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

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

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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.
Livestock

New control for varroa mites on the horizon

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

By
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.
News

Manitoba honey harvest falls short

Last winter’s bee losses come due in honey counts

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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.
News

Expanding markets for Manitoba honey

Upgrades slated to Manitoba honey production and packaging facilities

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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
News

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

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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.
News

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

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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
Steppler Farms gets hives going for the 2021 season.
Livestock, News

Honey market riding high, despite pandemic pitfalls

Pandemic pressures have helped drive local honey prices up over the last year

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Manitoba’s beekeepers might be in for a really good year — assuming pandemic-driven logistical issues, labour shortages and the province’s still-dry conditions don’t keep them from cashing in. Why it matters: Financial signals are good for the honey industry, although producers still have plenty of hurdles to clear. In March, all signals initially pointed to good hive survival after a mild winter and
Ian Steppler accepts his award during the virtual North American Pollinator Protection Campaign conference on Oct. 20.
Farmit Manitoba

Manitoba beekeeper receives recognition for protecting pollinators

Ian Steppler uses a thriving YouTube channel and speaking engagements to share his philosophy

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A Manitoba beekeeper has received national recognition for his work advocating for and protecting pollinators. Ian Steppler accepted the 2020 North America Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) Farmer-Rancher Canada award for pollinator conservation during a virtual conference on October 20. “I’m quite flattered and really happy to be able to accept this award,” said Steppler who
Province, Manitoba Beekeepers announce knowledge transfer program
News

Province, Manitoba Beekeepers announce knowledge transfer program

Applied research and technical support will help beekeepers struggling to keep up with changing agricultural landscape

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A new knowledge and research transfer program will bring Manitoban beekeepers applied research and on-the-ground support that’s badly needed said Manitoba Beekeepers Association vice-chair Ian Steppler. “It’s a direct investment into the grassroots of our industry. We’re quite excited about it,” Steppler said. The Knowledge and Research Transfer Program (KRTP), which should begin January 1,
Tim Wendell has raised bees since he was a teen, and has been rearing queen bees for about 30 years.
Farmit Manitoba, Other

Queens, drones and bees that fly backwards

Three beekeeping experts explain honeybee breeding in Manitoba

By
To most of us, a bee is probably just a bee. Sure, there’s honeybees, bumblebees, and whatever that bee is that lives in huts on farmers’ fields (leafcutters, of course). But otherwise, a bee’s a bee, right? No, as it turns out. Like cattle ranchers and horse breeders, beekeepers pay a lot of attention to

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