Alberta Bee News Magazine - August 2022 by AlbertaBeekeepersCommission

Alberta

BEE NEWS Serving the interests of the beekeepers of Alberta since 1933

AUGUST 2022

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

In This Issue 03 04 -05 06 8 -10

President’s Report TTP Report - Honey Bee Thermoregulation Bee Health Assurance Team Update Understanding What Level Of New Research Data Constitutes A Review An Existing Risk Assessment: CFIA Response 11 Introducing the Canadian Beekeepers Federation 12 - 13 ABC Eligible Producer News 13 Recipe of the Month 14 - 15 Historical Beekeeping Statistics in Alberta 16 Alberta Open Farm Days 2022: It Takes a Hive 17 2022 ABC Conference & Trade Show - Save The Date 19 - 31 Classifieds

Alberta Beekeepers Commission Fiscal Year September 1 to August 31. Eligible Producers with 100 or more live colonies: Base Fee $50.00 and must include a Product Service Fee of $1.05 per colony plus GST. ‘Keeping In Touch’ Subscription to Alberta Bee News is open to anyone interested in the Alberta beekeeping industry $60 plus GST

Board of Directors President: JEREMY OLTHOF RR1 Tees AB T0C 2N0 T 403.872.4607 Teesbeesinc@gmail.com

NW Region: RENE LAROCQUE RR1 Busby AB T0G 0H0 T 780.818.4268 larocquerene@hotmail.com

Vice President: LORNE PRINS RR3 Station Main Lacombe AB / T4L 2N3 780.893.2337 lorne.prins@gmail.com

Director at Large: BEVAN FORD RR1 Irma AB / T0B 2H0 780.806.1310 bevanford1976@gmail.com

Peace Region: RYAN HICKS BOX 625 McLennan AB T0H 2L0 / 780.837.0648 hicksry82@gmail.com NE Central Region: HENRY GREIDANUS 56107 Range Road 245 Sturgeon County, AB T8R 0M1 grapiaries@gmail.com South Region: DUSTIN RYAN 5543 Township Rd 302, Water Valley, AB T0M 2E0 dustin@fallentimbermeadery.ca CHC Director: RON GREIDANUS PO Box 581 Stettler AB T0C 2L0 / 403.323.0234 rongreidanus@gmail.com

The $100 Club is open to anyone wishing to contribute to the support of Alberta Beekeepers where a draw for a substantial prize will be made at the Annual Convention. Alberta Bee News is published by the Alberta Beekeepers Commision. Deadline for submissions is the 15th of each month. Our GST Registration Number is 773740089RT0001. For further information please contact Alberta Beekeepers Commission 11434 - 168 Street, #102, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5M 3T9. Tel. 780489-6949, Fax 780-487-8640. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #476579. ISSN 1191-4599. PM40010040

Director at Large: DAN PALA BOX 368 Wembley AB T0H 3S0 / 780.832.5809 d.pala@telus.net

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept. 330-123 Main St., Toronto ON M5W 1A1 email: cirdept@publisher.com The opinions expressed in the articles printed in Alberta Bee News are those of the authors and not necessarily the Alberta Beekeepers Commission. Further we do not endorse any of the products, goods or services mentioned in this publication unless specifically stated. Articles are generally published as received.

CHC Delegate: CURTIS MIEDEMA BOX 39 SITE 11 RR1 Barrhead, AB T7N1N2 miedemahoney@gmail.com 780.206.4483

2022 Platinum Sponsors

Alberta Beekeepers Commission: 11434 - 168 Street, #102 Edmonton AB / T5M 3T9 T 780.489.6949 / F 780.487.8640 www.albertabeekeepers.ca CONNIE PHILLIPS, Executive Director C 780.289.5604 connie.phillips@albertabeekeepers.ca

2021 - 2022 2

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

PRESIDENT’S REPORT B Y J E R E M Y O LT H O F

The honey flow is here, and time is limited, as will be this report. The board briefly met this month to discuss the possibility of requesting Agri-Recovery to be triggered. The decision was made to move forward along with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec in requesting this from our provincial governments. Our decision was accompanied by a very clear message that this is a last resort and that the federal government and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) had clearly failed the industry by not enabling enough stock replacement options this spring. Over the next month the board will work on collaborating with our provincial counterparts to determine a similar “ask” from the Agri-recovery program. Canadian Honey Council (CHC) director Ron Greidanus continues to actively work with the CHC at the local and national level to pressure government and CFIA to ensure Alberta beekeepers have access to safe, healthy, reliable, and cost-effective stock replacement options.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome Dustin Ryan from Fallentimber Meadery who has now been officially appointed as ABC Director representing the southern region. Dustin brings a great range of experience and expertise to the Commission and we're pleased to welcome him on-board.

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the Southern Alberta Beekeepers (SAB) meeting in Lethbridge in June, and a big thank you to Dr. Shelley Hoover and David Hill at the University of Lethbridge, TTP team, and the great international and local speakers who helped to make this event a valuable learning experience. There are a number of other industry events coming up over the next few months including Open Farm Days on August 13 & 14, and the Annual ABC Conference and Trade Show on December 1 & 2, 2022. You can find out more information about these events on page 16 and 17. Amanda and I recently attended the International Agriculture & Agri-Food Showcase that was held in Calgary as part of Calgary Stampede. This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with local government officials and industry groups and share our industry priorities and learn about potential opportunities that may benefit our industry.

I hope everyone is pulling full boxes and we will end up with a decent crop despite the forecasted drop in hive numbers and unfortunately the inevitable drop in Eligible Producers through these tough times. Jeremy Olthof

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

Honey Bee Thermoregulation

It’s important to know that not all bees thermoregulate the same. Both age and genetics3 can affect the extent to which workers contribute to keeping the colony warm. Older adults are much more tolerant to outside temperature shifts than newly emerged and unhatched bees. In addition, foragers can withstand lower temperatures than nurse bees, drones, and queens. Even so, when temperatures drop to 10 °C and below, foraging adults may start to lose neuromuscular function and enter chill-coma5. Bees older than 2 days old control the temperature of the brood comb to make up for the lack of thermoregulatory abilities in eggs, larvae and pupae1. Uncapped brood are kept between 33 and 36 °C, and pupae, which are the most cold-sensitive, are kept just around 35 °C6. To warm the brood, “heater bees” vibrate their thoracic flight muscles while on or near brood cells1 – an onerous but essential activity.

By Kat Kabanova, ABC Tech Transfer Program Summer Student

When outside temperatures rise, adult bees bring droplets of water into the hive. They then spread the droplets throughout the nest and fan their wings (Fig. 1) to evaporate the water, ultimately cooling the brood and reducing the hive temperature. This is also an essential activity, as both uncapped and capped brood will begin to die from overheating at 37 °C7. In contrast to nectar, water is not stored in the hive for later use. Therefore, having a close-by water source (such as in Fig. 2) is essential for bees to avoid spending too much time and energy on making water foraging trips in hot weather. Interestingly, bees are more attracted to water sources that have a smell to them – presumably, this indicates a higher nutritional value5. In practice, it is important to make sure that nearby water is not contaminated by insecticides or fungicides. The water source should also contain some sort of landing pad (rocks, straw, sand, etc.) to prevent the foragers from drowning during collection4.

Figure 1 Honey bees (Apis mellifera) fanning outside the hive entrance to bring cooler air in.

oney bees are a managed species, prized for their ability to make and store honey. Honey is bees’ main carbohydrate source and provides them with energy to perform all the tasks they need to continue thriving. In the tropics, honey serves as a food supply during the dry season, when flowers are scarce. In temperate climates, consumption of stored honey allows bees to continuously vibrate their thoracic and flight muscles to maintain cluster temperatures well above those outside the hive.

Figure 2 Bee yard with water barrels.

Why do bees need to thermoregulate, and how do they do it? Honey bees are heterothermic insects, meaning they can switch between producing heat (or cooling off) physiologically, and relying on external heat sources to meet their individual and collective thermoregulatory needs1. In colder conditions, bees actively “shiver” by quickly alternating contracting and relaxing their flight muscles to generate the heat they need2. As the weather warms up, bees will then rely on ectothermy gaining heat from external sources - and bask in the sun, their darker stripes helping them absorb more heat2. In the winter, bees cluster in a tight circle to retain heat. By constantly vibrating their wing muscles, they can keep the colony at a constant temperature of 15 °C to 30 °C, exact temperature depending on colony strength and brood presence5. This behaviour allows the colony to persist throughout the winter rather than dying off or entering dormancy like most insects5. Therefore, try to minimize winter inspections to avoid disrupting this finely tuned seasonal thermoregulation! 4

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

When is it too hot or too cold for bees? The exact temperature range at which adult honey bees can survive is not fixed, but rather influenced by both long-term (evolution) and short-term (local adaptation) processes4. Social insects, including bees, have not only a very high chromosomal recombination rate – the mechanism responsible for producing genetic diversity among relatives – but also tend to produce short-lived generations9. These attributes allow honey bees to evolve traits that reflect and are favoured by their changing environment at a faster pace than, say, mammals. For example, urban bees tend to have narrower temperature ranges (i.e. they cannot withstand as high or low of thermal extremes as their rural counterparts), because cities generally have more constant temperatures throughout the year4. On a larger scale, honey bee ecotypes from more stable climates (e.g. the tropics) also have narrower temperature ranges4, and can thus suffer more from extreme climatic events than the bees adapted to living in regions with more variable climates (e.g. in Canada).

Figure 3 Snow-capped hives, photo taken by Shelley Hoover. into the hive? Or is it cold outside and the workers are clustered together to retain heat? And remember – you can help bees with thermoregulation by managing them according to the season, but strong, healthy colonies have the best chance of surviving harsh winters and being maximally productive during hot summers!

Apis mellifera spp. are much more tolerant of the heat than the cold because they evolved in the tropics. Established nests of honey bees can be found in unfavourable locations exposed to high heat and low humidity, such as the oases of the Sahara and the Arizona deserts, and the only requirement for their survival is plentiful water10. In hot weather, honey bees’ body temperature increases, allowing them to suck up nectar from flowers faster, therefore reducing the time they spend foraging8.

Literature cited 1Stabentheiner A, Kovac H, Hetz SK, Käfer H, Stabentheiner G. 2012. Assessing honeybee and wasp thermoregulation and energetics – New insights by combination of flow-through respirometry with infrared thermography. Thermochim Acta. 534(4):77-86. 2Klowden MJ. 2007. Physiological Systems in Insects. Moscow (ID): Academic Press. Chapter 7, Circulatory Systems; p.357-401. 3Jones JC, Myerscough MR, Graham S, Oldroyd BP. 2004. Honey bee nest thermoregulation: diversity promotes stability. Science. 305(5682):402404. 4 Sanchez-Echeverria, Castellanos, Mendoza-Cuenca, Zuria, SanchezRojas. 2019. Reduced thermal variability in cities and its impact on honey bee thermal tolerance. PeerJ. 7:e7060. 5Caron DM, Connor LJ. 2013. Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping. Kalamazoo (MI): Wicwas Press. 6Bordier C, Dechatre H, Suchail S, Peruzzi M, Soubeyrand S, Pioz M, Pelissier M, Crauser D, Le Conte Y, Alauz C. 2017. Colony adaptive response to simulated heat waves and consequences at the individual level in honeybees (Apis mellifera). Sci Rep. 7(1):1-11. 7Stabentheiner A, Kovac H, Brodschneider R. 2010. Honeybee Colony Thermoregulation – Regulatory Mechanisms and Contribution of Individuals in Dependence on Age, Location and Thermal Stress. PLoS ONE. 5(1):e8967. 8Kovac H, Käfer H, Stabentheiner A. 2018. The energetics and thermoregulation of water collecting honeybees. J Comp Physiol. 204(9):783-790. 9Wilfert L, Gadau J, Schmid-Hempel P. 2007. Variation in genomic recombination rates among animal taxa and the case of social insects. Heredity. 98:189-197. 10 Le Conte Y, Navajas M. 2008. Climate change: impact on honey bee populations and diseases. Rev Sci Tech. 27(2):485-497. 11Kovac H, Stabentheiner A, Schmaranzer S. 2010. Thermoregulation of water foraging honeybees – Balancing of endothermic activity with radiative heat gain and functional requirements. J Insect Physiol. 56(12):1834-1845. 12Tucker KW. 1978. Abnormalities and Noninfectious Diseases. In: Morse RA, editor. Honey bee pests, predators, and diseases. Ithaca (NY): Comstock Publishing. p. 264-265. 13Abrol DP. 2006. Defensive behavious of Apis cerana F. against predatory wasps. J Apic Sci. 50(2):39-46.

Lower ambient temperatures, on the other hand, have been shown to increase brood mortality and decrease the longevity of emerged adults. If a large enough proportion of brood is chilled, the colony’s age distribution is skewed, resulting in a shortage of foragers11. If this happens, younger nurse bees may be forced to go out to collect nectar and pollen, increasing the risk of bringing diseases and pathogens into the hive and decreasing the overall honey production11. The good news is, it’s not likely that a strong colony’s brood temperatures will drop below those required for successful development, unless the colony’s population is greatly reduced after a pesticide kill11 or swarming12. Chilled brood may also arise during early spring, when there aren’t enough adult workers to keep all the brood warm during the chilly nights12. In overwintering colonies (Fig. 3), chilled brood is often found on the outside of the cluster, which is considered a normal occurrence12. When working on colonies in strong winds or at temperatures below 23 °C, it’s best to not keep the brood chambers open for too long, as this also presents an increased risk of chilling the brood5. Reducing the time a colony is left open is good practice in general, as disturbed colonies are not only less productive, but also more susceptible to diseases7. Last but not least, honey bees can use their heat-generating abilities for defense. If a wasp or a hornet intrudes the colony, hundreds of workers can surround the trespasser in a tight ball and fry them alive. Temperatures within this death ball can reach up to 47 °C2, enough to kill the hornet but still tolerable for the honey bees, whose upper temperature tolerance limit is about 4 °C higher13. Next time you look inside your colonies, take a minute to appreciate the beauty and complexity of your bees’ thermoregulatory behaviours. Are there bees fanning the outside of the entrance

The Tech Transfer Program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. 5

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

Bee Health Assurance Team Update By Samantha Muirhead, Alberta Provincial Apiculturist

1. Timing and type of treatment: • Treatments may be dependent on ambient temperature, colony strength, presence or absence of brood, number of brood chambers, and humidity. Make sure to follow the label on all treatments. • According to the survey results for fall 2021, oxalic acid sublimation was the preferred miticide (52%). In order for oxalic acid to be effective, it requires that your colonies are broodless. In 2021, because of the warm fall, most beekeepers were applying oxalic acid when the colony was still full of brood. The result was little to no drop in mite population.

Every spring Provincial Apiculturists across Canada send out an Annual Honey Bee Winterkill and Pest Management Survey to their provincial beekeepers. With the compiled information, the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) prepares a report on the status of honey bee health across the country. For more information on national results from 2020 to 2021, as well as previous years’ findings, you can go to https://capabees. com/category/extension/overwintering-losses/. The survey asks commercial beekeepers a series of questions regarding their winter losses, management practices, queen sources, and potential causes of colony loss. The survey results are important and help with forecasting emerging pest and pathogen issues, developing best management practices, and justifying the emergency registration of new miticides and medications when required, to name a few.

2. Varroa mite populations above threshold after treatment is applied: • Chemical treatments that eliminate 100% of a pest population do not exist in any industry. • If your mite population is high and the product is 90% effective, your infestation may still be above the economic threshold after treatments are applied. For example, if you have 1000 bees and 300 mites in your colony with a treatment that is 90% effective, you will still have 30 mites, after the treatment, which is over the economic threshold for both spring and fall. This may only happen in one or two colonies in an apiary with abnormally hive varroa populations but these colonies will act as a source of reinfection.

In Alberta, beekeepers on average lost an unusually high number of colonies over the 2021/2022 winter, 37%, 50.5% if you include colonies that came out of winter with less than three frames of bees. the top three causes of winter losses reported by beekeepers in the survey in order of importance were Varroa mites, weather, and poor queens. This article will focus on the number one ranking issue: Varroa mites. We will look at how Varroa may have increased winter losses, as well as a few tips on how to manage Varroa mite populations in the future. Stay tuned for a more detailed report early next year that will inform beekeepers of trends, overwintering practices, and management practices utilized by Alberta’s commercial beekeepers.

3. Miticide is no longer effective: • Beekeepers have experienced this in the past with Apistan and Checkmite, and currently there are concerns that Apivar is less effective than when it first came on the market in Canada. In 2021, the BHAT received reports about the efficacy of Apivar. Surveyed respondents reported that in the spring and fall, approximately 40% and 24% of beekeepers who used Apivar reported that that it was not effective at controlling their mite population. However, of those beekeepers, only 40% in the spring and 20% in the fall monitored before and after treatment. The Alberta Tech Transfer Team (TTT) and BHAT will be collaborating this year to determine how effective Apivar is at reducing varroa mite populations. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to the TTT. • Under/over dosing, leaving strips in the colony for longer than recommended, reusing strips, using the same miticide consecutively are all practices that decrease the efficacy of a treatment and promote the development of resistant mites.

In 2021, the Bee Health Assurance Team (BHAT) reported Varroa mite infestation levels above the economic threshold (the point at which you should apply a treatment to avoid losing income from lost colonies/honey production) in both the spring (greater than or equal to 1% mite infestation) and the fall (greater than or equal to 3% mite infestation). This was not due to beekeepers deferring treatment (100% of survey respondents treated their colonies in either the spring, fall, or both); it was because applied treatments were unable to reduce Varroa mite populations below the economic threshold before mites had done irreversible damage to colonies. One of the most important things a beekeeper can do to prevent Varroa mite levels from getting above the threshold is monitor. Monitoring should take place throughout the beekeeping season but most importantly before and after treatments are applied. This will allow a beekeeper to make informed decisions on when or if to apply a treatment, if the treatment has worked effectively, and if another application is required. Unfortunately, according to the survey results, only 60% of beekeepers in the spring and 76% in the fall monitored their colonies for Varroa mites. Of those beekeepers who monitored their colonies, only 39% of beekeepers in the spring and 48% in the fall monitored before and after treatment. This means that less than 50% of beekeepers are actually making well-informed decisions regarding Varroa management in Alberta.

Misapplication or handling of treatment. • Placing treatment in wrong location in the colony. • Leaving the strips exposed to sunlight before application. To avoid misuse of a pesticide always follow the label, familiarize yourself with the treatment application conditions, and rotate treatments. Remember monitoring is an imperative tool in an effective Varroa management program and if ignored can leave you in a situation where irreversible damage has been done to your colonies.

Monitoring is only one aspect of Varroa mite management. Other factors could be contributing to high Varroa levels in your colonies and should be considered. 6

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

CORRECTION In the June 2022 edition of Alberta Bee News magazine, details were provided of locations to buy sponges/pads in Alberta. Currently the use of Oxalic+glycerine together as a treatment for use on honey bees is not approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PRMA). Risks of using a treatment not approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency The PMRA only allows pesticides to be registered after there is a science-based evaluation that ensures the risks of applying the pesticide are acceptable. It is illegal to apply a treatment that is no approved by the PMRA. By applying, a treatment that has yet to be approved a beekeeper is putting the health and safety of themselves and their bees at risk and potentially contaminating their honey. Although studies have been done in Canada the data has yet to be published. Currently, we only have information on its efficacy in California and Argentina, where the climatic conditions are much different from those in Canada. Until PMRA approved this method we do not know the impact that it has on colony health, how many applications are ideal, if it will contaminate the honey, what medium is most effective at disseminating the compound, when to apply the treatment, or how effective it is at lowering mite populations. 7

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

Understanding What Level of New Research/ Data Would Justify CFIA Undertaking a New Risk Assessment: CFIA response The Canadian Honey Council (CHC) recently submitted a request to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to provide clarification on risk assessment determination, and what threshold of new research data is required to constitute a re-evaluation of a risk assessment. Below is a copy of the response from the CFIA, and a copy of the original CHC request letter.

CFIA RESPONSE TO CHC LETTER PRC 025180 June 23, 2022

Mr. Rod Scarlett Executive Director Canadian Honey Council #218, 51519 RR 220 Sherwood Park, AB T8H 1H1 Dear Mr. Scarlett: Thank you for your letter of June 1st, 2022, regarding the devastating overwintering losses experienced by the Canadian beekeeping industry. I understand that this is a difficult time given the winter losses and challenges facing the beekeeping sector in Canada. As you are well aware, the restrictions on the importation of bee packages from the United States (U.S.) are based on scientific risk assessments, the last one in 2014, and are intended to protect Canadian honey bee health. I appreciate that you have received a number of inquiries regarding the risk assessment and the specialists at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) considered them carefully. With regards to the small hive beetle (SHB), SHB is reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly the OIE) as being present in limited zones in Canada. Canadian provincial control programs are in place to prevent the establishment and spread of SHB. These programs are considered a control mechanism by the CFIA. The CFIA submits annual reports to the WOAH regarding the presence of WOAH-listed diseases, including SHB. This information is made available to all trading partners on the WOAH World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). Regarding varroa mites, a reduction in the efficacy of the treatments used does not necessarily equate to acaricide resistance. Based on information available, amitraz is considered an effective treatment for varroa mites and reports of reduced efficacy are not directly due to resistance, but rather to incorrect timing, application, or dosage. The CFIA will continue to monitor this issue over the next few months and will rely on provincial apiculturists to report any observed issues related to lower efficacy of amitraz. With respect to Africanized Honeybees (AHB), the CFIA has no evidence at this time that the Canadian stock is partially Africanized. However, any new scientific information available will be reviewed and be subject to consultation with experts. Based on scientific evidence and risk assessments, Canada currently allows the import of handpicked, healthy honey bee queens from the United States. For honey bee queens imported from the U.S., there are risk management measures for AHB, which consist of regional freedom and genetic testing. These measures apply to all U.S. states and are intended to mitigate the specific risk associated with the AHB. The CFIA is committed to working with the Canadian honey bee industry to provide options for the safe importation of honey bees into Canada. The CFIA will continue to evaluate any new scientific information or mitigating strategies that become available regarding the risk of imported bees from other countries.

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

I want to provide reassurances that the CFIA continues to put significant effort into exploring options to find approved sources of bee packages and queen bees internationally to provide a sustainable beekeeping sector. Thank you for taking the time to contact the CFIA. I hope the above information provides some clarification. Sincerely, Siddika Mithani, Ph.D. President Canadian Food Inspection Agency c.c.: Dr. Parthiban Muthukumarasamy, Executive Director, CFIA International Affairs Branch Dr. Jag Dhanda, Executive Director, CFIA Science Branch Dr. Clarice Lulai-Angi, Director, CFIA Science Branch Dr. Nancy Rheault, Senior Director, Animal Import Export Division

ORIGINAL CHC REQUEST LETTER Canadian Honey Council ♦ Conseil Canadien du Miel #218, 51519, RR 220 Sherwood Park, Alberta T8E 1H1 June 1, 2022 Dr. Siddika Methani President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency As you are no doubt aware, the Canadian beekeeping industry experienced devastating overwintering losses exceeding 60% in some provinces and an expected national average loss of around 50%. As a result, there has been a number of inquiries regarding risk assessments and their evaluations. While the Canadian Honey Council is in full agreement that science must be the tool in determining risk, we are unsure how that determination is made. To put this into context, we have drafted some questions and scenarios seeking clarification. Regarding small hive beetle, when the original risk assessment was done for the U.S. packaged bees (we also assume for parts of Australia and perhaps other risk assessments) the situation was quite different. In 2014, Ontario had quarantine zones in effect that limited bee movement. In later years, subsequent incursions in Quebec and B.C. were dealt with by eradication. Over time the quarantine zones were eliminated and bees from Ontario can currently move into Quebec, New Brunswick and some of the western provinces if the inspection protocols are followed and the small hive beetle risk is deemed acceptable. The enforcement of provincial legislation prohibits Ontario bees from entering Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Using the information posted by the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturalists, the timeline of events concerning small hive beetle are as follows: 2014 - No SHB found in QC in 2014 although it had been found in the province in 2011. SHB Quarantine area in ON is maintained 2015 - SHB found in the Fraser Valley in BC. SHB also found in QC & ON. ON is reporting that it will be transitioning to a strategy for SHB that focuses more on management and traceability. Regulatory responses to SHB will be based on severity of infestation and adherence to established BMPs. 2016 - Only one SHB in the BC. SHB inspection protocol 2016 supported by Western provinces. Status in QC is similar to 2015. Addition SHB finds outside the SHB quarantine zone in ON. The Apiary Program in ON continues to work with beekeepers on movement plans, and biosecurity practices to mitigate the spread of SHB. 2017 - One SHB adult found in BC near US border. Two SHB adults were found in Peace River Region of AB. The operation imported 512 bee colonies from ON without the proper written permission (permit). - As a result, a quarantine area was established. Quarantine is extended until October 1, 2018. If the SHB is not found in next year, the quarantine zone may be reduced. Addition SHB finds outside the SHB quarantine zone in ON. SHB status in QC was similar to 2016. SHB was found in NB for the first time in 2017, near colonies imported from ON. 2018 - No SHB detected in BC or AB. SHB status in QC is similar to 2017 with the addition of CFIA detected a SHB adult in a queen cage from California. SHB in ON is tracked by location rather than colonies. Lab testing is used to confirm SHB infestation in a new location. Yards that have been confirmed positive in previous years are typically not sampled for SHB. SHB overwintering in NB indoors was confirmed in 2018.

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

2019 - SHB find in ON, QC and NB are similar to 2018. 2020- Similar to 2019 2021 - Similar to 2020 During discussions with CFIA officials when the first instances of small hive beetle appeared in Canada, CFIA was indicating that as long as control mechanisms were in place, Canada would not have to declare small hive beetle endemic. If this is still the case, does CFIA consider provincial regulatory oversight a control mechanism? What prevents CFIA from declaring small hive Beetle endemic today? And if not, under what circumstances does CFIA notify international authorities and trading partners that small beetle is endemic in Canada and what implication does that have on risk assessments already completed? In discussions at the recently formed federal Working Group on Honey Bee Sustainability, participants were informed by CFIA that they had not received any new information that would force the re-evaluation of a risk or provide cause for a new risk assessment, particularly as it concerns the US packaged bees. What is confusing for beekeepers is understanding what constitutes enough change in the science to warrant risk assessment re-evaluations? When looking at Resistant American Foulbrood, the National Honey Bee Survey launched in 2014 found 4.9% of the AFB positive culture samples in Alberta tested positive for rAFB. That same year Tylosin was registered in Canada to provide an additional tool to address AFB. In 2021 Lincomycin was also registered for AFB control in Canada. Moving on to Amitraz resistance, in 2012 Apivar was granted full registration and no resistant varroa were reported anywhere in Canada according to CAPA. By 2016 there was some reporting of efficacy concerns in some provinces but further testing was needed. In 2017 more provinces indicating concerns over the efficacy of Apivar and variability of control in the field. In 2020, there was further reporting of resistance testing indicating Apivar is still effective but the efficacy can be variable. The question arises as to whether a reduction in efficacy equates to resistance? At which point would CFIA believe there is resistance in Canadian stock or has US surveillance and reporting indicated a change in the dynamics? With regards to Africanized Honey Bees (AHB), in 2014, based on a Canadian genetic survey, the DNA of bees is mostly “European” but there is some “African” genes. Regardless, Canadian bees are classified as not “Africanized”. In 2015, a new test for detecting AHBs was devised that is very accurate and reliable however, its costs were too high for mass adoption ($750 to $1000/colony). In 2017, the NBDC National Survey found AHB genetics in its tests using the mitochondrial test only (not in conjunction with a morphological test). Dr. Ernesto Guzman also blindly tested the bees and confirmed the results that the samples were AHB positive. Dr. Amro Zayed also tested for AHB nuclear DNA and found no AHB positive. The conclusion was that the proportion of ancestry is low. When does the CFIA consider Canadian stock partially Africanized? Does the importation of queens from northern California have any impact on the degree of Africanization? How effective does a protocol put in place by an exporting country have to be in response to an assessed risk? Does it need to be 80% effective, 90% or 100%. The Canadian Honey Council supports the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and its reliance on science and not outside opinions. The ability to understand how CFIA draws its conclusions would provide the industry with an important context and provides us with research opportunities and examination of potential protocols. By explaining the scientific rationale, it helps clarify outstanding issues in the beekeeping sector. If you should need any clarification or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Rod Scarlett Executive Director Canadian Honey Council cc. Parthiban Muthukumarasamy, Executive Director

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

Introducing the Canadian Beekeepers Federation

A new and ambitious organization that will represent the nation’s commercial-scale beekeepers. By Kieran Brett, Bootprint Marketing, on behalf of Canadian Beekeepers Federation Facing a series of ongoing challenges, Canada’s commercial beekeepers are calling for new approaches that will deliver progress and success for their operations in the coming years.

Technology that lags far behind what today’s commercial beekeeper needs, in areas such as hive health and extraction efficiency.

A growing number of these beekeepers are putting their support behind a new organization: the Canadian Beekeepers Federation (CBF).

A Canadian bee research program that’s under-funded and poorly managed compared to the more ambitious and extensive bee research in the U.S.

“In Canada, there is a wide gap between commercial beekeepers and hobby beekeepers,” says CBF President Mike Paradis of Paradis Honey in Girouxville, Alberta. “In fact, 20% of beekeepers manage 98% of the colonies in Canada. We represent beekeepers with between 500 hives all the way up to 15,000 hives.”

Limited and often costly chemical options to protect hives from disease and insect threats. Counterproductive trade rules between Canada and the U.S. and between Canadian provinces. “The big issue overall is that the commercial beekeeper needs to find ways to stay in business,” says Paradis. “From winter losses to trade and research, what we’re doing now in Canada isn’t working for the commercial operator. We need fresh ideas and bold action.” As Paradis and others introduce the new Canadian Beekeepers Federation to commercial operators, most are quick to jump on board. A planned website and communications campaign will raise awareness with beekeepers, associations with shared interests and government stakeholders.

Paradis explains that while the hobbyist bee movement has been positive for the industry, the needs of commercial beekeepers are starkly different. He questions whether the Canadian Honey Council is prepared and equipped to engage with commercial beekeepers’ biggest challenges. In Paradis’s view, this has taken place against a backdrop of serious production and policy issues in recent years, including: Chronically high overwintering losses, with the U.S. border closed to bee package imports and increasingly problematic air transport from the southern hemisphere.

“Right now, it’s mostly growing by word of mouth,” says Paradis. “I fully expect that, ultimately, we will have 85% of commercial producers with us. We are working to advance the interests of the commercial beekeeper in Canada and we are here to stay.”

Inexpensive, poor-quality imported honey taking market share from pure, authentic Canadian honey.

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

• 4 regional directors, one regional director being elected for each region; • 5 Directors at Large

ABC ELIGIBLE PRODUCER NEWS

We are seeking nominations from 2022 Eligible Producers for the following positions: • 4 Director at Large positions • Regional Director: Peace Region • Regional Director: NW Region

If you or another eligible producer you know are looking to take an active role in supporting a healthy and sustainable beekeeping industry, nominate now for ABC Director. As a director of ABC, you will be required to provide direction for the health of the industry by participating in regular board meetings (8 to 10 per year), monthly teleconferences, board committees, and support other organizational efforts of ABC. Please download and complete the BOD Nomination Form here: Board of Directors Nomination Form – 2022/2023

2022 Registration of Hives

If you have not registered your bees and/or beekeeping equipment for 2022, please take a moment to visit the Government of Alberta Honey bee health and apiculture page via https://www.alberta.ca/bees-and-apiculture.aspx to register. For troubleshooting, questions, or help, please contact:

As per the Alberta Beekeepers Commission Bylaws, nominations for the position of director may also be made on the floor at the at 2022 AGM where the election for the positions are to be conducted, provided that:

Bee Health Assurance Team Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 1-780-644-8746, bee@gov.ab.ca

• the nomination is seconded by at lease five eligible producers present at the meeting, • and the eligible producer being nominated gives his or her oral consent to being nominated.

www.alberta.ca/bees-and-apiculture.aspx

Notice of 2022 ABC Annual General Meeting The Alberta Beekeepers Commission Annual General Meeting (AGM) is taking place at the Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 1:00pm – 5:00pm. This event is only open to Eligible Producers of the ABC. Free registration for this event will open shortly. For more information please visit: https://www.albertabeekeepers.

Resolutions Please take a moment to review the NEW ABC Resolution Policy that outlines the requirements and guidelines for submitting a resolution.

ca/about/2022-abc-annual-general-meeting/ Nominations for the 2022/2023 ABC Board of Directors

To submit a resolution, please download and complete the 2022 ABC Resolution submission form. All completed resolutions must be received by ABC by Wednesday, November 16, 2022 (10 days prior to the AGM).

The Alberta Beekeepers Commission (ABC) is seeking six new board members to join the ABC Board of Directors this November 2022. The ABC board of directors is comprised of nine directors as outlined in the ABC Plan Regulation, including:

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

Public Liability Insurance In partnership with the Cooperators General Insurance Company, ABC offers a limited form of business liability to subscribing Eligible Producers. If you are interested in learning more and taking advantage of the special ABC negotiated rate, please visit our website for all the policy info and application form:

Recipe of the Month Mint Chocolate Coconut Pops

https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/ producer-resources/insurance/

Enjoy our dairy-free version of a classic ice cream flavor

Recipe courtesy of Blue Flame Kitchen www.atcoblueflamekitchen.com/en-ca/recipes-menus/ recipes/mint-chocolate-coconut-pops.html INGREDIENTS

• 1 can well-stirred canned coconut milk (13 1/2 oz/ 400 mL) • 1 cup dark chocolate chips • 1/4 cup liquid honey • 2 tsp mint extract

2022 ABC Annual Hive Levy Invoicing Schedule The ABC’s Fiscal Year is September 1 to August 31. The ABC will commence invoicing beekeepers (Eligible Producers) the annual hive levy and membership fee in September 2022. Annual hive levy invoices will be emailed and posted in hard copy to all Eligible Producers with 100 or more live colonies. For more information about the annual service charge and the regulations that govern the Commission, please visit:

https://www.albertabeekeepers. ca/producer-resources/industryregulations/

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat coconut milk, chocolate chips and honey in a small pot over heat until chocolate chips are melted. Whisk in mint extract until well-combined. 2. Pour coconut mixture into freezer pop moulds, leaving a 1/4 inch head space. Freeze until firm, about 24 hours. 3. Remove freezer pop moulds from freezer and run under warm water. This helps loosen popsicles. Alternatively, soak moulds in hot water for 30 seconds. Remove popsicles from moulds. Serve immediately. Nutritional analysis per serving: 238 calories, 17 g fat, 2 g protein, 24.7 g carbohydrate, 1.4 g fibre, \9 mg sodium Tip: We used freezer pop moulds that held a 1/4 cup volume each. 13

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

Historical Beekeeping Statistics in Alberta By Dr. Shelley Hoover, University of Lethbridge It is July as I write this, and the nectar is flowing. I am hearing about canola plants missing flowers due to early season environmental stress, hopefully the recent rains allow the plants to recover and bloom profusely. With the high colony mortality experienced across the province this spring, and the heavy splitting beekeepers did as a result, I hope it is a good crop, and we get high prices. But what is a good crop? A good price? I took advantage of a rainy day to delve into the Statistics Canada data (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/ tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3210035301) on honey production and beekeeping in Alberta, which extends as far back as 1924.

Similar to trends in other sectors of agriculture, we have seen consolidation, with fewer beekeepers now operating more colonies than in the past. There are clear “blips” of interest, for example in Figure 1 you can see the increase in the number of beekeepers during and shortly after World War II, with the peak number of beekeepers in the province occurring in 1946, when we had 11,000 beekeepers. You can also see a decline in both the number of beekeepers and colonies in the late 1980’s with the closure of the border to US packages and the introduction of Varroa.

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

The peak number of colonies in contrast, occurred recently, in 2021, with 317,500 colonies in operation in the province. Interestingly, despite the increase in the number of colonies, the average honey production per colony has not shown a decline (Figure 2). If anything, the production has become more consistent, with no production years averaging below 100 lbs since 1975. Although peak production was in 1930 (223 lbs per colony), the mean per colony production over the past 98 years is 128 lbs, with 122 lbs per colony the mean per colony honey production in Alberta for the past 10 years. The peak production for the province was achieved in 2006, with 46,736,000 lbs honey produced that year.

If we index historical honey prices to 2022 (Figure 3), we can see trends in honey prices, and a couple notable periods can be seen. The first is the high prices from 1940-48, which reflect the consequences of World War II. The second is soaring honey prices in 1971-73, after President Nixon ended the convertibility of the US dollar to gold in August 1971. “Nixon shock” as it was termed, dramatically altered international financial exchange, and resulted in the current system of floating exchange rates. The 98-year average is $1.87 per lb in 2022 dollars. Stats Canada has reported high prices so far in 2022 (YTD to Japan $3.08, USA $3.07). My fingers are crossed for a good year, both in production and price.

Honey Price ($2022 CDN)

Honey Price ($2022, indexed by inflation) 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00 1920

1940

1960

1980

2000

2020

Year

Figure 3. Price of honey, per lb, indexed to inflation to $2022 CDN (total value / total production). Mean price for the period 1925-2021 was $1.87 (dots in green space are at or above this price, dots in red space are below this price).

Alberta Open Farm Days 2022: It Takes a Hive August 13 & 14, 2022 By Alberta Open Farm Days For Alberta Open Farm Days 10th anniversary this year, we wanted to recognize that farming is dependent on many things, such as community, family, and on other farm products. What better way to symbolize that than with one of our favourite pollinators, the honey bee. The bee and its hive demonstrates how much farming is interdependent. Bees pollinate the fruits, the vegetables, legumes, and without bees, much of what we eat wouldn’t be here.

WE’LL PROTECT THE FUTURE TOGETHER.

This year we are delighted to share our artisan product – Honey Fluff! A celebration of our highly valued Alberta local honey found dotted across the province combined with local sugar beet sugar, grown and processed in southern Alberta. This sweet little throwback treat is a unique product with a fun new twist.

AFSC has your back with a personalized portfolio of crop insurance, farm income stabilization, and lending products to protect you from the unexpected … and provide a future on the farm.

AFSC.ca

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

Alberta Open Farm Days 2022: It Takes a Hive August 13 & 14, 2022 By Alberta Open Farm Days

For Alberta Open Farm Days 10th anniversary this year, we wanted to recognize that farming is dependent on many things, such as community, family, and on other farm products. What better way to symbolize that than with one of our favourite pollinators, the honey bee. The bee and its hive demonstrates how much farming is interdependent. Bees pollinate the fruits, the vegetables, legumes, and without bees, much of what we eat wouldn’t be here. This year we are delighted to share our artisan product – Honey Fluff! A celebration of our highly valued Alberta local honey found dotted across the province combined with local sugar beet sugar, grown and processed in southern Alberta. This sweet little throwback treat is a unique product with a fun new twist.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and place the bottom

Honey Fluff is like candy floss, but instead of using sugar as the main ingredient we used a combination of Alberta Honey and local sugar beet sugar as the main ingredients.

6. 7.

The taste of Honey Fluff is similar to that of traditional candy floss, but so much better. You can really taste the difference. It’s just as sweet as regular candy floss, but with a touch of honey.

Cotton Candy Machines

Here’s how you can make your own Honey Floss.

There are a variety of machines for day rental or for purchase. For personal use cotton candy machines, try a small amount first to see if the Honey Fluff is compatible with the machine. Do not let the machine over heat and make in batches.

1. In a medium bowl, set up an ice bath with equal parts water and ice. Set aside.

2. Add sugar, corn syrup, honey, and water to a 3. 4.

of the pan in the ice bath for 30 seconds, to stop the cooking process. On a lined baking tray, pour the honey candy carefully and let it sit to cool. Once cool, crack into small pieces, place in vitamix and blend into honey sugar. Product should be very fine powder – similar to sugar. Pour powder into an airtight container.

medium saucepan. Do not get anything on the side of the pan,so no splashing or dripping! Place pan over medium-low heat, bring to a boil, stirring gently without splashing, until the sugar dissolves. Boil for approximately 40 minutes, or until the candy thermometer reads 310°F. Do a quick water test, by dripping a bit of the mixture into the ice water you have set aside. If the little drop sets hard it is ready. If it is still soft, it needs to cook longer.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Pour Honey Sugar into the centre spinner. Turn the Candy Switch to ON. The floss will start to spin. Each machine will vary in instructions, but the procedure is basically the same for each.

What to do with your Honey Fluff? You can gobble it up just as you would with candy floss. 16

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

SAVE THE DATE 2022 ABC Conference & Trade Show December 1 & 2, 2022 Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta We are pleased to extend an invitation to all beekeepers, industry, exhibitors, and sponsors to join us at the 88th Annual ABC Conference & Trade Show event, taking place at the Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, this December 1 & 2, 2022. The annual ABC Conference and Trade Show is viewed as one of the top beekeeping industry events in Canada, providing beekeepers with the perfect opportunity to learn the latest in honey bee health research, best management practices, innovation, industry updates, and connect with friends, suppliers, and industry. The 2022 Conference and Trade Show event is two full days of informative, engaging, and entertaining sessions and activities, so head over to our website to discover the line-up of this year’s speakers and event information to date: https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/ about/2022-conference-trade-show/

Tickets on-sale shortly! 17

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

NOD APIARY PRODUCTS

August 2022

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

PLEASANT VALLEY HONEY LTD. (SW 15 46 27 W4) requires: Four APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 2-3 years (seasons) experience working on a Canadian style commercial apiary in the min. capacity of Apiary Worker or General Farm Worker with employment March thru November 2023 ($15.42 -$19/ hr depending on exp.) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/controls; harvest and fill honey barrels and containers; supervise small teams of workers; driving and daily maintenance of vehicles; operate and maintain other apiary equipment; conduct bee yard maintenance; keep some field production records. A motor vehicle operator's licence with no serious infractions, recognized by the Province of Alberta and major insurance companies is required. Six APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year (season) experience and with employment March thru November 2023 ($15.42-$17/hr depending on exp.) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; assisting Technicians with bees and equipment; assisting with harvesting honey; assisting with the bee yard and equipment maintenance. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honey bees. All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. Ability to speak English is an asset. Contact Ryan Olthof at 272072 Highway 13, Falun , AB; mail to RR1, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1W8; or email at pvhpbees@gmail.com.

PALA’S VITAMIN HONEY FARM in Wembley, AB for the 2023 season is seeking 4 positions for Apiary Technician (NOC 8431), $16.00$22.00/hr with 2 years experience minimum, in a commercial Apiary. Wages depend on experience. Major duties: knowledge of hive management, disease diagnoses and prevention, weekend work and evenings. Also require 4 positions for an Apiary Worker (NOC 8431), $15.65-$18.50/ hr experience required. Major duties include assisting Apiary Technician with all duties working with bees. Some weekend and evening work if needed. Physically demanding work (40 hours + a week). Both positions start February 1-November 15, 2023. Staff accomm available. Contact Dan Pala, 721042 Hwy 724. Wembley, AB d.pala@telus.net, phone 780-832-5809, fax 780-766-3009

We are located at 833071 RR231 Grimshaw, AB Canada. Please contact Mighty Peace Honey PO Box 1759 Grimshaw, AB Canada T0H 1W0. Rob 780 332 4862 or Fax 780 332 4822 or email andrewdicksonbeekeeper@gmail.com

BUSY BEE FARM LTD. near Hay Lakes, Alberta, requires Four Apiary Labourers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience in commercial beekeeping, wages ranging from $15.50 - $17.50/ hour; Also required is Fifteen Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431) with a minimum of three years of experience in Canadian commercial beekeeping, wages ranging from $17.50 - $23.50/hour. All positions are fulltime (45+ hours/week) for the February 1st – October 31st, 2023 season and involve the work and care of honeybees for honey production and pollination services. All applicants should be physically fit and able to perform work in a team environment. Having a valid driver’s license and the ability to speak English will be considered an asset. Wages are negotiable depending on experience. On-Farm accommodations are available. Applications can be emailed to Mike deJong at busybee@telus.net Busy Bee Farm Ltd, 48549 Range Road 224, Hay Lakes, Alberta T0B 1W0

MIGHTY PEACE HONEY Requires one Apiary Supervisor, NOC 8252, for full time (40+ hrs/ wk, $20-$24/hr depending on experience) year-round employment starting in March 2023. Must have a minimum of 5 seasons working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial operation. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls; supervise extracting lines; supervise small to medium teams of workers; drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintain vehicles; operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts & pumps and extracting equipment); conduct bee yard maintenance; keep field and/or production records; Accommodation available. We are located at 833071 RR231 Grimshaw, AB Canada. Please contact Mighty Peace Honey PO Box 1759 Grimshaw, AB Canada T0H 1W0. Rob 780 332 4862 or Fax 780 332 4822 or email mightypeacehoney@gmail.com MIGHTY PEACE HONEY Requires Six Apiary Technicians, NOC 8431, for full time (40+ hrs/ wk) employment ($16-$20/hr depending on experience) February thru October 2023. Must have a minimum of 2 seasons working full-time on a Canadian style commercial operation. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls; harvest & package honey & beeswax; supervise small teams of workers; drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintain vehicles; operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts & pumps); conduct bee yard maintenance; keep some field and/or production records; Accommodation available. 19

SWEETHEART POLLINATORS/JANEIL ENT INC 7 km SW of Eatonia, Saskatchewan is seeking applicants for 16 Full Time Apiary Workers (40+hrs/wk) seasonal employment for 2023 season. 5 positions start in March - Oct, 6 positions start in April - Oct remaining start in June – Sept, 2023. Wages will be range from $15.50 - $20.00 per hour, depending on experience. Duties include; caring for honeybee colonies, moving beehives into and out of canola pollination fields, monitoring and controlling bee health, honey harvesting and extraction, construction of new beehive equipment, maintain and repair equipment, all duties associated with a Canadian style commercial apiary. Some evening & weekend work required. Applicants must be in good physical conditions (able to lift up to 70 lbs) and able to work in a team environment. Must be able to work in the presence of bees and have no bee sting allergies. A valid driver’s license is required. Ability to operate a fork lift is an asset. Ability to speak English is an asset. Staff accommodations may be available. Please fax: (306) 967-2841, mail: Sweetheart Pollinators Box 155, Eatonia, SK S0L 0Y0 or Email: pollinators@ sasktel.net your resume with references Attn: Neil Specht POELMAN APIARIES LTD.located near Fort Macleod, AB (102007A Range Rd 254) has the following positions available for the 2023 season: 6 SUPERVISORS (SKILLED WORKER, NOC 8252) with a minimum of 5 years(seasons) experience working at a Canadian apiary. Employment needed from March through October 2023; wage starting at $16.50 - $17.50 (depending on exp. with possible bonus) (40 + hrs/week). Duties will include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/controls; harvest and fill honey barrels and containers; supervise small teams of workers; driving of vehicles; operate and maintain other apiary equipment; conduct bee yard maintenance. 18 TECHNICIAN/ WORKERS (LOW SKILL WORKER, NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1-2 years experience. Employment needed from April through November 2023; wage starting at $15.50$16.50 (depending on exp. with a possible bonus) (40 + hrs/week). Duties will include:

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

August 2022

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; assisting Technicians with bees and equipment; assisting with harvesting honey; assisting with the bee yard and equipment maintenance. 6 GENERAL FARM LABOURERS (LOW SKILL WORKER, NOC 8431) experience is an asset but will be trained. Employment needed for April through November 2023; wage starting at $15.50 per/hour (with possible bonus) (40 + hrs/week). Duties will include: Supering and harvesting honey, cleaning honey extraction and storage equipment, barrel moving prep, filling and storage, manufacture and assemble and maintain hive equipment, and bee yard maintenance. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Housing is available. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honey bees. All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. Ability to speak English is an asset. Email resumes to pollenpal@gmail.com attention Poelman Apiaries or fax to 403-687-2410 or mail to Box 1887 Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0.

at 780 835 2115 or tegarthoney@ telus.net; PO Box 904, Fairview, AB T0H 1L0

yard and equipment maintenance. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honey bees. All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. Ability to speak English is an asset. Contact Jeremy Olthof at 23318Hwy 50, Tees, AB; mail to RR1, Tees, AB T0C 2N0; or email at teesbeesinc@gmail.com

GOLDEN EARS APIARIES INC in Mission, BC, is seeking 11 Apiary Supervisors at $15.21/hr, starting Feb 1,2023 until Oct. 31/2023, working 40+ hrs/ week. Apiary Supervisors must have a minimum of 3 seasons working full time (40+hr/wk) in a Canadian style commercial beekeeping operation, and must have a good understanding of honeybee management and have the ability to independently assess hive health and make decisions regarding individual hive management. All positions do require some evening, night and weekend work. All applicants should be able to work in a team environment. English is an asset as well as a valid driving license. Work will be in southern BC ( Fraser Valley). Contact Carolyn Shipley at jmcshipley@shaw.ca. TEGART APIARIES is seeking 3 APIAIRY WORKERS with min 2+ years experience at a Canadian Commercial apiary operation. (@ $15.65-$16.40/ hr with possible bonus) for July 10, 2023 to November 15, 2023. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team. Successful applicants must be accustomed to working with honey bees & have a good understanding of colony management, bee equipment maintenance & honey extracting/ beeswax processing. Apiary workers can expect on average 45+ hrs/week. Accom. available. Some evening & night work will be required. Main work location is Tegart Apiaries Honey Farms is located 2.5 miles from Fairview, Alberta (30024 TWP RD 820). Position may require travel to Harrison Mills, B. C. for spring and fall hive work (small travel allowance and accommodations provided) For more details or to apply, contact Dan Tegart directly

MCW APIARIES has two positions available for Apiary Technician (NOC8431) starting February 1st to October 31st 2023. Must have at least three years of commercial beekeeping experience with wage staring at $18/hr, accommodation available if required, must have a valid driver's license. Hours are 45 hours per week with some weekends and evenings. Duties include doing and overseeing such tasks as feeding, medicating, spring brood management, queen rearing, making nucs, honey harvesting and moving hives. Contact Mike by fax at 780 624 9408 or mcwap@abnorth.com. We are located at 84172 Range Rd 204 East of Peace River near the hamlet of St Isidore. MCW APIARIES has two positions available for Apiary Workers (NOC 8431), starting February 1st to October 31st, 2023. Must have at least one year of experience and a valid driver's license. Accommodation available if required. Wages starting at $15.65/hr with some evening and weekend work. Hours are 45 hours per week with some evening and weekends, the job involves doing such tasks as feeding, edicating, honey harvesting and moving hives. Contact Mike by fax at 780 624 9408 or mcwap@ abnorth.com. We are located at 84172 Range Rd 204. East of Peace River near the hamlet of St Isidore. TEES BEES INC. requires: Three APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 2-3 years (seasons) experience working on a Canadian style commercial apiary in the min. capacity of Apiary Worker or General Farm Worker with employment March thru October 2023 ($15.65$19/ hr depending on exp. with possible bonus) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls; harvest and fill honey barrels and containers; supervise small teams of workers; driving and daily maintenance of vehicles; operate and maintain other apiary equipment; conduct bee yard maintenance; keep some field production records. A motor vehicle operator's licence with no serious infractions, recognized by the Province of Alberta and major insurance companies is required. Five APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year (season) experience and with employment March thru October 2023 ($15.65$17/ hr depending on exp. with possible bonus) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; assisting Technicians with bees and equipment; assisting with harvesting honey; assisting with the bee 20

SWAN APIARIES are seeking workers for the 2023 season, February 20- October 31 2023, 12 Apiary workers (NOC 8431) and 2 Apiary Technicians(NOC 8253) in the Westlock area. Applicants for apiary worker must have a minimum 1 year (season) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary operation as an Apiary Worker. The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from mid February to mid October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician. The rate of pay is $15.65-$16.00/hr (depending on experience) for apiary worker. Applicants for Apiary Technicians (NOC 8253) must have a minimum of 3 years experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($17-$19/hr depending on experience). The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from mid February to mid October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations with the assistance of the Apiary Workers. The ability to operate and maintain equipment utilized in the beekeeping industry and keep accurate records for monitoring hive health is essential to the position. The positions are full time and may require evening and weekend work(45hrs+/wk) . Applicants must be in good physical condition as it is physically demanding work. Staff accommodations available. A valid driver’s licence will be considered an asset. Apply with resume to Hendrik Greidanus at Swan Apiaries, 520 4ST SW High River, T1V 1B6 or fax resume to 403-652-7683 GREIDANUS HONEY MILL We require 5 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary to work in Northern Saskatchewan ($15.65/hr) in 2023. The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from early March to late October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies and the ability to speak English are considered assets. Staff accommodations are available in Northern Saskatchewan. Production bonus may apply. We are seeking workers for the 2023 beekeeping season near High River, AB. All positions will be available on a seasonal basis. Production bonus may apply. All applicants must be physically fit

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

O D E M I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Y O U R PA R T N E R IN SALES WE BUY HONEY & WAX ASK FOR SÉBASTIEN OR PHILLIPE 1 800 567-3789 | info@honey.ca | odem.ca

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

NEW FORMULA From Vita Bee Health Vita Diagnostic kits for the early detection of European Foulbrood & American Foulbrood

The New

It is vitally important to detect EFB and AFB as early as possible in order to prevent its further spread to healthy colonies.

oxytet formulation for bees from Vita BeeHealth Canada is now available from your veterinarian.

Vita’s two quick and effective diagnostic kits, developed with Central Science Laboratory enable every beekeeper and veterinarian to test for the presence of EFB or AFB in bee colonies.

FUMAGILIN- B

Available as 100g sachets for small holdings or 400g tubs and 10kg pails for commercial use.

www

vitabeehealth.com

780-676-0239

vitabeehealth

TO PREVENT NOSEMA IN HONEY BEES Effective against Nosema apis and N. ceranae

healthybeeguide.com

@vitabeehealth

August 2022

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

and willing to work in a team environment. Staff accommodations are available. We require 4 Apiary Technicians (NOC 8253) with a minimum of 3 years experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($17-$19/hr depending on experience). The position is full time (40+ hrs/ week) from mid February to mid October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations with the assistance of the Apiary Workers. The ability to operate and maintain equipment utilized in the beekeeping industry and keep accurate records for monitoring hive health is essential to the position. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies is required for these positions. The ability to speak & write in English are assets. We require 4 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($15.50-$16.50/hr depending on experience). The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from mid February to mid October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies and the ability to speak English are considered assets. We require 4 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($15.65/hr). The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from late March to late October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies and the ability to speak English are considered assets. We require 10 Apiary Labourers (NOC 8431 - $15.65/hr) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary. The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from beginning of June to late Oct. Major duties involve all aspects of harvesting honey and processing beeswax. The ability to speak English is considered an asset. Apply with resume to Grace Strom at The Greidanus Honey Mill, Box 5504, High River, AB T1V 1M6 or fax resume to 403-652-7683

reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatments/controls. Moving hives as required;harvest, extract and package honey, lead small teams of workers, drive and maintain vehicles, operate and maintain other beerelated equipment such as forklifts, conduct bee yard maintenance, general cleaning of working/production areas. Must have avalid driver's license. These positions are from March 15, 2023 thru October 31, 2023.2 APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) Full time (40+ hrs/week) $15.75 -18/hr depending on experience. Minimum 1 year experience. Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, assisting technicians with bees and equipment, assisting with moving bees, assisting with honey harvest, extraction and packaging, assisting with bee yard and equipment maintenance, cleaning of working/production areas. These positions are from April 15, 2023 thru October 31,2023. 2 CASUAL FARM LABOURERS starting @ $16.00 / hr. Duties include: working with cattle, honey bees, farm organization/production, operating farm equipment, and general maintenance of the farm and equipment. These positions are from June 1,2023 thru October 31, 2023. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. All positions may require some night and weekend work. All applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees, be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. On farm housing is available. Resumes: rongreidanus@ gmail.com or via mail to: Greidanus Honey Bee Farm c/o 1005271 Alberta LTD, Box 1581, Stettler, Alberta, T0C 2L0

October 2023. Accommodations are provided. The positions are full time, 44+ hrs per week. Some weekend and night work may be required. The workers must have 1+ years working in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include but are not limited to: Assisting with care, splitting and managing honey bee colonies, monitoring and controlling colony health, woodwork for new and repairing of bee equipment, honey harvesting and extraction, and winter preparation and wrapping. Please contact: gulllakehoney@ gmail.com or 780-916-2263.

GREIDANUS HONEY-BEE FARM in Stettler, Alberta is accepting applications for the 2023 season on a seasonal full-time basis. The following positions need to be filled: 4 APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) Full time employment (40+ hrs/week) $17-$18.50/ hr depending on experience. Must have minimum 2 years of experience working full time on a commercial honeybee farm. Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment;recognizing,

GULL LAKE HONEY COMPANY in Lacombe County (41113 Rg Rd 282 - 18 Kms west of Lacombe, AB) is looking for (1) Supervisor ($18-$22/hr + possible bonuses NOC 8253) for employment March – October 2023. Accommodations are provided. The position is full time, 44+ hrs per week. Some weekend and night work may be required. The Supervisor must have 3+ years working in a Canadian commercial apiary working as a supervisor. Duties include but are not limited to: Supervise and train other workers in caring for, splitting and managing honey bee colonies, monitoring and controlling colony health, moving bee colonies to new bee yards, woodwork for new and repairing of bee equipment, honey harvesting and extraction, and winter preparation and wrapping. Canadian Drivers licence is required. We are also hiring (3) Apiary Workers ($15.50-$17/hr + possible bonuses - NOC 8431) for employment March – 23

CHRISTENSEN BEE RANCH LTD. located in Mallaig Alberta is seeking two Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year of commercial beekeeping experience. The positions are full time seasonal work from April to October. Wages for this position are between $15.65 and $19 per hour depending on experience. Duties include assisting with spring, summer and fall beehive management, moving hives, harvesting and extracting honey, driving and maintaining trucks, forklifts, pumps, leaf blowers and chain saws. All applicants must be in good physical condition, be able to work in a team environment and have a valid driver’s licence. Contact Paul Christensen by email at christensenbeeranch@gmail.com SWEETHEART POLLINATORS/JANEIL ENT. INC. , located 7 km SW of Eatonia, Saskatchewan, requires an APIARY SUPERVSOR (NOC 8252) year round employment starting in March, 2023. Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years (seasons) experience at a Canadian Style Commercial Pollination Apiary. Wage is $18.00 – 25.00 per hour depending on experience with a possible seasonal bonus. Duties include: Supervise and train other workers in caring for honeybee colonies, preparing and moving bees into and out of pollination fields, monitoring and controlling bee health, honey harvesting and extraction, construction of new beekeeping equipment, maintain and repair equipment, all duties associated with a Canadian style commercial apiary. Prepare and keep all field and production records. Operate extracting plant to CFIA regulations and keep all required records. Some evening and weekend work required. Applicants must be in good physical condition and able to lift up to 70 lbs, also able to work in a team environment. Must be able to work in the presence of bees and have NO BEE STING ALERGIES. A valid drivers license is required. Ability to operate a fork lift is an asset as well as ability to speak English. Staff accommodations may be available. Please fax (306)967-2841, or email Sweetheart.Pollinator@sasktel.net your resume with references, Attn: Neil Specht

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

August 2022

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

PARADIS VALLEY HONEY LTD Apiary in Watino, AB (NE-34-77-24-W5); requires the following for the 2023 season. 6-Apiary Technicians (NOC8431) $15.65/hr. Apiary technician applicants must have a minimum 3 years experience with commercial beekeeping and are expected to work effectively unsupervised. Experience driving trucks and a clean driving record are assets. These 6 positions are seasonal/full-time positions from Feb 1, 2023 to Nov 1, 2023 with 40-50 hours per week. Hours of work are dependent on weather conditions. No formal education is needed for. Successful candidates will take part in the break-down and re-building of live bee colonies, honey harvest, honey extraction, collection of bee pollen and seasonal feeding of hives. On-site farm housing is available. Interested applicants can apply my emailing resumes to info@paradisvalleyhoney.com

resume to Daryl or Sharon Lynes, Lynes Apiaries Ltd., P.O. Box 272, Clyde, Alberta T0G 0P0. Email: sdlynes@hotmail.com

hour, depending on experience. Possible bonus may also apply. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies, moving beehives into an out of canola pollination fields, monitoring and controlling bee health issues, honey harvesting and extraction, construction of new beehive equipment, all duties associated with a Canadian style commercial apiary. Preference will be given to applicants that have a valid drivers licence recognised by the province of Alberta. Ability to drive a lift truck is an asset. Ability to speak English is an asset, must be physically fit, & be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment. Staff accommodations available. Please fax, mail, or email your resume to Mountainview Honey, Attn: Terry Greidanus, at Box 126 Cayley, AB, T0L 0P0. or jobs@mountainviewhoney.com

LYNES APIARIES LTD. (61118 Range Road 251) has 7 positions available for Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431). Applicants must have two years of Apiary technician experience. The rate of pay is $15.65-$18.00/hr., depending on experience. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees and will assist with colony management and honey extraction and processing. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies and coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment. Also: recognizing, reporting, monitoring and controlling hive health issues. These positions are available from March to October 2023 (45+ hours per week). All positions may require some evening and weekend work. A valid driver's license may be required. Applicants must be physically fit and willing to work in a team environment. Staff accommodations will be provided. Apply with a resume to Daryl or Sharon Lynes, Lynes Apiaries Ltd., P.O. Box 272, Clyde, Alberta T0G 0P0. Email: sdlynes@hotmail.com LYNES APIARIES LTD. (61118 Range Road 251) has 10 positions available for Apiary Workers (NOC 8431). Applicants must have a minimum 1 year apiary work experience. The rate of pay is $15.65-$16.00/hr. depending on experience. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees. Duties include: assisting Technicians with bees and equipment, harvesting honey and extracting. Also: bee yard and equipment maintenance. These positions are available from July to September 2023 (45+ hours per week). All positions may require some evening and weekend work. A valid driver's license may be required. Applicants must be physically fit and willing to work in a team environment. Staff accommodations will be provided. Apply with a

DEJONG’S HONEY FARM BROOKS, AB requires four general farm workers (NOC 8431) from March 20, 2023 to November 1, 2023. $16/hr. 30 to 60 hours a week. Must be willing to do some weekend work. Three years beekeeping experience a necessity. Specific skills include apiary work, queen management, harvesting honey, assemble, maintain, and clean supers and frames, and work around bees. Work is fast paced, repetitive, and physically demanding. Must be a team player, able to operate a lift truck, and automatic honey extractor. Valid drivers license is an asset. Located in isolated rural area. WCB coverage is provided. Worker accommodation is available. Location is #9 Hajash 190012 RR 142. Fax resume to 1-403-362-6506, call 1-403-501-4226 or email dejongshoney@gmail.com MOUNTAINVIEW HONEY near Cayley, Alberta is seeking interested applicants for 3 positions as Apiary Supervisor NOC 8252 (40+ hrs/ wk) seasonal employment. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years (seasons) experience working in a Canadian style commercial apiary environment with a minimum of 3 years as an Apiary Technician. Wages will be set by the NOC guidelines approx. $16.00 - $19.00 per hour, depending on experience. Possible bonus may also apply. Duties will include Supervising and working with Apiary technicians, caring for honeybee colonies, moving beehives into an out of canola pollination fields, monitoring and controlling bee health issues, honey harvesting and extraction, construction of new beehive equipment, all duties associated with a Canadian style commercial Apiary. Must be able to drive a lift truck. The applicant must have a valid drivers licence recognised by the province of Alberta. Ability to speak English is an asset, must be physically fit, & be prepared to work in a fastpaced team environment. Staff accommodations available. Please fax, mail, or email you resume to Mountainview Honey, Attn: Terry Greidanus, at Box 126 Cayley, AB, T0L 0P0. or jobs@ mountainviewhoney.com MOUNTAINVIEW HONEY near Cayley, Alberta is seeking interested applicants for 4 positions as Apiary Technician NOC 8431 (40+ hrs/wk) seasonal employment. The applicant must have a minimum of 2 years (seasons) experience working in a Canadian style commercial apiary environment with a minimum of 3 years as an Apiary Technician. Wages will be set by the NOC guidelines approx. $15.65 - $16 per 24

GREIDANUS FARMS INC.at Granum, AB requires 17 general farm workers (NOC 8431) from March 9, 2023 to November 9, 2023. $15.65/ hr. 30 to 72 hours a week. Possible bonus. Must be willing to do some weekend work. Three years beekeeping experience a necessity. Specific skills include apiary work, queen management, harvesting honey, preparing honey for market, assemble, maintain, and clean supers and frames, and work around bees. Work is fast paced, repetitive, and physically demanding. Must be a team player, able to operate a lift truck and automatic honey extractor. Valid drivers license is an asset. Located in isolated rural area. WCB coverage provided. Worker accommodation is available. Fax resume to 403-687-2375 or e-mail ggreidanus@hotmail.com. GREIDANUS APIARIES in Sturgeon County, Alberta for the 2023 season from March to November. Requiring four (4) Apiary Labourers, four (4) Apiary Workers and six (6) Apiary Technicians. Seeking four (4) Apiary Labourers at $15.65/hr for seasonal/full time position. (54.00 hrs/wk) As Apiary Labourer you are required in all manual labour of the Apiary as directed. Main duties involve all aspects of harvesting honey and processing beeswax. Apiary Labourer must have a minimum of one year of experience. Seeking four (4) Apiary Workers at $16.00/hr for seasonal/full time position. (54.00 hrs/wk) As Apiary Worker you are required to assist management and apiary technician with beehive maintenance, this involves cleaning, checking, treating and feeding colonies, honey harvesting and extracting. Apiary Worker must have a minimum of one year of experience. Seeking six (6) Apiary Technicians at $18.00/hr for seasonal/ full time position. (54.00 hrs/wk) As Apiary Technician you are required to work with, supervise and instruct other employees. Other requirements include maintaining field records, monitoring and reporting to management.

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

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August 2022

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

Apiary Technicians must have a minimum of two years of experience. Accomm for all positions are provided. Bonuses apply. Email grapiaries@ gmail.com. Greidanus Apiaries Ltd. 56107 Range Road 245, Sturgeon County, AB, T8R 0M1

season full time experience in a commercial apiary, and have knowledge to assist technicians with hive management, building and repairing bee equipment, placement/pick-up of pollination equipment, and honey harvest / extraction/processing. Must be able to maintain hive equipment, bee yard and storage facilities. Apiary Laborers do not require any experience but must be committed to working with bees, be in good physical condition and can work in hot, sweaty, fast paced environment. All wages are negotiable based on knowledge/ experience/skill set. Personal Protection Equipment benefit is provided to all staff. Bonuses may be available. Please email resumes to kiwijobs@witdouckfarms.com Drop off resumes at 94056 Highway 845 Coaldale AB

of Alberta and major insurance companies is required. Six APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year (season) experience and with employment March thru November 2023 ($15.65-$17/hr depending on exp.) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; assisting Technicians with bees and equipment; assisting with harvesting honey; assisting with the bee yard and equipment maintenance. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honey bees. All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. Ability to speak English is an asset. Contact Ryan Olthof at 272072 Highway 13, Falun, AB; mail to RR1, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1W8; or email at pvhpbees@gmail.com.

WESTLOCK HONEY PRODUCERS INC. Located at 59332 RR15 Westlock County is seeking applicants for the following positions available in the 2023 season: 4 Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431). $15.65-21/hr depending on experience. Full time 45+ hrs per week Feb thru Oct 2023. Applicants must have a minimum 2-3 seasons experience working in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include spring, summer and fall management of bee colonies, bee health monitoring, hive feeding, honey harvesting, operating /maintaining apiary equipment and coordinating some workers. Two apiary workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year (season) experience and with full time employmentApril thru September 2023. ($15.65 - $18 /hr depending on experience) Duties include assisting technicians with bees and equipment, honey harvesting and equipment maintenance. A valid drivers license may be required for some of the positions. All applicants must be in good physical condition, ability to speak English is an asset. Must be able to work with bees in a fast paced team environment. Email westlockhoney@ gmail.com or mail to Westlock Honey Producers RR1 Busby, AB T0G 0H0 KIWI BRIAN’S HONEY near Coaldale AB, (94056 H845), is seeking employees for the 2023 season. Apiary Technicians: 8431 (4 positions; starting at $16.50-$21.00/hr.) and Apiary Workers NOC: 8431 (15 positions; starting at $16.00-18.50/hr.) and Farm Laborers (3 Positions; starting at $15.75-16.00/hr.) needed full time (45+ hrs./wk.) as early as February 1, 2023, up until November 16, 2023, weather depending. Some evening, night and weekend work will be required. Accommodations are available if required. All applicants must be willing to work with both leafcutter and honeybees, be in good physical condition, and work in a team environment. Having a valid Alberta driver’s license and the ability to speak English will be considered an asset. All applicants must be able to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain health and safety of self and others. Apiary Technicians must have a minimum of 3 seasons of full-time experience in a commercial apiary, have the ability to supervise/train staff, have knowledge in commercial hive management for pollination, honey production, queen rearing and disease diagnosis. Must be able to oversee and maintain hive equipment, bee yard and storage facilities. Apiary Workers must have a minimum of 1

HICKS HONEY FARMS LTD. Near McLennan, AB 77405 RR 193A is seeking for the 2023 season, 8 Apiary technicians, NOC 8431. Applicants should have between 3-5 years experience working in a Canadian style commercial beekeeping operation. Duties include, helping to feed, treat, split, and monitor springbuild up. Also responsible for helping to prepare hives for harvest, including, adding supers, monitoring hives, and setting up bee locations. Once harvest begins, applicants should be able to run a crew pulling honey, picking up honey, or extracting. Applicants will be required to help, feed, treat and prepare bees for winter in the fall. Work begins February 18, 2023 and goes until November 5, 2023. Also seeking 9 Apiary workers NOC 8431. These workers should have 1 year experience working in a Canadian style commercial operation. Wages will be between $16.50-$18 depending on experience and efficiency. These applicants will be expected to help technicians with all duties related to beekeeping, including, spring preparation, feeding, treating, harvest preparation, extracting, and fall feeding and winter preparation. All jobs may have weekend and evening work. Accomodations available. There may be some spring and fall work in the Similkameen valley in B.C. Apply to hicksry82@gmail.com or mail to Hicks Honey Farms Ltd., box 181, McLennan, AB T0H 2L0. commercial apiary in the min. capacity of Apiary Worker or General Farm Worker with employment March thru November 2023 ($15.65 -$19/ hr depending on exp.) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/controls; harvest and fill honey barrels and containers; supervise small teams of workers; driving and daily maintenance of vehicles; operate and maintain other apiary equipment; conduct bee yard maintenance; keep some field production records. A motor vehicle operator's licence with no serious infractions, recognized by the Province 26

LALLIER APIARIES Located at 56226 Range road 64 Sangudo, AB is in need of one (1) apiary worker (low skill worker) for the 2023season;wage $16/hr. The position is full time (40+ hrs/wk depends on the weather). The season willstart on March 2023 until October 2023. TheApiary Worker will assist the Apiary Technician with beehive maintenance this involves unwrapping, cleaning, treating, make new hives(splits), honey harvesting & extracting, feeding and wrapping in the fall. Applicant may send a resume to extremehaulinginc@gmail.com. PARADIS HONEY LTD. PARADIS HONEY LTD. 5023-50 St & SW4-78-23-W5 Girouxville, AB Requires 1 FARM SUPERVISOR NOC 8252 for fulltime (40+ hrs/wk) year round employment ($16.00 - $20.00/hr - bonuses possible) depending on experience. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 yrs (seasons) in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include assist management in bee colony management & harvest crop. Recognize, report, monitor hive health issues. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. English an asset.Valid driver’s license an asset. 4 APIARY TECHNICIANS NOC 8431 $16.25 - $19/hr (bonuses possible) depending on experience for full time (40+ hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2023. Must have a minimum of 4+ yrs experience working with bees in a Canadian style commercial apiary. Some technicians may be required to spend 3-4 months out of province to BC (March-June) as bees may be moved to BC for spring pollination services and return to AB mid-June. Room and board will be provided for employees working in BC. Must be able to travel out of province. Duties include assist management in bee colony management & harvest crop. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. English an asset. Valid driver’s license an asset. APIARY TECHNICIANS – NOC 8431 (8 positions) ($15.65 - $17.00/hr with possible bonus) for full time (40+ hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2023.

Alberta Bee News

August 2022

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www.albertabeekeepers.ca

August 2022

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

Must have a minimum of 1+ yrs experience working with bees in a Canadian style commercial apiary. Applicants must be able to work in presence of honeybees (Apiary work) & will assist with colony management & harvest crop. Some technicians may be required to spend 3-4 months out of province to BC (March-June) as bees may be moved to BC for spring pollination services and return to AB mid-June. Room and board will be provided for employees working in BC. Must be able to travel out of province. English an asset. No skills, experience or education required. All positions may require some evening, night and weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and have the ability to handle heavy loads, bending, crouching, kneeling. Accomm available. Rural area. Apply: info@ paradishoney.com or mail to Paradis Honey Ltd, c/o Lise Paradis Box 99, Girouxville, AB T0H 1S0

as required, as well as ability to work in a team environment and show attention to detail. Positions are in Rosedale, British Columbia with summer months spent in Boyle, Alberta. Accommodation provided at both locations. Worker Bee Honey Company Ltd. 10609 McGrath Road, Rosedale, BC V0X 1X2 tel: 604-794-3315; fax: 604-794-3085; jobs @workerbeehoney.ca

able to pay great attention to detail and handle the pressure of working under tight deadlines. Previous leadership experience is considered an asset, as well as, a valid driver's license. Duties of an Apiary Technician include but are not limited to site preparation, site maintenance, colony management, honey extraction, and preparing hives for winter. Hours of work are minimum 40 hours per week or more. The salary for Apiary Technicians is $15.65- $24.42 per hour

YUAN ENTERPRISES is seeking for one Apiary Technician (from April 15 to November 30, 2023) and one Apiary worker (from June 15 to September 15, 2023) in Peace River, AB. Applicants must be in good physical condition and do all beekeeping management. Wages from $15.50/hr, depending on experience. Email canadian.prairie.honey@gmail.com or Box 7554, Peace River, AB, T8S 1T2. WORKER BEE HONEY COMPANY Apiary Technician NOC 8431 (6 seasonal positions available, January to November 2023) - $17.25/ hour plus bonus for superior work. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies; recognizing and monitoring hive issues; supervising 2-4 Apiary Workers; harvesting, extracting and packaging honey, beeswax and pollen; using power tools; and maintaining field and/or production records, including using an online app. Three years’ experience required in a Canadian-style commercial apiary. Apiary Worker NOC 8431 (8 seasonal positions available, February to October 2023) - $15.75/hour plus bonus for superior work. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies; harvesting honey, pollen and beeswax. Minimum one year experience required in a Canadian-style commercial apiary. Apiary Harvester NOC 8431 (8 seasonal positions available, February to October 2023) - $15.50/hour plus bonus for superior work. Duties include harvesting and extracting honey, pollen and beeswax. Minimum six months’ experience in a Canadian-style commercial apiary. All positions are physically demanding and involve standing/bending/crouching for long periods; heavy lifting; repetitive tasks; working outdoors in the heat in a rural environment; driving and maintaining farm equipment (class 5 driver’s license required, class 3 preferred); 40-70 hours per week including evenings, weekends and overtime

GOOD MORNING HONEY LTD.in Parkland County, AB (51516-RR15) is looking for: (2) APIARY TECHNICIANS ($17-$20/hr depending on experience) NOC8431 for employment during March thru October 2023 season. The positions are seasonal full time (44+ hrs/wk). Some weekend, evening and night work required. Onfarm accommodations available. Located 10 min SW of Stony Plain, Alberta. The Apiary Technician must have a minimum of three years experience in a Canadian commercial apiary working as an Apiary Technician or Apiary worker. Experience required in hive management for honey production, disease diagnosis, general hive health and mite threshold monitoring. Applicants must be in good physical condition. A valid driver's license is an asset. We also require (3) APIARY WORKERS ($16 -$19/ hr depending on experience) NOC8431 with employment during March thru October 2023 season. The positions are seasonal full time (44+ hrs/wk). Some weekend, evening and night work required. On-farm accommodations available. Located 10 min SW of Stony Plain, Alberta. The Apiary Worker MUST be able to work in the presence of honey bees and will assist with colony management as well as honey extraction. Applicants must be in good physical condition and have a minimum 1+ years experience working in a Canadian style commercial apiary. We also require (2) APIARY LABOURER (Bee Farm Worker) ($16.00 hr) NOC 8431 with employment during March thru October 2023 season. This position is seasonal full time (44+ hrs/wk.) Some weekend, evening and night work required. Onfarm accommodations available. Located 10 min SW of Stony Plain, Alberta. The Apiary Labourer MUST be able to work in the presence of honey bees. Applicants must be in good physical condition. Experience is an asset. Production bonus payments may be included for all positions. Email resumes to Richard at albertahoney@gmail. com or send mail to 2-51516 RR15 Parkland County, AB T7Y 2E8. Clearly indicate which position you are applying for. These are seasonal jobs that do not start until March of 2023. YAREMCIO HONEY is seeking 8 full time seasonal Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431) for the 2023 March to November Season. Apiary Technician's must have previous beekeeping experience. They must be able to work in a team environment, as well as, independently. Additionally, Apiary Technicians need to be 28

NIXON HONEY FARM iin Red Deer County, Alberta is accepting applications for the 2023 season on a seasonal full time basis. The following positions need to be filled: 3 APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) Full time employment (40+ hrs/week) $17-20/hr depending on experience with possible bonus. Must have minimum 2 years of experience working full time on a commercial honeybee farm. Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatments/controls. Moving hives as required; harvest, extract and package honey, lead small teams of workers, drive and maintain vehicles, operate and maintain other bee related equipment such as forklifts, conduct bee yard maintenance, general cleaning of working/production areas. One of these positions is from February 2023 thru June 2023. The other two positions are from February 2023 thru October 2023. 13 APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) Full time (40+ hrs/week) $15.50 -18/hr depending on experience, possible bonuses. Minimum 1 year experience. Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, assisting technicians with bees and equipment, assisting with moving bees, assisting with honey harvest, extraction and packaging, assisting with bee yard and equipment maintenance, cleaning of working/production areas. One of these positions is from July 2023 thru October 2023. The other twelve positions are from February 2023 thru October 2023. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. All positions may require some night and weekend work. All applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees, be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. On farm housing is available. Email resumes to: info@ nixonhoney.ca or mail to: Nixon Honey Farm, #20, 35566 RR 263, Red Deer County, Alberta, T4G 0C9 MOONDANCE HONEY INC.llocated at 55063 TWP RD 704 has the following positions for the 2023 beekeeping season. Apiary Technician (NOC 8431) 4 seasonal positions. Wages $17-$19, depending on experience. Duties include hive management, queen

August 2022

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

introduction and nuc production, pest/disease recognition and treatment, hive supering, honey removal and extraction, and winter hive preparation. Shop work includes equipment construction and repair. Positions require 2-5 years of experience. Apiary Worker (NOC 8431) - 2 seasonal positions, $15.65-17/hr, depending on experience. Duties include assisting the Apiary Technicians with the duties described above. Seasonal positions run from mid-April to early October. Apply to termeerbill@yahoo.ca or fax your resume to 780-833-5747.

is an asset. Some evenings and weekends are required. Worker Accommodation is available. Send resume to sshoneyinc@gmail.com or by mail Box 765, High Prairie, Ab, T0G-1E0

environment. All Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees. A valid driver’s license may be required for some of the Apiary Technician positions. Apply with resume to Todd Eastman at P & J Apiaries Inc., p.j.apiaries. applicants@shaw.ca,(Location 61232 – RR240 Westlock Co. AB.)

WILDROSE COUNTRY APIARY LTD in Smoky Lake, AB is seeking 2 full time Apiary technicians (NOC 8431) on a two year work contract starting March 2021-2023. A minimum of 2 years on a commercial beekeeping operation is required. We are also seeking to hire 2 seasonal apiary Technicians (NOC 8431) from March thru October 2023. $16-20hr 32-60 hours a week. 1 year experience is required. We are also seeking 1 apiary labourer for July thru September 2023. $15.65 -17hr (NOC 8431) Specific skills include colony management, honey production, spring & winter preparation, and general maintenance on the farm. Must be physically fit and prepared to work in an efficient team environment. Expect some weekend and evening work. Located in a rural setting. Worker accommodation is provided. To apply email wildrosecountryapiary@gmail.com SEVERSON HONEY FARM at 48143 Range Rd 204 Camrose, AB is seeking for the 2023 season from Feb – Nov 1: 8 apiary workers (NOC8431) with a min of 1-year experience, wages starting at $15.65/hr & 7 Apiary Technicians (NOC8431) with a min of 2-3 years experience, wage starting at $16.50/hr. These positions are fulltime 40+ hrs/ week & may req. some evening,night, weekend work. Work involves care of honey bees for honey production & pollination services. All applicants must be physically fit &be able to perform work in a team environment. On farm accomm are avail. Wages are negotiable depending on experience. Please send resume to Russell at rads@netkaster.ca Cell 780-608-0076. S.S. HONEY INC. is looking for 4 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) from April 1 2023 to October 31 2023. Full Time Seasonal employment on a Canadian commercial beekeeping operation. (40+/hrs a week) $16 to $20/hr depending on experience, minimum 1 year experience. Must be physically fit and be able to work as a team. Duties include and are not limited to: Hive Management, Detecting Hive Diseases, Treating Hive Diseases, Extraction of Honey, Operating Farm equipment. International Drivers License

PHILPOTT HONEY PRODUCERS LTD. located 10 kms north of Brooks is accepting resumes for Apiary workers for the 2023 beekeeping season. The position starts Feb 1st, 2023 and carries on until Oct 31st, 2023. Full time hours (45+hrs/week) and some weekends and evenings are required. All applicants must be in good physical condition and be able to work well with others. Duties to include helping with all aspects of beekeeping and honey production in a commercial beekeeping operation. No experience is necessary as on job training given; however, is an asset. Starting wage is $15.65/hour and is negotiable depending on exp. with a performance bonus determined at end of season. On-farm accommodations are also available. Please email resumes to colin@ philpotthoney.ca or mailed to box 555, Brooks AB, T1R 1B5 or faxed to 403-362-4350 P & J APIARIES INC. We are seeking interested applicants in the Westlock County area for the following positions, including...10) APIARY TECHNICIAN(s) (NOC 8431) $15.65-$18.50/ hr. depending on experience for full time (45+ hrs/wk) employment February thru October 2023. No educational requirement. Must have a minimum of 2-3 years (seasons) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary operation as an Apiary Technician or in the min. capacity of an Apiary Worker. All Duties associated with Canadian style commercial apiary such as Spring, Summer, Fall management of bee colonies, bee health monitoring, feeding, honey production and harvest, maintaining quality control/production, and safety records, operating and maintaining apiary equipment including trucks and forklifts, and coordination of some workers. - (10) APIARY WORKER(s) (NOC 8431) $15.65-$16.50/hr. depending on experience for full time (45+ hrs/ wk) employment March thru October 2023. No educational requirement. Must have a minimum of 1 year (season) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary operation as an Apiary Worker or in the min. capacity of an Apiary Harvester/Labourer. All duties related to Canadian style commercial apiary associated with assisting Beekeepers/Apiary Technicians with Spring, Summer, Fall colony management, moving colonies, maintaining of apiary equipment, and all aspects in the collection extraction/processing of honey. All positions may require some evening & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical conditions and able to work in a fast-pace team 29

MARC G. PARADIS NE 23-79-5W6 Rycroft, AB. – NOC 8431(4 positions) ($15.65-$16.50/hr depending on experience) for full time (40+hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2023. Applicants must be able to work in presence of honeybees (Apiary work) & will assist with colony management & harvest crop. English an asset. No skills, experience or education required. All positions may require some evening, night and weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. Valid driver’s license an asset. Apiary Workers Accommodation is available. Rural area. Apply: rycrofthoney@ gmail.com or mail to Marc G Paradis, Box 487, Rycroft, AB T0H 3A0. BUTZ APIARIES 1 Apiary Harvest Worker for Jun-Oct, 2023 and 1 Apiary Harvest Worker Jul-Sep, 2023. Starting $15.65/hour according to NOC 8431 guidelines. 45 plus hrs/wk. 1+ year Canadian commercial beekeeping experience required and must be physically fit and able to work with bees. Duties include honey harvesting, extraction, equipment maintenance and associated duties. Jun-Oct Apiary Harvest Worker will also assist with winter hive preparation. Contact Butz Apiaries, butzbuzz@ gmail.com. PO Box 36 Carnwood AB T0C 0W0 AP HONEY FARM LTD in Wanham AB for the 2023 season is seeking two positions for Apiary Technician (NOC 8253) $15.65 - $17 with two years’ experience minimum, in a commercial apiary, wages depends on experience. Major duties: knowledge of hive management, disease diagnoses & prevention, weekend work & evenings. Also require seven positions for Apiary Worker (NOC8431), $15.65 -$17 experience required. Major duties, include assisting Apiary Technician with all the duties in the work with bees. Some weekend & evenings work if needed, physically demanding work (45/ hrs + a week of work). Both positions start Jan 15 - November 15, 2023. Staff accomm available. Send resumes to Artur Pala palashoney@ hotmail.com or fax 780 694 2282. SEVERSON HONEY FARM at 48143 Range Rd 204 Camrose, AB, requires 3 Apiary Supervisors/ Forman (noc8253) for the 2023 year. Must have a minimum of 5 yearexperience in commercial beekeeping, wages start at $17–$21 depending

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Alberta Bee News

August 2022

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August 2022

Classifieds

EMPLOYMENT

on experience. Must be able to supervise 3-4 people & operate trucks & equipment. Be organized, maintain records, work in team environment. This position is full-time 40+ hrs/ week. On farm accomm avail. Please send resume to Russell at rads@netkaster.ca 780-608-0076

requirements for this position. We work in a team environment. Wolfe Honey Company Inc. is located at 5010-49th Street in Guy, AB, T0H 1Y0. The hamlet of Guy is located in the Municipal District of Smoky River. Applications accepted by email to accounting@honeybunny. ca; or by fax: 780-925-2943.

SPIRIT HILLS SERVICES LTD. Apiary & Farm Manager. Spirit Hills Services Ltd. is seeking to hire 1 full time Apiary & Farm Manager for their apiary and honey winery operation located at 240183, 2380 Drive West, Millarville, Alberta. Duties will include but will not be limited to managing the apiary and honey harvest, maintain all vehicles and farm equipment during the summer season. In winter season assist with account management for sales in Belgium. Education, Experience & other requirements: verifiable automotive mechanic education and experience; apiary management experience; good people skills; team oriented; strong communication skills in English, French & Dutch languages. Wages: $17.00/hour for 40 hours per week. International Sales Manager Spirit Hills Services Ltd. is seeking to hire 1 full time International Sales Manager for their apiary and honey winery operation located at 240183, 2380 Drive West, Millarville, Alberta. Duties will include but will not be limited to managing relationships with accounts in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Italy, and to further develop the business in Greece, Spain, France and England.Education, Experience & other requirements: Bachelors degree or equivalent in management; strong oral & written communication skills in English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish and Greek languages; good people skills; team oriented; outgoing,pro-active, strategic and an experienced traveler. Wages: $23.00/hour for 40 hours per week. To apply send resume and verifiable references to hugo@spirithillswinery.com WOLFE HONEY COMPANY INC. requires 12 Beekeeper Apiary Workers for full time/ seasonal work (40-50 hrs/ wk.) for beekeeping season (approximately end of Feb to beginning of Nov 2023) in Guy, AB. Wages will be set by the NOC guidelines and is currently $15.65 per hour. Accommodation is provided in Guy. All applicants must be physically fit and able to work in the presence of honeybees. The job duties under the direction of the Field Supervisor and Managers include: maintaining the health of live honeybees, moving bees, collection & extraction of honey & preparing bees for winter. Also includes some woodwork for new beehive equipment, and general shop cleaning & maintenance. There will be some evening, weekend and night work required. This is an entry level position with on the job training. There are no job experience or educational

Alberta Bee News

P & J APIARIES INC. We are seeking interested applicants in the Westlock County area for the following positions, including... (6) APIARY LABOURER(S)- NOC 8431 (6) Positions$15.65 per/hr. The positions are available on a seasonal/full-time basis (45+hrs. per week) for May to October 2023. Apiary Labourer duties include honey harvesting, collecting & processing of honey No educational requirement, experience an asset. Apiary Labourer position may require some evening & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical conditions and able to work in a fast-paced team environment. No educational requirement, experience an asset. All Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees. Apply with resume to Todd Eastman at P & J Apiaries Inc., p.j.apiaries. applicants@shaw.ca, Fax.: 780 349 6610. (Location 61232 – RR240 Westlock Co. AB. HONEY MEADOWS FARM is located 10 km south of Calgary at 226012 72st St. E Foothills, Alberta. We are looking to hire 14 beekeepers for the 2023 season, beginning mid January through to mid October (~45+hours/week). The work entails colony management, harvesting and extracting honey as well as manufacturing and repair of apiary equipment. The positions fall under NOC:8431$15.65/hr-will adjust according to NOC guidelines if required. Successful applicants must have experience working with bees on a commercial honey farm for at least 2 seasons. Please email resumes to Honeymeadows1@hotmail.com.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE hives and large equipment and other items are pre sold but text Barrie Termeer at 780-4466924 for updates. PARADIS HONEY LTD. Has the following equipment for sale: Paradise 1000 Wax Press - $15,000 obo Pollen Traps (approx. 1,500) - $60 each obo For further information email: paradishoney@ outlook.com or phone 780-323-4183 WOLFE'S NATURAL BEE PRODUCTS INC. FOR SALE: 4000 Standard honey supers. 9 frames per box with separators. Good condition. Asking $52.00 OBO each. email: mkwolfe@telus.net or Phone Mike/Karen 780837-1743 leave msg. 2023 British Columbia (Revelstoke/ Armstrong) inspected four ($280) and five ($300) deep frame nucs available from estimated May 21st weekend until Mid June annually. Mated Carniolan Queens available from Mid May until Mid July annually from $40-$50ea. ISO wholesale (retail & commercial) orders. hello@beekindhoneybees.ca www.beekindhoneybees.ca Looking for used bottom boards, lids and empty bee boxes, please email: ronglinyu@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Commercial beekeeping operation in Sask. selling 1000 colonies at end of 2023 pollination season. Available last week of July (p.s. 3 fields in Bow Island hailed out and colonies AVAILABLE NOW). Double brood chamber, avail with super if required (additional). $450 each for small qty; larger quantities price negotiable. Colonies located Medicine Hat, AB, and Bow Island, SK. Contact Neil at sweetheart.pollinators@ sasktel.net or 306-463-8864. FOR SALE: 90 colonies and variety of equipment for sale Jenner, AB. Please write for details valianj@yahoo.com

Cowan 120 frame extractor with dual unloaded. Cook and Beals uncapper. Cook and Beals spin float. Call Frazer @ 403-471-1433. HONEYBEAR APIARIES LTD. in Leduc is continuing to downsize in 2023. Available will be limited quantities of bee equipment including hive ready brood chambers complete with honey and pollen frames, 22” bottom boards and pillow ready telescopinglids, dovetail honey supers with 9 Jones straight end bar frames with rite cell inserts, ready made 6 frame nuc boxes and lids, two 110 barrel Wheatland feed/honey tanks. Most of the live 31

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Alberta Bee News Magazine - August 2022

Articles inside

31 Classifieds

2022 ABC Conference & Trade Show - Save The Date

Alberta Open Farm Days 2022: It Takes a Hive

TTP Report - Honey Bee Thermoregulation

Bee Health Assurance Team Update

15 Historical Beekeeping Statistics in Alberta

President’s Report

Introducing the Canadian Beekeepers Federation

Recipe of the Month

13 ABC Eligible Producer News

10 Understanding What Level Of New Research Data Constitutes A Review An Existing Risk Assessment: CFIA Response