving product line. Different types of honey come in and out of stock based on limited supply. This means all of the honeys they carry at any given time are limited edition.
Produced throughout Ontario, packaged in Guelph and distributed from their small and effi cient warehouse in Kensington Market - Toronto, Nude Bee Honey Co.® is changing the way people love honey.
They are proudly Torontonian
Part of their drive is wanting to contribute something wonderful to the people who live here.
That means making lasting partnerships with local vendors,
A Success Story from Toronto, Ontario
restaurants and food producers, as well as providing exclusive services to the citizens of their great city, like Free Delivery
When it comes to a Honey Courier Service in Toronto, Nude Bee Honey Co. is the only game in town. That’s because one of the most enjoyable aspects of running this business is delivering the honey to their clients, personally. They personally deliver by bike courier each jar of honey to their clients in the downtown Toronto region. Doing so has many wonderful benefi ts; aside from the fact that they are able to eliminate shipping costs and reduce shipping time for our customers. This also greatly reduces their environmental impact. Personal delivery allows us the opportunity to meet the people who love their honeys and to make a connection with them.
“Which Honey Do I Want?”
Like all questions with enormous answers; it depends. Are you using your honey for your peanut butter and banana sandwiches? On toast? As a glaze for meats or an ingredient in baking? To cure a sore throat or help heal a wound? Are you using your honey as a sweetener in Tea? If so which kind of tea? Please read the descriptions for each honey to fi nd out which ones are right for you.
If you can’t fi nd the answer you are looking for, please email us. We will be happy to help. [email protected]
Western Canadian [email protected]
HiveLights February 2011 25
Raw
Their goal is to bring you the most natural tasting raw honey in its purest form, in all of it’s wonderous and marvelous varieties.
Nude Bee Honey Co.® delivers Ontario honey that is never fi ltered or pasteurized, with wax and pollen naturally embedded within. Sealed in an elegant package and brought to you from your own backyard.
WILD
Wild honey is a honey derived from multiple fl oral sources. This particular wild honey is unique to a specifi c geographic region of Guelph, ON. This unique mixture of nectar creates a semi-dark aromatic, giving this wild honey its distinctive taste and pleasing consistency.- this mixture creates a semi-dark, aromatic honey giving this wild honey its distinctive taste and pleasing aroma.
Their raw and wild honey is perfect for glazing meats, making salad dressings or drizzling over yogurt and cereal. Enjoy it served over ice cream or with Brie, and as an accent to fruit salad, crumpets or scones.
HONEYDEW
Darker honeys contain a higher vitamin and mineral density, and are rich in antioxidants, which provide many health benefi ts. They also have a greater propensity to provide relief of seasonal allergies. Honeydew honey is dark brown in color, with a rich fragrance of stewed fruit or fi g jam and is not sweet like nectar honeys.
STARTHISTLE
Thick and creamy with a delightful and playful colour, Star Thistle honey possesses soft after-notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Those who are new to varietal honeys will be
surprised by the unique and unexpected qualities of this honey.
Star Thistle honey works well with all nature of teas and works wonderfully as a colourful dessert topping. Pairs well with strong cheeses, specifi cally blue.
BLUEBERRY
The word that best describes this honey is “sumptuous”. Delightfully fruity overtones with a robust, high volume fi nish. Pairs beautifully with all manner of citrus and fruity teas. Pair with milder or creamy cheeses such as gouda or goat milk based cheese. For a truly unforgettable appetizer take fresh fi gs and halve. Stuff with goat cheese with a drop of blueberry honey and wrap in prosciutto. Broil for two minutes and enjoy.
3 PACK
This is a combo pack of all 3 of our most popular honeys.
2010
2010
26 February 2011 HiveLights
Classifieds:Bee Supplies for Sale
Bee Supplies - Extraction equipment: Yorkton, SK
For Sale: One 1000lb stainless steel tank complete with quick shut off valve, one capping spinner with hot plate, miscellaneous equipment, frames, etc. Call Bob at 306-782-5075
Bee Supplies - Silicon Moulds for Candles: Petawawa (ON)Over 18 years selling high quality silicon moulds for making beeswax candles. The moulds do not require lubrication. Easy to follow instructions included in $5.00 catalogue. Cost of the catalogue is refunded on your fi rst order. Contact: E. & R. Schmitt, 3468A Petawawa Blvd. Petawawa, ON K8H 1X3. Phone: Business 613-687-4335
Honey supplies - Foundation for honey comb: Fairview (AB)For all your foundation needs, any size wired or without, organic or conventional, place orders by phone 780-835-2115 or fax 780-835-2873 or email [email protected].
Honey Bees For Sale
Bee Operation - For Sale: Oxbow (SK) 25 Hive Operation, passed inspection. Asking $7,000.00. Contact: Paul MacFarlane, 306-925-2001
Honey bee colonies - over wintered stock: LePas (MB) 200 Double colonies available for pickup mid May 2011, all hives have 2010 queensQueens are selectively bred for:excellent honey productionvery successful outdoor wintering in the harsh Canadian northsuperior brood patterns*All hives are disease free*Bill Perchaluk, 204 623-3982, The Pas, MB
Bee Operation - For Sale: Tisdale (SK)
Bee Operation - Tisdale , Saskatchewan 700 colony operation , along with related equipment, could be sold seperately or as a unit. Call for prices and information.......email...keays01@sasktel Phone : 306 - 873 - 4273 or cell 306 - 873 - 8578. Keays Honey Farm Inc. and ask for Dennis.
Wanted to Buy
Wanted - Borage or buckwheat honey: Toronto (ON)Borage and buckwheat honey wanted. 100% pure honey. We are just north of Toronto. Call Henry Nauta, Penauta Products Inc. Phone 905-640-1564 or fax 905-640-7479
Wanted - Round Comb Honey Equipment: Milo (AB) Used Round Comb Honey Equipment. Supers, Frames, etc. Cobana/Ross Round Size. Best Price. We pick up. 403-599-3953. Summit Gardens Honey, Milo, Alberta. www.summitgardenshoney.com
Wanted – Bees Wax for candles: (ON) Light Yellow rendered beeswax cappings.Email: [email protected], Phone: 613-478-3784Contact: Ian or JoAnn Fraser.
Wanted – Barrels of white and buckwheat honey: (ON) Phone: 416-938-6698Contact: Vicky Staite.
Help Wanted
Help Wanted - Seasonal Beekeepers:Rocanville (SK)
Seasonal Beekeepers Wanted for Saskatchewan operation. March - Oct. Experience Preferred. Wage $10-17.50/hr based on experience Contact: B.Strong Apiaries Ltd. email [email protected] fax: (306) 645-4591
Help Wanted - 9 Seasonal Workers: Langenburg (SK)
Full time beekeeper required Beekeeping experience an asset. Apr 15 till Oct 31, $10.00 to $16.00 per hour. Glory bee Honey, phone 306-743-5469 or email [email protected] for more information
Help Wanted-Seasonal Beekeepers:Nipawin (SK)
Seasonal Beekeepers Wanted (SK) Experienced Beekeepers wanted for seasonal position in Nipawin area of Saskatchewan. Pay based on experience, housing and transportation. Contact Yves Garez ph: 306-862-5979 fax 306-862-5974 or email [email protected]
Help Wanted - 12 Beekeepers : Shellbrook (SK).
Need 12 willing beekeeping workers for Apr.-Nov. 2011 Pay starts at $12.75 with bonuses based on performance. Training is on the job. Accommodations provided on rental basis. Contact Murray: 306-747-3299 email: [email protected]
Help Wanted- 3 Seasonal Beekeepers: Kinistino (SK)
Apiary general labourers required for Kinistino, SK beekeeping operation. 3 full time seasonal beekeeping positions for up to 8 months (March to November) 2011. 3 full time seasonal beekeeping positions for up to 3 months (July - September) 2011. English and familiarity with beekeeping an asset but not required if willing to learn through on the job training by the employer. Valid drivers license also an asset. Starting wages at $ 9.78/hr with bonuses based on performance and attitude. Long hours, week-end and evening/night work may be required. Work is physically demanding and fast pasted. E-mail resume to B’s Bee Ranch Inc. at [email protected]
Help Wanted - Seasonal workers: Zenon Park (SK)
Seasonal Beekeeper Wanted for April to November in Saskatchewan Honey Operation. Wages commencing $9.80 hour. Contact Gerry Moyen phone 306-767-2757 or Fax Resume 306-767-2626 email: [email protected]
Help Wanted - Seasonal beekeepers: Kinistino, (SK)
6 full time beekeeping positions for up to 8 months (April to Nov.) 2011. Familiar with beekeeping an asset but not required if willing to learn all aspect of beekeeping with training by employer. Starting wages will be $ 9.78 with bonuses based on performances. Some week-end and evening work will be required during season for moving bees and bad weather during the week. Work is physically demanding and fast pasted. E-mail resume to Bacon Apiaries at [email protected] or to [email protected] or fax resume to 306-864-2451.
Help Wanted - Seasonal Beekeepers: Prince(SK)
4 full-time experienced beekeepers wanted for April - October 2011 Wages $12.00 - $17.00 per hour based on experience. Send resume to Happy Bee Honey Inc. Fax: 306-445-6555 Email: [email protected]
Help Wanted- Seasonal Beekeepers & Unskilled labourers: Roblin (MB)
Full-time seasonal experienced Apiarists for April-October 2011 10 Positions available at Wendell Honey in 2011.Duties include helping with spring check, hive management, and pulling honey, fall feeding and wrapping. Wages $12.50 to $17.00 depending on experience with Wendell Honey. Also, 6 unskilled labourers for the honey house and the bee yards (assistant apiarist) from April 20 to mid October 2011. Work is physically demanding. No experienced required. $10.00 per hour. Email Isabel at [email protected] or phone 204 564 2315 or 204 564 2315 or fax 204 564 2568 resume, or mail Wendell Honey, Box 1439, Roblin, MB. R0L 1P0.
Help Wanted- Beekeeper Wanted: Porcupine Plain(SK)
Experienced Beekeeper Wanted for the 2011 season April to October.
HiveLights February 2011 27
www.rossrounds.com PO Box 11583, Albany, NY 12211
Use round comb section equipment byRoss Rounds, Inc. and see how this lowcost investment can increase your profits.• 8 oz. Sells For Same As 12 oz.• Minimal Labor• Bees Fill Completely• No Breakage And No Propolis• Attractive Durable Package
To purchase, contact your dealer. For more information call toll-free: 877.901.4989
Comb Honey Has Come Full Circle.
$12-15 per hour, Depending on Experience. Contact Brad Lechler 306-278-2198, Porcupine Plain SK.
Help Wanted- 4 Beekeepers: Shellbrook (SK)
Wanted 4 beekeepers for May to October. Wages depending on experience.Contact Jason Rinas, Email: [email protected] or Phone: 306-747-7220 or 306-764-4303 or 306-747-3130.
Help Wanted-25 Beekeepers Wanted: Nipawin (SK)
Full time beekeeping help, April to October. Beekeeping experience would be preferred. Wages start at $9.78 per hour. Contact Mark Knox, [email protected] , 306-862-5657, Box 179 Nipawin,Sask. S0E 1E0.
Help Wanted- 6 Beekeepers: Mission (BC)
Beekeepers wanted (BC) 6 experienced beekeepers wanted from February-November 2011. Preference will be given to candidates with queen rearing experience. Must be able to operate truck and fork lift. Wages based on experience. Golden Ears Apiaries BC. Contact Jean Marc LeDorze, [email protected] or phone 604-820-6924.
Help Wanted- 5 Beekeepers: Arborfi eld (SK)
Five beekeepers/ beekeeper assistants needed for north eastern Saskatchewan. Wages based on experience. Accommodation available. Contact Brent McKee Box 329 Arborfi eld SK S0E 0A0 or email [email protected] or phone 306-769-8830.
Help Wanted - 10 Seasonal Beekeepers positions: Aylsham (SK)
Wages starting at $9.78 per hours based on experience and qualifi cations. Employment from April to October. Beekeeping experience is preferred. Send resume to Valleau Apiaries Ltd. by fax @ 306-862-3682 or email Dan @ [email protected].
Help Wanted - Experienced Beekeeper : Vanderhoof (BC)
Experienced worker wanted for the 2011 season. Must be able to: work pollination, raise queens, use pollen traps and do honey-hive management. Help this young business achieve its potential. Apiarist starts at $15/hr, room available. Communication ability and past experience important. May become year round position. Canadian preferred. Contact J. Aebischer, Vanderhoof, BC by email. [email protected]
Help Wanted - One experienced Apiarists : St Andrews (MB)
Help Wanted: One experienced Apiarist: St. Andrews (MB) One experienced Apiarist for May, 2011-May, 2012. Wages $12.33/hour, depending on experience. Health Insurance and Worker’s Compensation. Driver’s licence (standard) required. Canadians only, please. Contact, ‘Marg’s Honey”c/o Margaret Smith, 1051 Porcher Rd. , St. Andrews,MB R1A 3N4 Phone/ Fax Resume and cover letter: (204) 254-4509 or e-mail [email protected]
Help Wanted- Meskanaw, (SK)
2 beekeepers assistants required. April to October 2011. Wages 10.00 - 13.00 / hour depending on experience. cantact Calvin Parsons 306-864-2632 email [email protected]
Help Wanted- 3 Experienced Beekeepers: Honeyland (BC)
Beekeepers Wanted Honeyland BC Experienced beekeepers wanted for 2010 3 experienced beekeepers wanted for March –November 2011. Preference will be given to candidates with queen rearing and royal jelly production experience. Monthly salary range $2300 – $2800, depending on experience. Send resumes to [email protected], Honeyland Canada Fax 604-460-8887
Help Wanted- 4 Experienced Beekeepers: Honey Bee Centre Surrey (BC)
Live in the beautiful and exciting VANCOUVER area of British Columbia. HONEYBEE CENTRE requires four (4) beekeepers for the 2011 season February 15 - October 15, 20011. Wages are $12.85 for
unskilled workers and negotiable for skilled workers with a driver’s license. On-site accommodations are available at $300 per month. Contact John Gibeau [email protected]. or fax to (604) 575-2338. For more information, visit our website at www.honeybeecentre.com
Help Wanted- Experienced beekeeper : Porcupine Plain (SK)
Wanted: Experienced beekeeper (4-5 years) for fulltime position April-Oct 2011 in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan. Wages based on experience $13-$15/h. Contact George Knudsen 306-278-3372
Help Wanted - Full time seasonal apiarist : Argyle (MB)
Full time seasonal apiarist, wages are $12 to $15 per hr. depending on exp. job is physically demanding, must help with wrapping, feeding, making nucs, supering, pulling honey, honey extraction, medicating hives, and winter preparation. Please call Cal Grysiuk,ph./fax 204-831-7838, email [email protected], or mail 83 Acheson Dr. Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2E8.
Help Wanted - Full time Apiarist and Assistant Apiarist : Austin (MB)
Full time Apiarist and Assistant Apiarist needed for honey farm near Austin, MB., for 2011 season. Apiarist: May1-Oct1: tending all apiary duties like, hive management, harvesting, extracting honey and clean-up. $12.33/hour. Assistant Apiarist: July10-Sept10, duties: harvesting, extracting honey, clean-up. $10.00/Hour. Send resume to: Chris Rempel Box 358 Austin, MB. R0H 0C0 [email protected]
Help Wanted- 3 Experienced Beekeepers : Carrot River (SK)
WANTED: 2 Experienced Beekeepers for 2010 Honey Season, April 15 to October 15. Must be experienced in Beekeeping. Wages starting at $12.75 per hour. Phone Wade at 306-768-3886 or email [email protected]
Help Wanted - 2 Experienced Beekeepers - Apple Hill (ON)
2 Seasonal Full Time positions available with Pilgrim Honey House from Apr. to Nov. 2011 1 Bee Breeder Assistant & 1 Queen Rearer Assistant. Experience an asset, but will train if necessary. Pay based on experience and bonus based on performance - $12.75 to $15.00/hour. On-site accomodations, board & transportation available. Job physically demanding, long hours, evenings, Saturdays, Sundays off. Job description: Unpacking, spring check, feeding, requeening, nuc & queen production, honey & pollen production, honey extraction, colony evaluation, fall treatment, wintering. Send resume to François Petit by email: [email protected] or by mail: 3325 Loch Garry Road, Apple Hill, ON K0C 1B0.
Help Wanted - Full Time Seasonal Beekeeper: Carlisle (ON)We have openings for 2011. April through October. Beeyard and honey house work. Heavy lifting, No bee sting allergies please. Wages dependant on experience.Send resume to John Van Alten, Dutchman’s Gold Inc., 300 Carlisle Rd., Carlisle ON L0R 1H2 or email, [email protected]
AnnouncementPLANET BEE HONEY FARMTOURS & GIFTS
5011 Bella Vista RoadVernon, B.C. V1H 1A1Phone 250 542-8088email: [email protected]: www.planetbee.com
Retail / Wholesale & Distributor Pricing, Re-sellers Wanted
Specialty Honey, Pollen, Propolis, Royal Jelly,
Filtered Beeswax
VANCOUVER ISLAND APIARY SUPPLYBeekeeping Supplies Equipment & GlasswareLarry & Marilyn Lindahl6456 Cowichan Valley HwyPO Box 1491 - Lake Cowichan BC V0R 2G0 -Canada250-749-3800 - www.thebeestore.com
MENTHOL BOARDSPlease order early
HAMILTON BEE RANCH LTD.
Box 1169, Nipawin SK S0E 1E0
Phone 306-862-4194
Fax 306-862-4193
Producers of Northern Blossom Honey
Fully reconditioned and #1 Quality Export Drums - Offering custom trucking across western Canada and western states.
Offi ce/Cory 250-499-5773 - Lee 250-499-5753 - Fax 250-499-5752
SOLD!Custom Pollen cleaning and drying servicesFresh frozen pollen availablePurchase of Canadian Pollen
Call Danny or Ginette Paradis
1-866-624-8175
Tel. (780) 359-2772, Fax (780) 359-2773
PO Box 30 Watino, Alberta T0H 3R0
www.apinutrition.com
email: [email protected]
Nutrition
“SAVE OUR BEES” Winning donation for
limited edition print goes to the Wild West Country
Dances of BC
