Alberta Bee News Magazine - October 2021 by AlbertaBeekeepersCommission

Alberta

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

OCTOBER 2021

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

In This Issue 03

Announcing the 2021 Alberta Honey & Hive Products Contest

04 -05 Alberta Tech Transfer Program - Hive-Side FAQ: Honey Bee Viruses 06 Why We Need Sustainable National And Global Food Value Chains - How Do We Build Them 07 Impacts Of Covid-19 On Canadian Beekeeping: Survey Results And A Profitability Analysis 08-09 Year Of The Beekeeper - Alveole 10 11

Announcing The Winners Of The 2021 Abc Bursary How Ag Plastics Recycling Works In Alberta – Challenges And Opportunities

12-14

2021 ABC Conference And Trade Show

EP News

2021

Year of the Beekeeper Cover image courtesy of Alveole

16 Recipe Of The Month 18 - 31 Classifieds

Board of Directors President: JEREMY OLTHOF RR1 Tees AB T0C 2N0 T 403.872.4607 Teesbeesinc@gmail.com Vice President: CURTIS MIEDEMA BOX 39 SITE 11 RR1 BARRHEAD, ALBERTA T7N1N2 780.206.4483 miedemahoney@gmail.com Peace Region: RYAN HICKS BOX 625 McLennan AB T0H 2L0 / 780.837.0648 hicksry82@gmail.com NE Central Region: LORNE PRINS RR3 Station Main Lacombe AB / T4L 2N3 780.893.2337 lorne.prins@gmail.com South Region: GRACE STROM PO Box 5504 High River AB T1V 1M6 / T 403.422.0712 honeymill@honeymill.ca CHC Director: RON GREIDANUS PO Box 581 Stettler AB T0C 2L0 / 403.323.0234 rongreidanus@gmail.com

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

Alberta Beekeepers Commission Fiscal Year September 1 to August 31.

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

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 $75 plus GST

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

CHC Delegate: CURTIS MIEDEMA RR1 Barrhead AB / T7N 1N2 T 780.674.6333 / 780.674.6191 miedemahoney@gmail.com

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.

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

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #476579. ISSN 1191-4599. PM40010040 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.

2020 - 2021 2

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

ANNOUNCING THE 2021 ALBERTA HONEY & HIVE PRODUCTS CONTEST Enter your Alberta honey and hive products and be in the running for over $1000 in cash prizes! By Alberta Beekeepers Commission

The ABC has partnered with Farmfair International to bring you the 2021 Alberta Honey Show where a panel of experienced judges will determine the cream (and liquid and flavoured!) of the crop of honey and hive products being locally produced in Alberta, by Alberta beekeepers. There are five classes of entry plus an overall ‘Best in Show’ class that includes $500 in prize money.

Classes of entry include: 1. Liquid Honey 2. Creamed Honey 3. Flavoured Honey 4. Hive Products – Personal Care: lip balm, body butter, etc. 5. Hive Products – Innovation: bees wax wraps, fire starters, furniture polish etc. Each class will be awarded a first, second and third place and all winners will receive a ribbon and prize money, plus have their winning entries showcased on display at the 2021 Farmfair International event that is taking place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre from November 10 to 13, 2021. For all the information on how to submit your entries, classes, criteria, and prize money, please visit https://farmfairinternational.com/ event/alberta-honey-show/ and view the 2021 Alberta Honey Show Fairbook.

About Farmfair International For over 45 years, Farmfair International has been one of Canada’s top agricultural shows and Alberta's largest beef cattle show. Exhibitors from across western Canada, gather in Edmonton each November to showcase their top livestock genetics to purebred producers, local ranchers and international buyers. Visitors are entertained, educated and engaged with beefed-up purebred and commercial cattle shows, competitions, and clinics. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of western excitement, including stock dog trials, the Heritage Ranch Rodeo and more. 3

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Hive-side FAQ: Honey bee viruses By Renata Borba and Emily Olson, Alberta Beekeepers Commission Tech Transfer Program

There are 18 known viruses that afflict honey bees. In strong healthy colonies, viruses at low levels typically do not cause major problems. However, when combined with co-stressors such as low access to adequate food sources, environmental conditions, or other diseases/pests, the effects are exacerbated and can lead to colony mortality.

Virus

Symptoms

Deformed Wing Virus

Adult bees will have shriveled or mis-shaped wings and shortened abdomen.

What are the most common viruses?

Sacbrood Virus

Discoloured larvae (yellow or gray colour) with head slightly raised. May resemble AFB or EFB but when pulled out of the cell, the fluid filled sac remains intact.

The most common viruses we detect in honey bee colonies are Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Sacbrood Virus (SBV), Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), and Varroa destructor Virus (VDV). Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) is less common, but studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between CBPV and colony overwinter mortality.

Varroa destructor Virus More virulent strain of DWV and leads to the premature death of adult bees.

How do bees become infected?

Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus

Infected adults are unable to fly, will cluster together, and crawl on the ground. Wings and bodies will appear to be trembling. Bloated abdomens and dysentery may be observed. Some bees will appear greasy, hairless, and black.

Black Queen Cell Virus

Queen pupae will have a pale yellow sac, similar to sacbrood. Once the pupae dies, the walls of the queen cell will turn black. Symptoms have also been observed in drone brood. BQCV may be associated with k-wing and Nosema disease.

Bees can become infected by viruses via 2 transmission routes: horizontal and vertical transmission. Horizontal transmission consists of transmission of viruses among individuals of the same generation (e.g., worker-worker and worker-queen) by topical contact. This includes contact with contaminated feces (when cleaning the colony or foraging on contaminated flowers), contaminated food (mouth-to-mouth food sharing among workers and when tending the queen), venereal transmission (from drones to queens during nuptial flights), and via vector-mediated transmission (e.g., Varroa mites). Varroa mites are a major mechanical vector of several honey bee viruses. In other words, mites can acquire viruses when feeding on the fat body or hemolymph (‘bee blood’) of infected bees and transmit these viruses to a healthy bee by feeding on them shortly after. There is also abundant evidence that mites are an effective biological vector to viruses, since some beeviruses are able to multiply inside Varroa mites. For example, DWV and VDV can be transmitted by mites during feeding activities from an unhealthy bee to a healthy bee, and also replicate/multiply while inside the mite. In this case, the mite functions as both a mechanical vector and a biological vector to DWV and VDV, which is the reason why Varroa mites are considered the most damaging parasite to honey bee colonies. Varroa mites also weaken bees’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Vertical transmission occurs when viruses are transmitted to the next generation, from queens to their eggs. When queens become infected with viruses, they can become a source of transmission and spread within the colony to the next generation of bees.

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Figure 1. Visual signs of viruses and varroa infection. A) Bees with deformed wings, a sign of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV); B) Grey/yellow larvae, a sign of Sacbrood virus; C) Chewed out and sunken larvae, often observed in colonies with high mite and viral infections, defined as a Parasitic Mite Syndrome; D) Uncapped pupa cells, also associated with high mite and viral infections and defined as a Bald brood. How are viruses detected? It is difficult to detect a viral infection as visual symptoms are not always present in an infected colony. An asymptomatic infection can become symptomatic if a colony is stressed as a result of environmental conditions, transportation of colonies (e.g., pollination), or other diseases/pests. Visual symptoms are a sign of high viral loads, but often coupled with presence of multiple diseases which causes difficulties diagnosing. To detect the presence and to quantify virus load in colonies a live bee sample can be collected and sent to a diagnostic lab for testing. Since virus infections are associated with varroa mite infestation level, mite levels can be a good indication of virus levels. However, viruses can also be detected in a colony even when mites are controlled for multiple years. This can occur when mite populations are controlled/treated after being uncontrolled/high and viral levels, consequently, also high. In this case, although the mite population can be reduced by the use of miticide treatments, the viral population will not be affected by the treatment and will remain and continue to replicate within the colony. How do viruses affect honey bees? In the past, many viruses were considered harmless to honey bees. However, the increased prevalence of varroa mites has resulted in more effective virus transmission. This has serious consequences for the productivity and longevity of honey bee colonies. A virus will often occur in conjunction with other viruses or diseases. Therefore, one virus will not usually result in the death of a colony, but a combination of other diseases and factors will contribute to colony mortality. Parasitic mite syndrome (PMS) is caused by the culmination of viruses and varroa mites. Bees will attempt to remove highly infested larvae, leading to chewed out or sunken larvae, bald brood, and spotty brood. Visible mites on adult bees and in brood cells are also an indication of PMS. Symptoms may also look like early signs of chalkbrood or European foulbrood. How are viruses controlled? Unfortunately, there are no available treatments for honey bee viruses. Controlling mite populations is the only recommended strategy to suppressing viral loads. This allows levels of associated viruses to decrease over time through the normal turnover of bees. Maintaining strong colonies, eliminating stressors such as food shortages and other diseases will ensure your bees remain healthy. Management practices to reduce viral loads also include: 1) replacing the queen (as a way to remove virus vertical transmission), 2) cleaning/ sanitizing equipment between apiaries and after working with symptomatic colonies (hive tools, gloves, dead outs), 3) replacing old frames, 4) replacing symptomatic colonies from the apiary and moving them into a ‘hospital’ yard. The Tech Transfer Program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. 5

Virus

Symptoms

Deformed Wing Virus

Adult bees will have shriveled or mis-shaped wings and shortened abdomen.

Sacbrood Virus

Discoloured larvae (yellow or gray colour) with head slightly raised. May resemble AFB or EFB but when pulled out of the cell, the fluid filled sac remains intact.

Varroa destructor Virus More virulent strain of DWV and leads to the premature death of adult bees. Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus

Black Queen Cell Virus

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Why We Need Sustainable National and Global Food Value Chains - How Do We Build Them By TrustBIX Inc. https://blog.trustbix.com/why-we-needsustainable-national-and-global-food-value-chains-howdo-we-build-them

ver the last ten years, the concept of value chains has turned into a new paradigm of delivering valuable products to markets and giving back to the economies, societies, and environment at the same time. Each industry has its own established procedures and practices of how value is added to a product moving from producers to consumers, but if we are looking at the agri-food industry, it is essential to highlight that the food value chains of the 21st century must be sustainable. This sustainability can be broken down into three parts: economic sustainability – profitability and value to all participants, from farmers and growers to retailers and consumers; environmental sustainability – having a neutral or positive impact on the environment; social sustainability – providing multiple benefits for society. Food value chains constitute complex, market-driven, dynamic systems where unified governance is vital. In this blog, we are exploring how national and global food value chains can be aligned and why we need this balance.

1. Innovation and knowledge should connect private businesses and national shareholders. For example, the Canadian Protein Supercluster is doing exactly that by increasing the value of Canadian crops. The idea behind this initiative is to use novel processing technologies and solutions to build a stronger food system that will be able to enter and capture premium markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. 2. Enhanced coordination and collaboration of farmers, tech experts, and policymakers on both national and global levels can contribute significantly to building a mechanism to balance shocks. For example, here in Canada exist numerous initiatives that we have covered in our previous blogs, like the National Index for Agrifood Performance and the Canadian Roundtables for Sustainable Beef and Crops. What’s more, a recently launched Food and Beverage Supply Chain Project will focus on strengthening Canada’s national food supply chain by creating a special platform where companies will be able to collaborate and respond faster to shifts in consumer demand.

The Learning Curve of Building Resilient Food Systems People who work in the agri-food sector know how many uncontrollable factors can affect the industry and are constantly learning to adapt. Before the pandemic, numerous examples have demonstrated that food systems can be resilient and flexible: re-establishing food production and distribution after extreme weather conditions and maintaining harvesting, processing, etc., while fuel supplies are interrupted. But 2020 did put all regional and global food systems to the test.

3. Managing waste and post-harvest losses is another point that requires special attention. This issue must also be addressed regionally and globally, and here’s what Canadians do to add to minimizing food loss. From Gate to Plate, from One Household to the Whole World It would be wrong to think that the transformation of food systems will affect only producers and retailers. Each individual is an active participant in national and global food value chains. That said, we can all contribute to building more resilient food value chains and increase their efficiency, improve food security, reduce environmental impacts, and more.

One of the main things we learned is that food value chains are fragile and vulnerable to sudden shocks. The need for a deep transformation to make food systems shock-resistant and build resilient economies is now in the spotlight. To achieve this global transformation, we need a multifaceted approach:

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadian Beekeeping: Survey Results and a Profitability Analysis Miriam E F Bixby, Matthew Polinsky, Rod Scarlett, Heather Higo, Julia Common, Shelley E Hoover, Leonard J Foster, Amro Zayed, Morgan Cunningham, M Marta Guarna Journal of Economic Entomology, toab180, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab180 Published: 21 September 2021 Abstract To gauge the impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian beekeeping sector, we conducted a survey of over 200 beekeepers in the fall of 2020. Our survey results show Canadian beekeepers faced two major challenges: 1) disrupted importation of honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) (queen and bulk bees) that maintain populations; and 2) disrupted arrival of temporary foreign workers (TFWs). Disruptions in the arrival of bees and labor resulted in fewer colonies and less colony management, culminating in higher costs and lower productivity. Using the survey data, we develop a profitability analysis to estimate the impact of these disruptions on colony profit. Our results suggest that a disruption in either foreign worker or bee arrival allows beekeepers to compensate and while colony profits are lower, they remain positive. When both honey bee and foreign workers arrivals are disrupted for a beekeeper, even when the beekeeper experiences less significant colony health and cost impacts, a colony with a single pollination contract is no longer profitable, and a colony with two pollination contracts has significantly reduced profitability. As COVID-19 disruptions from 2020 and into 2021 become more significant to long-term colony health and more costly to a beekeeping operation, economic losses could threaten the industry’s viability as well as the sustainability of pollination-dependent crop sectors across the country. The economic and agricultural impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed a vulnerability within Canada’s beekeeping industry stemming from its dependency on imported labor and bees. Travel disruptions and border closures pose an ongoing threat to Canadian agriculture and apiculture in 2021 and highlight the need for Canada’s beekeeping industry to strengthen domestic supply chains to minimize future risks. To read the full article, please visit:

https://academic.oup.com/jee/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jee/ toab180/6373167?login=true

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Year of the Beekeeper

Q A &

Q: What’s a typical day like for you? A: We each have a roster of hives spread around the city

that we look after. Most days we’re visiting hives to perform inspections, make adjustments when needed, and make sure our bees are healthy and happy. We also deliver educational workshops to our clients about not only their honeybees, but native bees and other important pollinators, urban agriculture, candle-making, and honey extraction.

Alveole Owners: Alex McLean, Declan Rankin Jardin, Etienne Lapierre Profile by: Sean Elizabeth Higgins, Beekeeping Team Manager, Alberta Location: Global! But my team is based in Calgary. Social info:@alveolebuzz

Q: What is the most satisfying part of being a beekeeper? A: So many things! Opening up hives after a long winter to

How did you get involved in this sweet industry – what’s your story?

find them alive and well is always satisfying. That moment in a season where all your colonies are queenright and pest-free is a great feeling also!

We all come from backgrounds in biology, environmental sciences, education, communications, and other similar fields. Personally, I took a fantastic course from Eliese Watson of ABC Bees originally just out of curiosity. I was doing ecology work with Parks Canada at the time. Wanting to incorporate more of a social and community focus into my career, I ended up at Alveole training to become a full-time beekeeper!

For our team, we love watching our clients get super excited about their bees. Watching someone go from the first magical moment when they hold a frame, to becoming a passionate advocate for all pollinators and their habitat, is an amazing thing to be a part of. 8

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Q: What types of honey do you sell, and do you sell other

A: One of the benefits of being a young and growing

A: As part of our service, clients receive the honey from their

How have things like new research, sustainability, innovation, and technology influenced your beekeeping?

bee related products?

company is that we’re constantly trying out new and better ways to do things, and have the capacity to incorporate and adapt to new innovations and technology.

hives, and can also purchase other beeswax products such as candles, soap, and lip balm.

Q: Where can people buy your honey and products? A: We don’t retail our honey, but you can get more

As we grow we’re prioritizing growing our sustainability. Although we use honeybees to inspire learning and stewardship for all pollinator species, we’re also bringing in more ways to directly support native pollinators at the same time.

information about our services at www.alveole.buzz

Q: What are you happiest doing when you are not

On a personal level, attending webinars held by ABC Bees and the Calgary and District Beekeeping Association has been invaluable to me in learning about research and innovation from Alberta’s many amazing experts.

working?

A: Making things (knitting, sewing, dyeing, etc.), hiking or riding my bike, having a beer with friends!

Q: Finding great sources of nutritional forage for your

bees is an integral part of crafting delicious, pure Alberta honey and supporting pollination and biodiversity. What are some of the strategies you use to when selecting apiary locations for your hives?

A: We visit potential clients’ sites to ensure their location is

appropriate for a hive, and safe for both the bees and humans. A big part of our mission is encouraging folks to create pollinator habitat, both at their building and in their personal spaces, whether it be through adding planters of native plants or refraining from spraying/cutting their dandelions in the spring.

Q: With such a short beekeeping season in Alberta,

how do you manage all the work required to support and maintain the health of your hives and harvest your honey?

A: We bring on extra help during the harvest and extraction

season to account for the heavy lifting and time sensitive work. We schedule our weeks so that we’re visiting hives during the first three days, offering workshops one day a week, and have one free day to return to any hives that need extra adjustments.

Q: What is the strangest beekeeping question you have ever been asked?

A: We sometimes do workshops with elementary school

kids, which always makes for some great questions. “If someone ate a bee, would it come out alive?” was a memorable one.

Q: If you were to describe your honey in four words, what words would you use?

Unique, hyperlocal, urban, blended

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Announcing the Winners of the 2021 ABC Bursary By Alberta Beekeepers Commission Every year the ABC commits to supporting the advancement of the Alberta beekeeping industry by offering a $3000 Educational Bursary Program. The bursary program aims to support individuals who are actively involved in beekeeping, intend to pursue a future in beekeeping or intend to pursue a career in an area that may impact beekeeping (e.g. pathology, research or agronomy). The program offers three $1000 bursaries to attend an accredited University or College in Canada. The ABC board received a stellar range of applications from across the industry this year and we are pleased to congratulate the following individuals who were successfully awarded one of the $1000 educational bursaries: • Allison Kwantes • Kayla deJong • Brett Wolfe We wish to thank all the individuals who applied for the 2021 ABC Bursary, and look forward to launching the program again in 2022.

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

How ag plastics recycling works in Alberta – challenges and opportunities August, 2021

still operates across the province as well as nationally. In the last few years, Cleanfarms has added a recycling program for non-deposit drums and totes up to 1000L, too. Return rates of these small and large containers are increasing year over year.

Every farmer in Alberta who uses tools such as plastic grain bags, agricultural baler twine and bale wrap faces the same obstacles for disposal once these products have served their purpose. Options are slim, and depending on where farmers are located, may include only disposal at the local landfill or behind the farm gate.

Nearly everyone agrees that recycling these plastics is a better practice than landfilling or on-farm disposal. The environmental benefits and farm sustainability for future generations are reason enough. But there is also recognition that finding a way to recover natural resources and use them again and again is better than the one-way street of use and discard.

Some farmers are close to locations where Cleanfarms operates pilot projects to test and identify best practices in collecting used ag plastic such as specifying that materials be prepared properly to facilitate efficient transportation and processing for recycling. One such pilot is led by the multi-stakeholder Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG) through funds granted by the Government of Alberta and administered by Alberta Beef Producers. While the intention is to develop a province-wide program, collection sites for these materials are not yet available everywhere.

To realize the environmental good that resource recovery and recycling promises, farmers find that they have to invest a little more in the process. For example, grain bags need to be shaken free of residue grain and critters, and then tightly machine rolled for transportation. Similarly, it’s important to shake excessive dirt, sand, debris and snow from both grain bags and twine. These steps are required

One exception is Cleanfarms’ recycling program for empty pesticide and fertilizer containers that was launched in Alberta more than 30 years ago and that

Davin Johnson, Alberta Program Advisor johnsond@cleanfarms.ca | 403-942-6012 @cleanfarms | Cleanfarms.ca

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

We are pleased to present the following confirmed speakers*

Tickets Now On-Sale! 2021 ABC Conference & Trade Show Strengthening the Industry Through Assurance and Advocacy November 25 & 26, 2021 Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta 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 regulation updates, honey market trends, and connect with friends, suppliers, and industry.

Take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your 2-day conference pass before October 22 and save $40 per person. Buy your early-bird tickets today for $210.00 (+GST and booking fee) each. Click the link below for all the ticket info and to purchase tickets. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2021-alberta-beekeeperscommission-conference-trade-show-tickets-167078677823 PLEASE NOTE: The Fantasyland Hotel is participating in the Alberta Restriction Exemption Program. To view all the COVID related requirements for entry to the Fantasyland Hotel, please visit: https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Fantasyland-Hotel-COVID-Update.pdf

View the full agenda here: https://whova.com/embedded/event/ ieaab_202111/?utc_source=ems

View the confirmed speakers here: https://whova.com/embedded/speakers/ ieaab_202111/?utc_source=ems

*Subject to change.

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Trade Show Every year this event draws over 24 exhibitors from across Canada and the U.S. to showcase the latest in beekeeping equipment, supplies, bee stock, innovative technology and more. The trade show is the perfect time to connect directly with key suppliers and learn about new products, services, and secure special pricing and offers in person. Are you a supplier looking to participate as a vendor at the trade show? Check out all the details in our sponsor and exhibitor booklet here:

https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2018/09/AGMsponsor.exhibitor-pack2021_fillable_5.pdf

Hospitality Night The Hospitality Night takes place on the first night of the conference and is one of the highlights of the two-day event. Entry to the hospitality night is included in all two-day and Thursday full-day delegate passes and takes place in the exhibit hall where all the vendors are located. Guests enjoy the opportunity to network with beekeepers and vendors over drinks and complimentary canapés and take advantage of our toonie bar specials. This year we are excited to announce we will be featuring a LIVE AUCTION with 100% of the proceeds from the auction being donated to the Alberta Tech Transfer Program (TTP) to support honey bee health. We encourage all delegates, sponsors, and vendors to support the live auction by donating items in support of the auction. Items can be sent to our office prior to the event or bring them with you! Please contact jules.ham@ albertabeekeepers.ca for more information.

Hockey Dust off your hockey gear and join us for our annual ABC Drones Hockey Game at the West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace. This year we are hosting a night game on Wednesday evening at 10.00pm (following the AGM that is taking place on Wednesday afternoon). All beekeepers and vendors are welcome and we look forward to an exciting game! Players are required to bring their own gear.

$100 Club Prize This year we have an exciting ‘Farm Monitoring’ prize pack up for grabs, worth over $1500! The prize package has some amazing tech that will help monitor and support the health and safety of your hives and farm operation including: • Ultralight and foldable Drone with 4K Camera • Digital HD touchscreen weather station • Building temperature monitors • Wireless remote infrared motion sensors Please note, for those that contributed last year, your entry will carry over to this year’s draw as there was no prize drawn in 2020. But feel free to put in another entry this year!

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Sponsorship Take the opportunity to highlight your brand and your support of the Alberta honey industry with one of our unique sponsorship opportunities. From the exclusive Gold Partner sponsor level to sponsoring the annual Drones Hockey Game, we offer a range of opportunities and benefits designed to align to all levels of marketing objectives and budgets. For all the details please download our sponsorship package here: https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/wp-content/

uploads/2018/09/AGMsponsor.exhibitor-pack2021_ fillable_5.pdf

NEW Event program app This year we are pleased to provide all guests access to a free interactive event program APP called Whova, that will provide all the details of conference sessions and speakers, trade show exhibitors (including exhibitor contact information), special offers, an interactive map of the trade show floor and more! Stay tuned for more information on how to download and get the most from the APP in the lead up to the conference.

President’s Luncheon

Accommodation

The President’s Luncheon takes place on day two of the conference and includes the presentation of the Beekeeper of the Year Award and features an engaging key note speaker. This year we are proud to present key note speaker Lesley Kelly, High Heels & Canola Fields.

Stay onsite at the Fantasyland Hotel – just steps away from all conference activities. All sessions and events will be held onsite within the hotel. We have negotiated some very special room rates for our delegates and sponsors. Come and experience the unique and exciting Fantasyland Hotel at an exclusive Alberta Beekeepers Commission Conference rate. Arrive early or stay after the conference to meet with clients or take in some of the sights and activities the hotel and West Edmonton Mall has to offer.

Lesley Kelly actively farms with her family at Watrous, Saskatchewan. Lesley is the head and heart behind the alias High Heels & Canola Fields where she dispels myths about agriculture and brings consumers and farmers together. Lesley’s goal in being involved in agriculture beyond the farm is to build community and bring people together, create conversation, collaborate and identify solutions that help both the industry and consumers.

Room rates for 2021 start at $159/night plus taxes and fees for single or double occupancy. Space is limited so book early. Please book by Monday, November 15, 2021, to receive the special conference rate (while space is available). Individual reservations can be made by contacting the hotel Reservations Department directly at: 780.444.3000 or tollfree 1800.737.3783. Please tell the person on the phone that you are booking for the Alberta Beekeepers Commission Conference and quote the above group booking code to ensure you receive our special rates. Group booking code: 6057642

Tickets now on-sale! Please visit:

www.albertabeekeepers.ca/about/2021-agmconference-trade-show/

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

EP News ABC Annual General Meeting The Alberta Beekeepers Commission Annual General Meeting (AGM) is taking place at the Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, 1:00pm – 5:00pm.

All Eligible Producers participating onsite at the AGM are invited to join the ABC Board and staff for complimentary drinks at the Fantasyland Hotel following the AGM.

2021 Hive Levy Invoices As we enter into our new fiscal year, the ABC office team will be sending out your annual colony fee invoice together with an overview of all the activities and advocacy work the Commission has undertaken over the last 12 months. Your invoice will be sent by email as well as in hard copy via Canada Post.

Resolutions To support eligible producers in presenting resolutions at the AGM and to enable the effective operation of the AGM, ABC is requesting resolutions be completed and submitted prior to the meeting. To submit a resolution for the 2021 Alberta Beekeepers Commission AGM, please download and complete this AGM Resolutions Submission Form.

Public Liability Insurance In partnership with the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, the Cooperators General Insurance Company provides a limited form of business liability to subscribing 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: www.albertabeekeepers.ca/

2021/2022 ABC Board of Directors The Alberta Beekeepers Commission (ABC) is seeking four new board members to join the ABC Board of Directors this November 2021. The ABC board of directors is comprised of nine directors as outlined in the ABC Plan Regulation, including:

producer-resources/insurance/

Classified Ad Updates

• 4 regional directors, one regional director being elected for each region; • 2 Directors at Large; • one director who is the President of the Commission; • one director who is the Vice President of the Commission; • one director to represent the Commission at the Canadian Honey Council.

We are now accepting updates to classified employment ads for 2022. To see your existing ad, please visit: www.

albertabeekeepers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ ABN-July-2021_classifieds1.pdf How to update your employment ad in Alberta Bee News

We are seeking nominations from 2021 Eligible Producers for the following positions:

• Review your current ad • Copy the text from the ad and make any edits required • Email the new ad to jules.ham@albertabeekeepers.ca

• Vice President • Regional Director: South • Regional Director: North East Central • One CHC Director 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. Download and complete the form here: www.

albertabeekeepers.ca/about/2021-agm-conferencetrade-show/

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Thanksgiving: Recipe of the Month

Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe by Erin Clarke, Wellplated.com https://www.wellplated.com/glazed-sweet-potatoes/

Ingredients • 3 pounds sweet potatoes about 4 large • 1 cup roughly chopped pecans • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • 2/3 cup honey • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper a bit more if you like a good kick • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 cup whiskey see notes section for brand recommendations • 2 cups peeled, cored, and 3/4-inch-diced tart, firm baking apples such as Granny Smith or Cortland (about 2 medium or 3 small)

Instructions Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Scrub the potatoes (leave the peels on), then place whole on a sheet of aluminum foil. Place the foil directly on the baking rack. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until slightly soft when squeezed (they do not need to be cooked all the way through). Set aside until cool enough to handle, then remove the skins. Cut into 3/4-inch chunks and set aside. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, add the pecans and lightly toast until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes (watch them carefully so that they do not burn). Add butter and coconut oil, let melt, then add the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cayenne. Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble for 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully add the whiskey—stand back a bit from the pan, as the honey mixture will begin to bubble violently. Let simmer for 5 additional minutes, until slightly reduced. The glaze will still seem a bit liquidy Lightly grease an 9×9-inch baking dish or similar 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Scatter the sweet potatoes and apples in the baking dish, alternating between the two so you have a mix throughout. Pour the whiskey-pecan glaze over the top. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes, until the apples are softened (they do not need to be completely mushy—just fork tender) and the dish is fully warmed throughout. 16

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

ACCURATE SCALE FLOOR SCALES • Ideal for weighing drums or totes • INDUSTRIAL DUTY steel construction • Low profile design • Available in 3ʼ x 3ʼ, 4ʼ x 4ʼ, 5ʼ x 5ʼ sizes • Capacity 5,000 lb and 10,000 lb • Measurement Canada Legal-for-Trade Ask us about available Software options

1-800-252-7528 Serving Alberta Bee Keepers since 1978 17

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

October 2021

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

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 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

colonies; all work will be done supervised. FARM LABOURER applicants do not require any previous experience, training is available and all work will be done under supervision. All listed positions are seasonal/fulltime positions from April 2021-November 2021 with 40-50 hours of work per week. Hours of work are dependent on weather conditions. No formal education is needed for any of these positions. All positions take part in the break down & rebuilding of live bee colonies, honey harvest, honey extraction, collection of pollen & feeding of hives. On-site farm housing is available. Interested applicants can apply by emailing resumes info@paradisvalleyhoney.com. Follow us on FB or visit us online at www.paradisvalleyhoney.com to learn more about our values and operations

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 1-403362-6506 or call 1-403-501-4226.

SWEETHEART POLLINATORS/JANEIL ENT. INC. , located 7 km SW of Eatonia, Saskatchewan, requires an APIARY SUPERVSOR (NOC 8252) year round employment starting in March, 2022. 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 PARADIS VALLEY HONEY LTD Apiary in Watino, AB (NE-34-77-24-W5); requires the following for the 2021 beekeeping season. 5-Apiary Technicians (NOC8431) $15.42/ hr; 5-Apiary Workers (NOC8431) $15.42/hr & 2-Farm Labourers (NOC8431) $15.42/hr. APIARY TECHNICIAN applicants must have, minimum 3 years' experience with commercial beekeeping & are expected to work efficiently unsupervised. Experience driving trucks and a clean driving record are assets. APIARY WORKER applicants must have one or more years' experience working with live bee

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 $15.42-$17.00/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 2022 (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 $15.42-$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 2022 (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 DEJONG’S HONEY FARM BROOKS, AB requires four general farm workers (NOC 8431) from March 20, 2021 to November 1, 2021. $16/ hr. 30 to 60 hours a week. Must be willing to do some weekend work. Three years beekeeping 18

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 - $16 per 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

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Serving the Industry since 1959 Family Owned and Operated

221 S. 7th St / PO Box 220 Loup City, NE 68853

1-308-745-0154 Proverbs 16:24

www.cooknbeals.com

SOMETHING MISSING FROM YOUR FINANCIAL TOOLKIT? Honey producers, add an Advance Payments Program cash advance from CCGA today. Use this low-cost financial tool to support operating cash flow needs during harvest. Call 1-866-745-2256 or visit ccga.ca/cash

50+

Commodities

$100K

Interest-free

$1M

Maximum

Advance Payments Program

Programme de paiements anticipés

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Prepare for a productive spring. Bee Cozy™ Winter Hive Wraps provide the perfect insulating layer your bees need to overwinter successfully and build healthier brood faster in the spring.

Ask for NOD Apiary Products at your beekeeping supply store.

Healthy Bees. Healthy Planet. 1-866-483-2929 | www.nodglobal.com | info@nodglobal.com @NODAPIARY

October 2021

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

GREIDANUS APIARIES in Sturgeon County, Alberta for the 2021 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 $15.00/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. 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

($15.20 - $17 /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

be required to help, feed, treat and prepare bees for winter in the fall. Work begins February 18, 2022 and goes until November 5, 2022. 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.

GREIDANUS FARMS INC.at Granum, AB requires 17 general farm workers (NOC 8431) from March 10, 2021 to November 10, 2021. $15.20/ 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. WESTLOCK HONEY PRODUCERS INC. Located at 59332 RR15 Westlock County is seeking applicants for the following positions available in the 2021 season:4 Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431). $15.20-18/hr depending on experience. Full time 45+ hrs per week Feb thru Oct 2021. 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 2021.

KIWI BRIAN’S HONEY near Coaldale AB(94056 H845), is seeking employees for the 2021 season. Apiary Technicians: 8431 (4 positions; starting at $16.50-$20.00/ hr) and Apiary Workers Noc: 8431 (15 positions; starting at $15.50-18.00/hr) and Farm Laborers (2 Positions; starting at $15.0016.00/hr) needed full time (45+ hrs/wk) as early as February 2021 up until November 16 2021 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. 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. Apiary Workers must have a minimum of 1 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. Apiary Laborers do not require any experience but must be committed to working with bees, be in good physical condition and have the ability to 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. Email resumes to kiwijobs@witdouckfarms.com Drop off resumes at 94056 Highway 845 Coaldale AB, Mail resumes Box 65 Iron Springs AB T0K 1G0 HICKS HONEY FARMS LTD. Near McLennan, AB 77405 RR 193A is seeking for the 2022 season, 8 Apiarytechnicians, 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 21

MEIJER HONEY FARM is looking for applicants for the 2021 season. All positions are F/T on a seasonal basis from Feb 2021-Oct 2021. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honeybees. 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. 9 APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) F/T (40+ hrs./ wk.) starting at ($17.00-$22.00/hr. depending on experience. (Possible bonus). Must have a minimum of 2-3 years (seasons) working fulltime on a Canadian commercial apiary. 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, pollen & beeswax. Supervise and instruct other employees. Drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintenance on vehicles. Operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts, chainsaws & pumps). Conduct bee yard maintenance. Maintaining field and/or production records. Monitoring and reporting to management. 5 APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) F/T (40+hrs/wk.) starting at ($16.00-$19.00/hr. depending on experience. Must have a minimum of 1-year (season) experience. (Bonus possible) Duties include: Caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner. Assisting technicians with bees & equipment. Assisting with harvesting honey, pollen & beeswax. Assisting with the bee yard and equipment maintenance. 3 APIARY Laboure’s (bee farm worker) (NOC 8431) F/T (40+hrs/wk.) starting at $15.20/ hr. Applicant must have 7 months to less than 1 year of experience Duties include: Manual labor of the apiary. Harvesting honey and extraction, processing beeswax. Contact Meijer Honey Farm 181072 TWPRD 32-4 Box 295, Delia, AB T0J 0W0 Email: meijerhoneyfarm@outlook.com

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

October 2021

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

SUPERNUC APIARIES located near Granum, AB (251032 TWP RD 104) has the following positions for the 2022 season. APIARY TECHNICIAN (NOC 8431) 1 position; wage starting at $16.50 - $20.00/ hr, and APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) 2 positions: starting at $15.50 - $18.00/hr, needed full time (45+ hrs/wk) from Mar 1, 2022 through October 31, 2022. Apiary technicians must have a minimum of 3 seasons of full-time experience in a Canadian commercial apiary and have the ability to supervise/ train staff, have knowledge in commercial hive management for pollination, honey production and queen-rearing and the ability to assess hive health and care for them in the appropriate manner. Apiary workers must have a minimum of 1 season full time experience in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include assisting technicians with beehive maintenance and treatments, building and repairing bee equipment, moving hives, harvesting and extracting honey, and winter preparation. Some evening, night and weekend work will be required. Accommodations are available. A valid driver's license and the ability to speak English is an asset. Must be physically fit and accustomed to working with honeybees. No educational requirements. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Bonuses may be available. Email resumes to aovinge@gmail.com or fax to 403-687-2154.

evening, and night work may be required. Main work location is Tegart Apiaries Honey Farms is located 2.5 miles from Fairview, Alberta (30024 TWP RD 820). All positions 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: ph. (780)835-2115 or email tegarthoney@telus.net; Box 904 Fairview, AB T0H1L0

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) ($15.42 - $17.00/hr with possible bonus) for full time (40+ hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2022. 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

NOLTE APIARIES at 55503 Rge Rd 260 Sturgeon County, AB. T8R 0T6. Seeking 4 Apiary Technicians with 3+yrs of experience in commercial beekeeping. Education not required. Salary $15.42-$24/hr. Job duties: bee colony management, monitoring & treatment of colony diseases, honey harvesting. Seeking 6 Apiary Workers NOC 8431. Wage $15.42-$22/hr. 1 yr. Experience, No education. Job duties asset with bee colony management, & honey harvest. Seeking 4 Apiary Labourers Wage $15.42-$20/ hr. No Experience, no education. Job Duties honey harvesting & bee colony management. All positions Manufacturing & assemble hive equipment. Handling heavy loads. Full-time, March to October 2022, 40+hrs/wk. Operate vehicles/forklifts. Valid driver’s license an asset. Apply by e-mail beebuss12@gmail.com TEGART APIARIES HONEY is seeking for the 2021 season (Dec 15, 2020 - Nov 15, 2021): 4 APIARY TECHNICIANS min 3+ years experience at a Canadian commercial apiary or equivalent. Must have driving experience & may be required to supervise a crew ($16.40- $19.00/hr with possible bonus) 7 APIARY WORKERS min 2+ years experience at a Canadian commercial apiary or equivalent ($15.25-$16.40/hr with possible bonus.) All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team. Applicants must be accustomed to working with honey bees and have a good understanding of colony management, bee equipment maintenance and honey/beeswax processing. Both Apiary Techs and Apiary Workers can expect average 45+ hrs per week. Accommodations available. Some

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 2022 ($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 2022 ($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. PARADIS HONEY LTD. 5023-50 St & SW478-23-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 $16.00 - $19/hr (bonuses possible) depending on experience for full time (40+ hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2022. Must have a minimum of 4+ yrs experience working with bees in a Canadian style commercial apiary. Some 22

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, 2022 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 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 2022season, 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$15.42/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.

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Hoiland Specialty Plywood Formply is a tougher Plywood which is commonly used for concrete forming that Beekeepers have used successfully in their operations Formply consists of 100% Douglas Fir with more layers of veneer then standard plywood and also has a smooth heavy density overlay on either 1 side or both sides of the Sheet This strong DF plywood with overlay is easy to clean and repels all kinds of weather/moisture enabling it to last longer then most wood products in those conditions

HOILANDSPECIALTYPLYWOOD.COM CURTIS@HOILANDSPECIALTYPLYWOOD.COM

(306)-278-8515

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Port Hope 5029 County Road 2, Port Hope, ON L1A 3V5 T: 905 753 2623

Winnipeg 31060 Rosewood Road Dufresne, MB R5K 0P2 T: 204 866 2402

Hogg Comb Honey System Ready to go! Place on a strong colony to produce delicious comb honey. The Hogg honeycomb kit incorporates 40 cassettes in 10 frame honey super. Each cassette typically yields a 10-12 ounce sections.

Coated with pure beeswax Efficiently produce comb honey Comes fully assembled Readily accepted by bees

The American Bee Journal

is available through your organization at a 10% discount. $81 US for 2yr subscription. Send requests to the ABC office jules.ham@albertabeekeepers.ca

Shop Online: www.dancingbeeequipment.com Dedicated to helping grow your apiaries in a cost E: sales@dancingbeeequipment.com

effective and profitable way.

100% Canadian Made Woodenware & Stainless Steel

www.facebook.com/ dancingbeeequipment

HEALTHY HIVE ESSENTIALS

18% CRUDE PROTEIN WITH PROBIOTICS

MANNLAKELTD.COM 866-773-3025 24

October 2021

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

PALA’S VITAMIN HONEY FARM in Wembley, AB for the 2021 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), $15.00-$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, 2021. Staff accomm available. Contact Dan Pala, 721042 Hwy 724. Wembley, AB d.pala@telus.net, phone 780-832-5809, fax 780-766-3009

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 2022; wage starting at $15.50$16.50 (depending on exp. with a possible bonus) (40 + hrs/week). Duties will 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. 3 GENERAL FARM LABOURERS (LOW SKILL WORKER, NOC 8431) experience is an asset but will be trained. Employment needed for April through November 2022; 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.

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. 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

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 2022. 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 POELMAN APIARIES LTD.located near Fort Macleod, AB (102007A Range Rd 254) has the following positions available for the 2022 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 2022; wage starting at $15.50 - $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

GOLDEN EARS APIARIES INC in Mission, BC, is seeking 11 Apiary Supervisors at $15.21/hr, starting Feb 1,2022 until Oct. 31/2022, 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. 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 2022. 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; 25

TEGART APIARIES is seeking 3 APIAIRY WORKERS with min 2+ years experience at a Canadian Commercial apiary operation. (@ $15.25-$16.40/ hr with possible bonus) for July 10, 2021 to November 15, 2021. 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 at 780 835 2115 or tegarthoney@ telus.net; PO Box 904, Fairview, AB T0H 1L0 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 2022 season. 5 positions start in March - Oct, 6 positions start in April - Oct remaining start in June – Sept, 2022. 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

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

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

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

October 2021

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

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 2022 ($15.42$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 2022 ($15.42$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 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

T’N’T APIARIES REQUIRE: An APIARY FOREPERSON (NOC 8252) for fulltime (40+ hrs/wk) year round employment ($19.00-$25/hr depending on experience. Bonuses possible). Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years (seasons) fulltime in a Canadian style commercial apiary environment with a minimum of 3 years (seasons) working as an Apiary Technician. Duties include: Caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner. Co-ordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment. Recognizing, reporting, monitoring and controlling hive health issues. Harvest & package honey, pollen & beeswax. Supervise & train workers. Drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintenance of vehicles. Operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts, chainsaws & pumps). Conduct bee yard maintenance. Keep field and/or production records. Interact with external farm personnel.

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. A motor vehicle Operator’s license with no serious infractions, recognized by the Province of Alberta & major insurance companies, is required for the Foreperson position and preference will be given to those Technician & Worker applicants holding one. Contact Dave Tharle, 44116 - Hwy 659, Ardmore, AB or Box 80, Ardmore, AB. (Fax 780826-6013) Email:tntapi@mcsnet.ca

MCW APIARIES has two positions available for Apiary Technician (NOC8431) starting February 1st October 31st 2021. 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, 2021. Must have at least one year of experience and a valid driver's license. Accommodation available if required. Wages starting at $15/hr with some evening and weekend work. Hours are 45 hours per week with some evening and weekends,1he lob 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.

5 APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) for full time (40+ hrs/wk) employment ($17.00-$22/ hr depending on experience. Bonuses possible) January 2022 thru November 2022. Must have a minimum of 2 years (seasons) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary in the min. capacity of Apiary Assistant or General Farm Worker. Duties include: Caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner. Co-ordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment. Recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls. Harvest & package honey, pollen & beeswax. Supervise small teams of workers. Drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintenance of vehicles. Operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts, chainsaws & pumps). Conduct bee yard maintenance. Keep some field and/or production records. 6 APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) for full time (40+ hrs/wk) employment ($15.50 -$19.00/hr. depending on experience. Bonuses Possible) January thru November 2022. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honey bees. Duties include: Caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner Assisting Technicians with bees & equipment. Assisting with harvesting honey, pollen & beeswax. Assisting with the bee yard and equipment maintenance. 27

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 ($15.20/hr) in 2021. 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 2021 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 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 ($15.20/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

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

October 2021

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

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 - $15.20/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

Additionally, Apiary Technicians need to be 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 $15.42- 24.42 per hour

Technician (NOC 8431) 4 seasonal positions. Wages $17-$19, depending on experience. Duties include hive management, queen 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, $15.42-17/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.

GOOD MORNING HONEY LTD. in Parkland County, AB (51516-RR15) is looking for: (2) APIARY TECHNICIANS ($16.50/hr NOC8431 for employment January thru October 2021. The positions are full time (44+ hrs/wk). Some weekend, evening and night work required. Accommodation provided. 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. Applicant must be in good physical condition. A valid driver's license is required. We also require (3) APIARY WORKERS ($15.50/ hr) NOC8431 with employment January thru October 2021. The positions are full time (44+ hrs/wk). Some weekend, evening and night work required. Accommodation provided. 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. Applicant 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) ($15/hr ) NOC 8431 with employment January thru October 2021. This position is full time (44+ hrs/wk.) Some weekend, evening and night work required. Accommodation provided. Located 10 min SW of Stony Plain, Alberta. The Apiary Labourer MUST be able to work in the presence of honey bees. Applicant must be in good physical condition. Production bonus payments may be included for all positions. Email resumes to Richard at albertahoney@gmail.com or call (780) 257-9060 between 9am-5pm Mon-Fri only. YAREMCIO HONEY is seeking 8 full time seasonal Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431) for the 2022 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.

NIXON HONEY FARM iin Red Deer County, Alberta is accepting applications for the 2022 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 2022 thru June 2022. The other two positions are from February 2022 thru October 2022. 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 2022 thru October 2022. The other twelve positions are from February 2022 thru October 2022. 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 2022 beekeeping season. Apiary 28

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 2021. $16-20hr 32-60 hours a week. 1 year experience is required. We are also seeking 1 apiary labourer for July thru September 2021. $15.20 -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 2022 season from Feb – Nov 1: 8 apiary workers (NOC8431) with a min of 1-year experience, wages starting at $15.42/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. YUAN ENTERPRISES is seeking for one Apiary Technician (from April 15 to November 30, 2021) and one Apiary worker (from June 15 to September 15, 2021) in Peace River, AB. Applicants must be in good physical condition and do all beekeeping management. Wages from $15/hr, depending on experience. Email canadian.prairie.honey@gmail.com or Box 7554, Peace River, AB, T8S 1T2.

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

55 USG Open Head

Top Quality Products for Beekeepers

• Foundation • Queen Rearing Supplies • Beekeepers Apparel

20 gauge body & lid lever locking closure & epoxy phenolic lining also available in 5/8” bolt & ring

FDA Approved

• • • •

& Tools

• Hive Equipment • Mite Controls

Honey Containers Extracting Equipment Medications Packaged Bees & Queens

www.beemaid.com Proudly Owned by Canadian Beekeepers We can handle your sugar requirements. Dry or liquid – small lots or trailer loads.

Bee Maid buys light and dark beeswax at competitive prices.

BeeMaidBeeStore.com

Shop online 

Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative 70 Alberta Avenue, Box 3909 Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3B1 780.962.5573

For pricing & delivery from Lloydminster call 780.875.4421 or Dave LʹHeureux 780.893.7623 dave.lheureux@mauserpackaging.com

Bee Supplies Derrick Johnston Lisa Lemke Christie Martens Divina Rayoso

780.962.5667 780.960.8011 780.960.8009 780.960.8005 780.960.8010

| | | |

djohnston@beemaid.com llemke@beemaid.com cmartens@beemaid.com drayoso@beemaid.com

CARNIOLAN

ITALIAN

SASKATRAZ our exclusive saskatraz™ hybrid queen Olivarez Honey Bees, supports innovation and industry leaders who play key roles in beekeeping and sustainability of the industry. Albert Robertson is that leader, inventing the Saskatraz™ Queen Breeding Program in Saskatchewan Canada. OHB is partnering with Albert at our California location to produce Saskatraz™ Hybrid Queens. The Saskatraz™ Program was established with diverse genetics to enrich sustainable economic traits such as: • Tolerance to Varroa Mites • Overwintering

• Honey Production • Gentle Temperament

Olivarez Honey Bees

Bee Health For Planetary Health. CALIFORNIA/HAWAII 530. 865. 0298

TOLL FREE 877. 865. 0298 OHBees.com

FALL QUEENS AVAILABLE NOW!

Ultimately, we believe when you choose our queens, you are part of making these historic discoveries and carrying on the good Queen stock for planetary health.

OHBEESHQ

Olivarez Honey Bees, Saskatraz™

OHB IS THE ONLY CERTIFIED PRODUCERS OF THE SASKATRAZ™ HYBRID QUEEN IN THE U.S.

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

October 2021

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

WORKER BEE HONEY COMPANY Apiary Technician NOC 8431 (6 seasonal positions available, January to November 2022) - $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 2022) - $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 2022) - $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 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

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 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.

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) $15.42-$18.50/hr. depending on experience for full time (45+ hrs/wk) employment February thru October 2022. 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 records, operating and maintaining apiary equipment including trucks and forklifts, and coordination of some workers. - (10) APIARY WORKER(s) (NOC 8431) $15.42$16.50/hr. depending on experience for full time (45+ hrs/wk) employment March thru October 2022. 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 fastpace team 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

LALLIER APIARIES Located at 56226 Range road 64 Sangudo, AB is in need of one (1) apiary worker (low skill worker) for the 2021 season;wage $16/hr. The position is full time (40+ hrs/wk depends on the weather). The season willstart on March 2021 until October 2021. TheApiary Worker will assist the Apiary Technicianwith 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. S.S. HONEY INC. is looking for 4 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) from April 1 2021 to October 31 2021. Full Time Seasonal employment on a Canadian commercial beekeeping operation. (40+/hrs a week) $16 to $18/hr depending on experience, minimum 1 year experience. Must be physically fit and

PHILPOTT HONEY PRODUCERS LTD. located 10 kms north of Brooks is accepting resumes for Apiary workers for the 2021 beekeeping season. The position starts Feb 1st, 2021 and carries on until Oct 31st, 2021. 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 $15.00/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 SWAN APIARIES are seeking workers for the 2021 season, February 20- October 31 2021, 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-$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 30

MARC G. PARADIS NE 23-79-5W6 Rycroft, AB. – NOC 8431(4 positions) ($15.00-$16.50/hr depending on experience) for full time (40+hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2021. 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.

October 2021

Alberta Bee News

Classifieds

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

BUTZ APIARIES Seeking: 1 Apiary Harvest Worker for Jun-Oct, 2021 and 1 Apiary Harvest Worker Jul-Sep, 2021. Starting $15/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

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

Cowan 120 frame extractor with dual unloaded. Cook and Beals uncapped. Cook and Beals spin float. Call Frazer @ 403-471-1433.

WOLFE HONEY COMPANY INC. rrequires 12 Beekeeper Apiary Workers for full time/ seasonal work (40-50 hrs/ wk.) for beekeeping season (approximately end of Feb to beginning of Nov 2022) in Guy, AB. Wages will be set by the NOC guidelines and is currently $15.42 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 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.

MIGHTY MOUNTAIN HONEY LTD. 4 FRAME NUCS FOR SALE in May until mid June, approx. 500 Nucs available and 100 single hives. These units all have young proven queens and new 2021 queens. For pricing and ordering contact Matt Nagy 250-306-9896 ORDER NOW WITH DEPOSITS TO SECURE YOUR BEES!

AP HONEY FARM LTD in Wanham AB for the 2021 season is seeking two positions for Apiary Technician (NOC 8253) $15 - $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 -$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, 2021. 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 2021 year. Must have a minimum of 5 yearexperience in commercial beekeeping, wages start at $17–$21 depending 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 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

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- $15.42 per/hr. The positions are available on a seasonal/ full-time basis (45+ hrs. per week) for June to October 2022. Apiary Labourer duties include honey harvesting, collecting & processing of honey Apiary Labourer position may require some evening & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical conditions and able to work in a fast-pace team environment. 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

1998 Cook and Beals spin float for sale. Painted steel leg extensions. Two seasons on electric motor. Should have bearings replaced. Old style simple on and off. No heat exchanger available. Asking 7000$ obo. Contact Rene, Westlock Honey. 780-818-4268. 200 4 frame nucs, spring mated Okanagan survivor stock, young comb, no antibiotic use, $250.00, ready 3rd week of May, contact Doug Gordon @250-351-9111 or email okanaganhoney@gmail.com

HONEYBEAR APIARIES LTD. in Leduc is continuing to downsize in 2021. Our tank system is now available and is priced to sell. They are Wheatland Bins with powder coated interior and exterior. Available are two 60 tank models on skids, one 110 tank model on leg pads with hot water lines, and one 110 barrel older tank with a steel interior, good for syrup only unless sand blasted and powder coated.. The two smaller tanks include an exterior service catwalk and a waterline heating system...all tanks have interior catwalks for washing ease. Also available are limited quantities of bee equipment including bottom boards, excluders and single stack drip boards. Surplus supers and a limited number of hives are currently presold but we are maintaining a list of buyers..email Barrie Termeer at honeybear@xplornet.com or text 780-446-6924 for info or pictures. 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

NOTICES Will winter and help split bees here on BC Sunshine Coast. Gain an extra month of spring. Steve Clifford, Halfmoon Bay, BC. 604-885-9664.

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

October 2021

Which Honey is Right For You? RAW HONEY

PASTEURIZED HONEY

Filtered and gently heated

•

Raw, unpasteurized honey contains natural yeasts, enzymes and traces of pollen from local flowers and trees – considered to have health and flavour benefits. Rich, creamy and full of nutrition captured directly from the hive.

•

Pasteurizing honey slows down the granulation process, removes any chance of fermentation, and extends its shelf life. Pasteurized honey may be blended and comes from a variety of wildflower and plant sources.

Alberta honey is produced using sustainable beekeeping practices to keep Alberta bees happy and healthy.

w ww. albe r tabe e ke e pe rs .c a 32

Alberta Bee News Magazine - October 2021

Articles inside

31 Classifieds

EP News

How Ag Plastics Recycling Works In Alberta – Challenges And Opportunities

Impacts Of Covid-19 On Canadian Beekeeping: Survey Results And A Profitability Analysis

2021 ABC Conference And Trade Show

Announcing The Winners Of The 2021 Abc Bursary

Year Of The Beekeeper - Alveole

05 Alberta Tech Transfer Program - Hive-Side FAQ Honey Bee Viruses

Why We Need Sustainable National And Global Food Value Chains - How Do We Build Them

Announcing the 2021 Alberta Honey & Hive Products Contest