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“They’re still kind of suffering those economic losses a bit and still trying to recoup their numbers.” – Derek Micholson, Manitoba Agriculture.
Livestock, News

Beekeepers off to a better start in 2023

Normal bee mortality would be a boon for the beekeeping sector after dismal rates last year

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Manitoba’s beekeepers are once again fighting “spring dwindle,” but winter losses are closer to normal compared to last year. “I’m not getting the absolute demoralizing reports from beekeepers,” said Manitoba Beekeepers Association president Ian Steppler. “I think we still have a high winter loss, but not as severe as last year’s.” Why it matters: The
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

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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
Varroa mites feeding on honeybee pupae.
Livestock

Control slipping on varroa mites

Anecdotal and small scale studies continue to suggest that a leading varroa mite control product may no longer be enough

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The quest to find effective varroa mite control has given producers little respite this year, according to the Manitoba Beekeepers Association. Chair Ian Steppler says producers are once again reporting varroa infestations. “There are producers who are talking about not being able to keep the mite counts down, so that’s the only concern about our
Rusty patch bumblebees are native bees that are now listed as an endangered species.  
photo: USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab/Creative Commons
Livestock, News, Other livestock

Another bad season for bees

Experts explore the reasons for bee population declines -- and ways to mitigate the problem

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Beekeepers reported high losses over the winter and experts are exploring the reasons and seeking ways to mitigate future colony declines. Ian Steppler, president of the Manitoba Beekeepers Association, said Manitoba’s losses this year are extremely high. “We’re nearly at a 60 per cent loss right across Manitoba right now, the highest loss in Canada
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
“The consensus is that general efficacy, countable efficacy of that product — Apivar — is quite variable.” – Rhéal Lafrenière.
News, Other, Other livestock

Varroa mite protection product for bees losing its punch

Producers may need multiple prongs of varroa mite control with some of their go-to solutions starting to lose potency

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Beekeepers will have to watch their varroa mite levels more closely and be prepared to look past Apivar for other control measures, provincial apiarist Rhéal Lafrenière says. Why it matters: Parasitic varroa mites feed on both adult bees and developing brood, causing weak and malformed bees, high mortality and, associated with that, winter losses due

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