Previous invasions of varroa mite have been successfully eradicated before establishing, but last year the mite managed to spread in Australia’s southeast.

Comment: Australia in unique position to eliminate varroa mite

The parasite is a scourge to the North American honey sector, but Down Under, the pest is still new

Last year, varroa mites reached Australia. The parasites are notorious in beekeeping circles, and an established population would have significant implications for agricultural food security in Australia, as honeybees are vital for the pollination of many crops. But while Australia is the last continent to be invaded by the mite, it has an opportunity to


A varroa mite feeds on a honeybee during its pupa stage.

New control for varroa mites on the horizon

University of Manitoba researchers look to CO2 to help beat back the parasite

Research at the University of Manitoba involves a promising and inexpensive control for varroa mites in honeybee colonies. Professor Rob Currie, head of the school’s department of entomology, is exploring the use of carbon dioxide to help mitigate mite infestations. The elevator pitch behind the treatment is that varroa mites have a higher sensitivity to

The province’s apiarist has heard production numbers as low as 25 pounds of honey per colony and as high as 290 for beekeepers with more than 50 colonies.

Manitoba honey harvest falls short

Last winter’s bee losses come due in honey counts

Last winter gave another sting to the beekeeping sector. Honey yield data in the annual fall survey indicates production was down in 2022, which the sector has blamed on severe winter stock losses. Why it matters: Honey prices remain high but winter losses reported early in 2022 left an unfortunate legacy when it comes to

“Our intent in the long term is to export a higher volume of our members’ honey as value-added, packed honey to be sold to retailers and distributors, so that we can continue to generate competitive returns for our members.” – Guy Chartier.

Expanding markets for Manitoba honey

Upgrades slated to Manitoba honey production and packaging facilities

After a challenging several months for Manitoba’s beekeepers, it was likely encouraging to hear some good news percolate to the surface. The Manitoba Cooperative Honey Producers Limited (MCHP) is edging a step closer to the upgrade and modernization of its processing and packaging facilities – a move expected to result in expanded markets and new


bees

Beekeepers to take second look at U.S. bees amid heavy loss

Many hives are still in the snow, but early loss counts are alarming

Manitoba’s beekeepers will be revisiting their decision to not push for a return of bulk bee shipments from the U.S. Ian Steppler, chair of the Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association, said they will be holding a special meeting on the topic April 23. “All producers in Manitoba are divided on this issue,” he said. Why it matters:

Concerns over importing pests like varroa mite have kept Manitoba beekeepers from endorsing U.S. imports.

VIDEO: Beekeepers opt for closed border on U.S. bulk bees

Bulk bee imports from the U.S. have been closed for decades, and Manitoba’s beekeepers say they would like it to stay that way

Manitoba’s beekeeping sector won’t be endorsing any push to reopen the U.S. border to American bulk bee shipments. In late February, a majority of members at the Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association (MBA) annual meeting shot down a resolution to support the Canadian Honey Council, should the national industry group ever lobby the federal government to allow