Extension and Outreach. Beekeeping Basics

Transcription

1 Beekeeping Basics Randall Paul Cass Small Farms Conference February 2018

2 About Me Extension Entomologist Support research Communicate findings to the public Worked with beekeepers in 5 countries Follow me on 2

3 Today s Discussion Information for New Beekeepers Honey bee biology Beekeeping basics Resources for getting started Ongoing Research at Iowa State Bees in the Iowa landscape Best practices for Iowa Beekeepers 3

4 Why Become a Beekeepe 4

5 Why Become a Beekeepe Pollination 5

6 Why Become a Beekeepe Pollination Honey 6

7 Why Become a Beekeepe Pollination Honey It s fun 7

8 The Honey Bee Scientific Name: Apis Mellifera 8

9 The Honey Bee Scientific Name: Apis Mellifera One of few honey producing species 9

10 The Honey Bee Scientific Name: Apis Mellifera One of few honey producing species Most common varieties: Italian and Carnolian 10

11 The Honey Bee Scientific Name: Apis Mellifera One of few honey producing species Most common varieties: Italian and Carnolian Around 5000 beekeepers in Iowa today 11

12 The Honey Bee Three-Caste Society Worker Queen Drone Photos: University of Georgia 12

13 Honey Bee Pests and Disease Varroa Mite Wax Moth Small Hive Beetle Chalk Brood American/European Foul Brood Nosema Deformed Wing Virus Photos: University of Florida, 13

14 Finding the Right Place Consider Local Laws The City of Ames has no laws prohibiting keeping bees But neighbors may disagree Considering the Natural Elements Will the location be too hot or too cold? Does the area experience extreme wind? Are there raccoons?? 14

15 Finding the Right Place Overwintering Apis Mellifera is bred to survive cold winters Have a windbreak Ventilation is important Some beekeepers wrap their hives for winter 15

16 Monitoring the Hive Throughout the Year Things to check for every 7-10 days: If the Queen is present Signs of pest and disease Hive population/swarming potential Honey stores 16

17 Equipment 17

18 Will I Get Stung? Only 1% of the population is severely allergic Most species only sting when they feel threatened When stung, avoid breaking the venom sac Invest if in Epi-Pen

19 Resources for New Beekeepers in Iowa Local Resources Iowa Honey Producers Association State Apiarist: Andy Joseph The Buzz Newsletter Purchasing Bees Spring Valley Honey Farms (Perry, IA) P & P Honey and Bee Supply (Goodell, IA) Purchasing Equipment Dadant Bee Supplies, Mann Lake Bee Supplies 19

20 Iowa State Research Pollinator Conservation Funded by USDA/NIFA Focused on Soybean and Prairie Looking at impacts of major bee stressors (The 3 P s): Pests and disease Poor forage Pesticide exposure Observing the effect honey bees have on native species 20

21 Iowa State Research USDA/NIFA Grant Co PI s: Amy Toth, Adam Dolezal, Matt O Neal, and Erin Hodgson Post-Doctoral Researcher: Harmen Hendriksma PhD Students: Ashley St. Clair and Ge Zhang 21

22 Iowa State Research Our Preliminary Research Monitoring hive mass in simple and complex agricultural landscapes 22

23 Mean change in mass (Kg) Iowa State Research Our Preliminary Research Hive mass after moving hives from soybean fields to prairie in late summer Jul 4-Aug 11-Aug 18-Aug 25-Aug 1-Sep 8-Sep 15-Sep 22-Sep MOVED TO PRAIRIE * PRAIRIE SITE * * -14 AGRICULTURAL SITE 23

24 Iowa State Research Our Preliminary Research 24

25 Iowa State Research Best Practices for Beekeepers Monitoring hives regularly for pests and disease Take forage availability into consideration Communicate with nearby farmers 25

26 Iowa State Research Best Practices for Farmers Manage insecticide drift Manage off-dusting from treated seed Establishing pollinator-friendly habitat or enrolling in CRP programs Utilizing an IPM plan 26

27 Iowa State Research Best Practices for Farmers Follow the Iowa Bee Rule Farmers may not apply pesticides labeled toxic to bees between 8a.m. and 6p.m. to blooming crops within 1 mile of registered apiaries 27

28 Iowa State Research Driftwatch 28

29 Thank You Randall Paul Cass Extension Entomologist, Honey Bees and Native Bees Iowa State University, Ames IA