disease management lysozyme for januaryvol 20 # 1 2007 ... · provincial reports plants for bees...

2007

1January 2007

Vol 20 # 1

www.honeycouncil.ca

Canadian Honey Council

January 2007Vol 20 # 1

www.honeycouncil.ca


Marketing honey

Provincial Reports

Plants for Bees

Beekeeping in the Philippines

Lysozyme for Disease Management

Promotion pilot

Colony deaths on US East Coast

Bad Beekeeping by Ron Miksha

(a book about really, really,really BAD beekeeping)

From the prairie badlands of southern Saskatchewan

to the palmetto swamps of Florida, this is the story of a beekeeper

and his family who survived drought, low

prices and Canadian politics, to make a million

pounds of honey.

Available from Ron Miksha$30 CAN or $25 US

email: [email protected]

HiveLights January 2007 1

Publication Mail Agreement number

40031644ISSN 1489-730X

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses toCANADIAN HONEY COUNCIL

Suite 236, 234 -5149 Country Hills Blvd. NWCalgary, AB T3A 5K8

[email protected]

(403) 208 7141

Hobbyist (1 to 49 Colonies) ...$50Small commercial (50 to 299) .............$100Large commercial (300 +) ....................$200Industry ................$250

•

•

•

•

Please make cheque pay-able to the Canadian Honey

Council and mail to:CANADIAN HONEY COUNCIL

Suite 236, 234-5149 Country Hills Blvd NWCalgary, AB T3A 5K8

Fax 403-547-4317

Join the CHC and support beekeeping in Canada CHC is the national organization of the beekeeping industry. It

is the vital link between beekeeper associations, governments and provincial apiculturists. Beekeepers in business can claim CHC membership and travel to the annual meeting as eligible business expenses for tax purposes.

Editor ................................................................... Heather Clay Design and Production ................................. Rudy Gelderblom

Hivelights is published quarterly (Feb./May/Aug./Nov.) by the Canadian Honey Council. Hivelights goes free of charge to members of the CHC. Non-member subscriptions are welcomed: $30/year (U.S.) outside Canada. Deadline for submissions: six weeks prior to publication (i.e. Dec. 15th for Feb. issue). A free sample copy will be sent on request. The opinions expressed in the articles printed in Hivelights are those of the authors, and do not imply the endorsement of the Canadian Honey Council for the promotion of any product, goods or services mentioned in this publication unless specifically stated.

Membership Application

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Company

Address

City

Province Postal Code

Phone

Fax

Email

Visa #

Expiration date

Membership Fees

Table of Contents

4 Canadian Honey Council Activities Heather Clay

4 CHC Board of Directors

5 Marketing honey in a good year Ron Greidanus

6 Provincial Reports

7 Plants for Bees Douglas Clay

14 Beekeeping on Cebu Island in the Philippines Charles Polcyn

16 Management of Honey Bee Disease Using Lysozyme

Amanda Van Haga and Stephen F. Pernal

19 Honey promotion pilot Report excerpt

25 Colony deaths on US East Coast Dennis Van Englesdorp

25 Classifieds

IllustrationsDirectors ................................................... Billy BurgosPlants for bees .......................................... USDA - NRCS Plant

DatabasePhilipines ..................................................Charles Polcyn

HiveLightsJanuary 2007 Vol 20 #1

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On behalf of APIMONDIA and the Australian Organising Committee I wish to invite

everybody interested in apiculture, science and practice to participate in the international APIMONDIA congress in Melbourne, Australia from 9 to 14 September 2007.

You will meet commercial, professional and hobby beekeepers from all over the world. The scientists well known as well as young and active with new ideas will be there presenting the latest results of their work.

The honey traders will meet and discuss the world honey market and honey quality issues.

You will be able to meet and discuss with them as well.

Not least at the APIEXPO you will have in one place the main producers and traders of all what is needed by the beekeeper and all the products that come from beekeeping. The best equipment of the world and the best products from apiculture will be on show.

At the end we are going to see it all working in the field at the technical tours at the end of the congress.

A comprehensive social programme with entertainment and excursions will allow you to learn about Australia , its nature, culture and people.

Australian beekeeping and apicultural science have all over the world a reputation of a high level of professionalism. With more than 600 different species of Eucalyptus, many of which produce nectar and with several agricultural and horticultural plants the Australian beekeepers must have great knowledge on how to yield a good honey crop.

Many large scale beekeeping operations, efficient migratory beekeeping and good breeding systems are interesting features of Australian beekeeping.

cient quarantine systems have so far kept some serious diseases and parasites out of Australia, allowing for a huge export of package bees to the United States.

The congress is on beekeeping. But Australia has so much to show you. Just think of its wildlife, its nature or the culture of the Australians.

Going to the APIMONDIA congress in Australia will be a great adventure.

The scientific programme of the congress is made in close cooperation between the Standing Commissions of APIMONDIA and the scientists and beekeepers from the Australian Organising Committee. We ask all scientists, beekeeping advisors and teachers to submit abstracts for evaluation. The programme will have invited speakers as well as presentations of the best of the submitted papers.

Of course it has some costs to participate in the APIMONDIA 2007. But when you return back home from Australia I am confident that you will say: “This congress was a great event and we got excellent value for our money, not just did we learn a lot, but we made friends from all over the world.”

Asger Søgaard Jørgensen

APIMONDIA PRESIDENT

APIMONDIA

Welcome to Apimondia 2007

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Invitation and welcome from Apimondia President Asger Jørgensen

Info at www.apimonia2007melbourne.com

4 January 2007 HiveLights

CHC - CCM Delegates 2006

Canadian Honey Council Board of Directors

PRESIDENT TBA

VICE PRESIDENT Ed Nowek British Columbia Honey Producers Association 5011 Bella Vista Rd Vernon BC V1H 1A1ph. 250-542-8088 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paul Kittilsen, Maritime Beekeepers Association RR 1 Debert NS B0M 1G0 ph. 902-662-4072 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Corey BaconSaskatchewan Beekeepers AssociationB’s Bee RanchBox 84 Kinistino SK S0J 1H0 ph. [email protected]

QUEBEC DELEGATE

Jean-François Regalbuto1325 rang 4St-Adrien de Ham, QC J0A 1C0ph. 819-828-0076fax [email protected]

NATIONAL COORDINATOR Heather ClaySuite 236, 234-5149 Country Hills Blvd NWCalgary AB T3A 5K8ph. 403-208-7141 fax [email protected]

DIRECTORS

John Van AltenOntario Beekeepers AssociationDutchmans GoldCarlisle ON L0R 1H2ph. 905-689-6371 fax 905-689-7730 [email protected] Ron Rudiak, Manitoba Beekeepers Association Sunnybrook Bee FarmSteinbach MB R5G 1N2ph. [email protected]

Barrie Termeer,General DeliveryRollyview AB T0C 2K0ph. 780-986-3040 fax 780 [email protected]

Ron GreidanusAlberta Beekeepers AssociationPO Box 1581Stettler AB T0C 2L0ph. [email protected]

NON VOTING MEMBER AT LARGE

Wink Howland, Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association Howland’s HoneyBox 55 RR #3 Yorkton SK S3N 2X5ph. 306-783-7046 fax [email protected]\

NON VOTING CAPA DELEGATE

Stephen Pernal, AAFC Research Station, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge AB T0H 0C0ph. 780-354-5135 fax 780-354-8171 [email protected]

Canadian Honey Council Activities

Heather Clay, National Coordinator CHC

Small Hive Beetle

Targeted apiary inspections in Alberta and Manitoba showed that Small Hive beetle has arrived in Canada. The numbers are very low (less than 8 total). DNA testing has shown the SHB genetics is a match with the variety that is found in Australia. Considering the large number of package bees that arrived from Australia, the infestation is very low but it is a concern that there may have been a failure in the Australian quarantine system. Our association is recommending that the current protocols should be enforced more rigorously.

Emergency Use Registration

It was anticipated that Bayer’s application for full registration of Checkmite+™ (coumaphos) would be approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency this year. However the wheels of government move slowly and it did not happen. Once again our association, with the help of Medhat Nasr provincial apiarist for Alberta co-ordinated a national application for Emergency Use Registration of coumaphos. We expect to receive approval for one more year of use for treatment of varroa mites and the detection of Small Hive Beetle. As mites develop

resistance to this chemical beekeepers are seeking softer chemical alternatives such as oxalic acid and formic acid. Check with your provincial apiarist for the recommended applications.

Promotion campaign

An aggressive promotion campaign for 100% Pure Canadian honey was conducted in Winnipeg in fall. A summary of some of the major results are reprinted on page 24. The project was a

success and results show the importance of promotion. On the downside it also showed we have work to do since 24% thought honey contains additives and a similar number believe that honey does not keep. This underlines the need for an education and awareness blitz.

Forging a New Direction

The CHC has undertaken a national action plan to reinvent the CHC, embark on promoting Canadian honey and develop a national strategy to address current challenges and emerging issues in the Canadian honeybee industry. This ambitious project is being supported with funding received from Agriculture Agri-Food Canada under their Advancing Canadian Agriculture Agri-Food (ACAAF) program.


Awareness Project

The awareness project featuring Pierre the Bear was launched in Winnipeg in October. This is another key component of the ACAAF Project. Throughout fall Pierre the Bear promoted 100% Pure Canadian Honey in the Winnipeg area, on billboards and on local radio stations. Pierre was enthusiastically received by the public in Winnipeg and Regina.

Four working committees are looking at the future purpose and roles of the CHC and the national office, our membership and representation, future budgets and funding sources, and our conferences.

This year will be one of the most exciting in the CHC’s history, as the results of the committee’s work are brought to you, the members, for discussion. Information will be posted on this website so everyone can see the progress we are making toward becoming a stronger national voice for the Canadian honeybee industry.

We invite your participation in this process. An overview of the project can be downloaded from the CHC website at www.honeycouncil.ca and click on ACAAF. If you have any questions or comments please email them to us at [email protected] and you will receive a response from our project team.

These enhancements to the website are part of the

ACAAF Project. Those of you who attend the AGM and Conference in Langley will have an opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions about CHC’s future. After the Langley AGM and Conference, Working Committees will begin to select preferred options for the future. Afterward, implementation planning can be done in consultation with provincial associations and others.

Issues Facing the Canadian Honey Industry

Provincial apiculturists met in October to identify major issues facing the industry, which our future organization needs to address. The top three priorities are: hive health, market access/share, and food safety. Other major issues discussed by apiculturists include: education/training/research, labour and profitability,

and borders. A summary of Calgary Meeting is on the honeycouncil.ca website. Click on ACAAF as above. The provincial apiculturists’

Marketing Honey in a Good YearRon Greidanus, Greidanus Honey Farm, Stettler AB

pg 13

work is helping to spell out some future roles of the CHC national office and the capacities and competencies needed.

This time of year, beekeepers are always asking the same questions; “How

did you do?”, “Have you sold anything yet?”, “How much did you get?”, “What’s the price of Honey doing?”. All too often we rely on the packers to answer these questions. And then in the next breath we scowl at the packers because, “They’re the only ones making any money – hand over fist.” Of course this is mere speculation. The real question that needs to be asked is, “Why is the price what it is?” How is this price set? Who negotiates this price? The current situation is only slightly more complex than some elementary economic principles.

Principle #1 The law of supply and demand. At present no one knows exactly how much honey is available. Many producers held onto supply due to severely depressed honey prices over the past several years,. This resulted in substantial carryover. The actual amount is a huge unknown because there is no mechanism to record the quantity of carryover. The crop estimates for this year were exceeded. The claims that, “the Dakotas got nuthin’,” are not true.

The key point is that there is a lot of honey available regardless of whether North America had a average, above average or bumper crop, The law of supply and


AMaritime

After an easy winter, the spring of 2006 was great for Maritime beekeepers with warm temperatures and lots of sun. The weather took a turn for the worse with extremely wet weather through June into mid July many hives that had built up extremely well decided it was time to swarm and they promptly did so. Honey yields in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island were about half of normal. Many beekeepers in New Brunswick managed to produce a good crop.

Many blueberry growers blamed poor pollination for the low yield in the blueberry crop. I noted that they all said the bees worked well when they were given a chance to fly however that only happened a day here and a day there.

With the increasing acreages and returns in the blueberry industry both in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, the “greying” of the beekeepers and the closed provincial boarders there is a developing concern about how the demand for bees to pollinate the blueberry crop will be met.

In an effort to address this problem the Nova Scotia Beekeepers Association is working with a local Community College to develop a “hands on” type of beekeeper training curriculum. However even with adequate numbers of trained beekeepers if there is not adequate returns to

the beekeeper the demand will still not be met.

The Maritime Beekeepers Association recently passed a motion supporting the continuing effort to redevelop

the Canadian Honey Council. The general discussion stressed the importance of CHC. There was consensus from the Maritime beekeepers that perhaps the word honey needs to be removed from the name of the organization so that there is no greater emphasis on honey than pollination. It is important that the name of any organization fairly reflect the industry that it is representing.

Wishing everyone health, happiness and prosperity in 2007.

Paul Kittilsen

Quebec

Overall the honey production season in 2006 was not so good in Quebec. Spring started out well with mild temperatures and a good buildup of bees. Apple pollination season had a few days of good weather for pollination and the bees did well. Blueberry pollination was exceptional. The weather was fine and beekeepers averaged 1⁄2 a box of honey from the blueberry crop. The signs for a good season were hopeful but higher than average rain in summer reduced the crop.

In June & July flowers were abundant but the rain just did not stop. August and September followed in the same pattern. They were very poor months for honey production. In early September there was a short golden rod flow but that was it for the entire honey production season. The majority of beekeepers are reporting well below average crops.

Despite the wet summer, autumn improved so feeding and treating went well. More beekeepers are treating with oxalic and formic acid for varroa mites because of the signs of mite resistance to Check Mite. It is early to tell but beekeepers are expecting heavy losses in the spring from high population of varroa mites.

Provincial Reports This summer some beekeepers participated in community shows and craft fairs selling product alongside specialty products

such as chocolate, mead, bread, and maple syrup. Consumers liked these events and commented that they are looking for local products. Many do not want to buy honey out of supermarkets. These venues are

good places for beekeepers to showcase their product.

Ontario

Another season come and gone. It’s hard to remember what happened, it seemed to go by so fast.

The Ontario Beekeepers Association (OBA) held its annual meeting in Windsor Ontario in November. Jerry Poelman and his wife were our guests. They provided us with interesting information about their operation and the new commission in Alberta. Jerry Hayes from Florida gave a couple of fascinating presentations from a South Eastern U.S. perspective. It made me glad that we run our bees in Ontario. We don’t want to deal with the things that they have to deal with in that part of the world. Of course we heard from Dr. Ernesto Guzman about some of the work that he and his graduate students are doing at University of Guelph.

pg 8

Alain Moyen


Plants for Bees: Wolf WillowDoug Clay, Research Scientist, Calgary, AB

Common Name

Wolf Willow also known as: (American) silverberry

Scientific Name

Elaeagnus commutata Bernh (Synonym: Elaeagnus argentea Pursh)

Native Range

Elaeagnus commutata Bernh is native to North America and is distributed irregularly across the USA and Canada from the Yukon and NWT to Texas and from coast to coast. In Canada E. commutata is known as wolf willow while in the USA it is known as silverberry or American silverberry. This tree/shrub becomes less common in the southern parts of its range.

Wolf willow is in the family Elaeagnaceae that includes a wide-spread invasive tree/shrub, the Russian olive or E. angustifolia. The genus name is derived from the Greek “elaia” meaning olive.

Canadian Distribution

The wolf willow is found from the west coast of British Columbia to central and northern Ontario, it then jumps to the eastern regions of Quebec and the Gaspé.

E. commutata is frost tolerant and rated as Canadian Zone 2 making it suitable for the most northerly regions supporting bees in Canada.

Description

The wolf willow is an erect shrub or small deciduous tree with fruit (silver to white berries when ripe).

pg 12

Wolf willow shrub from USDA - NRCS Plant Database


reports from pg 6

The OBA tech transfer team gave us some of the results of their research this past season as well. Overall it was a worthwhile convention.

Most Ontario beekeepers reported that they produced an average to just below average crop of honey. It started early, with a lot of swarming, and ended early. Our fall honey flow didn’t materialize, although the conditions of the golden rod and aster looked promising. There was some talk about the corn beetle moving on to the golden rod. I remember we had some trouble like that 15 or 20 years ago. I hope it’s not going to be the same sort of infestation.

October and November produced record rainfall for most of Southern Ontario. I can’t remember emptying my rain gauge at the 3-4 inch level as often as this past fall. We had a few nice warm spells in between the rain, so that our bees could take up their winter feed.

It seems that Varroa levels are up slightly this fall. We are still not completely on top of the formic and oxalic treatments. With brood in the hives well into November, those of us who treated with Oxalic early, may need to make some early management decisions next spring when we check our mite levels.

In the meantime, I am looking forward to winter, if

it ever arrives. At the time of writing (Dec.15) our lawn is still green and there are even a few dandelions, tentatively poking their heads up, wondering if this is spring already.

Manitoba Report

Even though much of Manitoba experienced a hot and unusually dry summer in 2006, honey production averaged higher than normal. There were numerous reports that early seeded canola fields flowered early and bloomed for only a short time because of the hot weather. Many beekeepers moved their colonies from the quickly ripening fields of canola to alternate locations very early in the season. Relocated colonies were able to produce honey from a variety of sources including field crops, various clovers, alfalfa and wildflowers.

Warm weather throughout September permitted removal of the last honey boxes, generally on time, and rapid fall feeding of colonies in preparation for wintering. During this time, beekeepers had an opportunity to check mite levels and apply treatments wherever necessary. Fair weather

continued during October when outdoor wintered colonies are routinely wrapped and on into November when the indoor colonies are moved into wintering rooms. Honeybee colonies are going into winter healthy and are expected to be in good condition as spring arrives.

Prices for bulk honey, although much better than last year, continue to be lower than expected. Many producers have expressed confidence that the CHC honey promotion and branding of Canadian honey can result in more Canadian honey being sold to consumers..

Saskatchewan

This is the first year of the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission (SBDC), which was formed to levy a check off on each colony operated in Saskatchewan in operations operating 100 colonies of more. Besides contributing to the CHC Canadian Honey promotion campaign, the SBDC also kicked off our own Canadian Honey Promotion campaign

(much smaller than the CHC campaign) here in Saskatchewan with a news conference during the SBA annual fall business meeting in Regina. “Pierre the Bear” was on hand and was a

hit with both the television and radio media in attendance. As a follow up to the news conference,

Pierre took the opportunity to attend Agribition. This was Pierre’s first foray to Agribition. He was amazed at the sheer size of this event. Pierre made his debut at the Agribition school auction. This is an auction for the children held in one of the show arenas. Hundreds of children come with their teachers and classmates to the auction and pool their play money to bid on items. Pierre came out with the beehive display and was an instant hit. He was as much delighted by the children’s response as they were to his. Pierre then headed to the Honey show awards luncheon where he participated in the award presentation for the Honey show. After a quick breather Pierre headed to the “Ag Ed” area, which featured educational displays where teachers bring the school children (open to all) to learn about agriculture. It was unbelievable to see the “mob” of children surrounding Pierre for hugs and high fives. To see the smiles and joy on the faces of children (and teachers) was an unforgettable, incredible experience for Pierre. After another break Pierre made his final appearance at the Regina and District Bee Club trade show booth to help promote Canadian/Saskatchewan honey. It was apparent to those that were working the booth that our message in Saskatchewan was getting out. Many that stopped by the booth mentioned that they had seen and/or heard our message about Canadian honey and Pierre the Bear. Money well spent!

Ron Rudiak

John van Alten


Corey Bacon

pg 21

As for the beekeeping side off things in Saskatchewan, most beekeepers experienced an exceptional honey crop. Crops averaging below the 200 lb mark are few and many beekeepers are reporting crops averaging in the high 200 lb range and many above 300 lbs/colony. Though we lacked rain during summer, heavy spring and early summer moisture was enough to keep the canola blooming for a reasonable length period. Followed by tremendous hive strength entering the summer flow, one key factor this year was that we saw very few poor flying days for the bees. Most days were hot and sunny with calm winds. Substantial volunteer and wild flowers also continued to bloom in ditches and pastures through summer into early fall like I have never seen before. Because of the extended flow into fall, many beekeepers reported colonies requiring very little feed going into winter and some colonies actually overweight (sounds like I am describing some of us heading into spring). Winter came early in Saskatchewan this year. The last two weeks of October were unseasonably cold and November followed with record amounts of snow fall for the month in many areas. Honey prices were firm heading into September with offers for white honey coming in around $1.05/lb US. The price slowly

declined to around $0.95/lb range through October and then seemed to have quickly dropped to the low $0.80/lb range in November. Coincidently, this quick drop occurred quickly after honey production statistics were released in Canada. Perhaps we need to rethink on our honey reporting to the government. The first AGM of the SBDC will be held in Saskatoon on January 31, 2007 where our interim board will be replaced by our first elected SDBC board. Our members will have a chance to review our first year and give guidance to our new

board. Followed will be the SBA convention and AGM on Feb 1 – 3, 2007 at the Sheraton Cavalier downtown Saskatoon. I encourage you to take

the opportunity to attend our

convention. It is always educational and enjoyable. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!

Alberta Report

This year was an exceptional year for most Alberta beekeepers, with many reporting record crops. The price, accordingly has been subsiding with many packers playing their cards close to their chests, buying

only as need demands, or reporting substantial carryover inventory. The rumors of prices topping

$1.50 CDN per pound do not seem to be coming to fruition. Instead a downward or sideways price trend seems to be developing. Many producers have been able to move inventory, although not as quickly as would be desired.

Many US packers have been able to purchase honey at prices of $0.92 USD FOB packers plant, promotion paid. These packers have been forward purchasing inventory. Although frustrating for producers that have yet to move inventory or are waiting for better prices, this trend is expected to continue till producer inventories drop off.

Alberta had its AGM in November. The meeting resulted in the election of Kevin Nixon as president, and 3 new delegates on the Commission board. The new members will bring a lot of fresh new ideas and energy to the table.

The next major event in Alberta will be the fourth annual IPM Feb 15-16,2007

at the Executive Royal Inn in Edmonton. This is a major workshop with practical beekeeping tips and advice with hands on workshops.

The small hive beetle discoveries this summer seem to be isolated incidents. The alleged source is packages of bees from Australia. The CFIA has asked for input

from CAPA and CHC into the importation protocols for package bees from Australia. The Alberta beekeepers in discussions with Provincial Apiculturist Dr. Medhat Nasr, has decided that maintaining the existing protocol as is, would be the most prudent course of action. We have requested that importers and exporters be vigilant in adhering to import protocols.

British Columbia

2006 honey yields in British Columbia were down from previous years due in part to the cold wet spring conditions and the ongoing struggle with Varroa mites.

Ron Greidanus

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It often grows to 3 m (and sometimes 5 m), suckering is common, thus they are often found in dense clumps. It is hardy, grows at a medium to fast rate (20 cm/yr), and is sometimes used in hedges and shelterbelts in exposed sites. The branches are alternate with rusty brown bark and buds. They have a rather open structure and so do not provide a lot of wind protection.

The leaves are alternate, oblong (3 – 8 cm), with a rounded tip and silvery-green on both sides. The small flowers are yellow to yellow-green on the inside, silvery on the outside. They occur in clusters of 2 or 3 in the axils of the leaves and bloom in May or June (depending on climate). The flowers have a strong scent that is considered by some as sweet and delicate and others as over powering and unpleasant.

Ecology

The plant prefers medium (loamy) soils but grows well in light (sandy) and heavy (clay) soils. It does best in well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. As a legume they fix atmospheric nitrogen, thus they enrich the soil and can make a very good companion hedge in orchards, reportedly increasing yields from fruit trees by up to 10%. Wolf willow survives well in acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can survive very alkaline soil.

It requires direct sun and cannot grow in full shade. Plants in sunny positions produce more blossoms than those in partial shade. The roots are woody with spreading rhizomes that are not highly competitive. The plants are sensitive to root disturbance and thus larger plants do not transplant well. Because of its spreading roots it is often used for erosion control.

Although the fruit is generally dry and mealy, it was often used by First Nations peoples for jellies and soups and mixed with fat/grease as a treat and for longer-term preservation. The forage is not attractive to most domestic herbivores however moose,

elk and sometimes deer will browse on the shrub.

Canadian Habitat

The wolf willow is a hardy long-lived perennial, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°C. The plants are drought tolerant and wind resistant, a necessary feature on the prairies. The plant can also tolerate maritime exposure and the resulting salt levels.

Methods of Reproduction and Spread

E. commutata reproduce primarily by rhizomes, although seeds are also important in the wild. Cuttings are commonly used for horticulture. Wolf willow has heavily scented flowers that are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees. The seeds ripen from July to September and can remain on the branches through the winter.

Honey/Pollen Potential

Wolf willow are attractive to bees in early spring along with the earliest willows (Salix spp.) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). They often bloom concurrently with caragana (Caragana arborescens) and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), thus it is difficult to identify the individual contributions to the honey gathered. In Ohio two Elaeagnus species (including the autumn olive E. umbellata) are listed as important contributors to the honey crop, several studies of pollen content in honey have reported E. commutata present.

No direct information on E. commutata could be found, however the invasive species, E. angustifolia, has been inves-tigated in greater detail. The potential for honey is in the mid range (51 to 100 kg/ha) although the early nectar flow can make it relatively important for the spring buildup. The sugar concentration in the nectar is similar to maple (Acer spp.) and willow (Salix spp.) at 35 to 42%. Lovell noted the wolf willow attracts bees all day to the freely flowing nectar. The author has observed bees with active pollen baskets working E. commutata in early spring in southern Alberta.

Reference:

Anon. 2005. Trees and Shrubs of Gillette and Campbell County Wyoming. Forestry Division, City of Gillette. Gillette, Wyoming. pp38. Available at: http://www.ci.gillette.wy.us/ pubw/ PK/ WyomingTrees.pdf. (Accessed 7/11/2006.)

Esser, L.L. 1994. Elaeagnus commutata. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Forest Service, Missoula, USA. Available at: http:// www.fs.fed.us/ database/ feis/. (Accessed 7/11/2006.)

Herman, D.E. and L.J. Chaput. 2003. Trees and Shrubs of North Dakota. Eb-38 (revised). NDSU Extention Service. Fargo, N.D. pp36. Available at: http:// www.ag.ndsu.edu/ trees /handbook.htm . (Accessed 7/11/2006.)

Lovell, H.B. 1926. Honey plants of North America. A.I. Root Company. Medina, USA. 408pp.

Ramsay, J. 1987. Plants for Beekeeping in Canada and the northern USA. IBRA, Cardiff, UK. 198pp.

Plants from pg 12

Alison (Babe) Warren a long time beekeeper and

supporter of the honey industry died Dec. 10 2006.

Babe was an identity in the BC industry and a strong supporter of the CHC. She and her late husband Charlie ran Babes

Honey Farm on Vancouver Island BC. Together they built a family owned company that supplies honey, nucs, queen bees and pollination services. Babe and Charlie received the prestigious Fred Rathje award in 1992 for their contribution to the industry.

They believed in promoting 100% Canadian honey and their

product has been in demand thoughout Vancouver Island and

the lower mainland.


demand has a price balance point. As demand increases so will the price. As supply increases the price will come down.

Theoretically, the price should be set between the producer and the packer. The producer wants as much as he can get. The packer wants as low a price as possible, maximizing margin and volume. It is the end consumer who will determine the ultimate price in the grocery store. If it is too expensive in the grocery store she just won’t buy it. This has a ripple effect along the chain all the way back to the producer.

Complexities arise and further complicate this simple formula. But essentially, there is a fear that there is an oversupply for existing demand. This fear leads to the sideways or slightly softening trend of honey prices.

I am going out on a limb but I think honey prices will firm back to the $0.95 to $1.00 CDN range. The reason is that Canada exports significant amounts of honey. I think the Canadian dollar will weaken to the $0.85 US cent range in April and early May, It will bounce around before then $0.86- $0.88 US (before the Victoria day long weekend) when energy prices hit their seasonal lows. The only caveat to my prediction is if the US

giants are Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro/A&P, and Safeway but recently Walmart and Costco have bumped Safeway into sixth position. In the west there is also the Jim Pattison group Overwaitea/SaveOn grocery stores. These grocery chains make money selling groceries. The name of the game is low prices. Low priced items bring people in the door, over priced items don’t. The supermarkets pressure suppliers into setting lower prices.

Volume is important and if a product is not moving, it is dropped. But what you may not know is that the grocery chain also makes money on purchasing goods. Large stores may demand kick backs for placing or moving product. If a brand does not perform, it may be removed from the store shelf. If a supplier does not want to play ball, their product can be pulled. These business practices may be considered verging on extortion. Even large suppliers like Kellogs can be subject to these tactics.

Feeling depressed yet? Well the good news is that we can do something about the situation. Contrary to popular belief, packers are our best friends. As producers we need to get on board with packers to foster demand. We need to be innovative in marketing our product and increasing demand. Many of us are excellent at producing, but we need help when it comes

lowers interest rates and Canada doesn’t. (This will weaken the USD, but stimulate their economy) This should help to achieve premiums for honey exported to the United States. Play the market carefully and you should be able to get $1.00 CDN for your honey.

Principle #2: An imbalanced market makes for imba-lanced trade. People will often say, “It’s a buyers market” or “It’s a sellers market”. What they are referring to is the balance between buyers and sellers. If there are more buyers than sellers, such as in the current real estate boom in the west, it is a sellers market. If there are more sellers than buyers, such as in a collapsing stock market, it becomes a buyers market.

We are in a buyers market for our commodity. This problem began when the price for honey peaked a couple of years ago. It was a nice price but it opened the door to a lot of competitors; new producers who maximized their production and importers who brought in cheap honey to sell at the higher prices. Globally, more producers have entered the marketplace to compete for the buyers dollars. Fortunately, we can see that the pendulum has started to swing the other way, but how far will it go? And how long will it take to get there? Extremes in a marketplace always result in corrections.

The packers too, are in an imbalanced market place. In Canada, the grocery

to marketing. We are good beekeepers but lousy sales people. What can you do in your area of influence? I don’t know – ask your packer, or the guy you sell to. He or she may have some really good ideas. Perhaps you may have to cost share in radio or television advertising. After all if you do well why shouldn’t your buyer. And if your buyer does well, why shouldn’t you? It is beneficial for packers and producers to be in a symbiotic relationship.

If we don’t start taking up our responsibilities for promoting and marketing our product, the current trend will continue. We want to avoid having to produce more and then chasing prices downwards. Honey prices are not keeping pace with inflation and more and more pressure is put on yield because there is no margin for profit. If we all put in a little effort (this does not have to translate into removing money from our wallets) to market the honey we work so hard to produce, the margins in our business can and will remain firm and the threats that imports bring will be mitigated.

So the next time you ask, “How did you do?” or, “What’s the price of honey doing?” or, “Did you sell any honey yet?” also ask, “What can I do to improve sales?”

Marketing from pg 5

TThe possibility of a trip

to the Philippines has a

great deal of appeal in a cold

Canadian winter. When an

opportunity arose for a Volunteer Adviser position with Canadian Execu-tive Services Organization (CESO) to provide beekeeping assistance for a group of beekeepers in the in the Philippines during the months of January and February, I gladly accepted.

My wife and I left Winnipeg on a cold January evening and arrived in the tropical heat of the Philippines at midday 3 days later. After a long flight to Hong Kong and a quick plane change we

finally arived in Cebu Island which is located in the central Philippines Island group. Cebu City is the second largest metropolitan area in the Philippines, after the capital Manila. About 700,000 people live in Cebu City itself, and about three million live in the island province. We were warmly welcomed by our hosts in Cebu and quickly settled into a separate room of the multi-family Chinese-Filipino household.

The next 3 days were filled with meeting the Cebu Honey Association Inc. (CHAI) group of beekeepers. There were men and women from all age groups including those in their late twenties, through to those who had retired from offshore work. It was most interesting to see the variety of their beehives and beekeeping operations. The range of beekeeping backgrounds

and skills indicated that a medium to advanced course on beekeeping would be useful. One of their main concerns was how to produce more honey for sale year round. Currently the production per hive provides little surplus. Another interest was to be able to sell some of the other products of the hive such as beeswax, pollen, and propolis to a wider market than their friends and immediate families.

We began planning with them how to produce more honey in the upcoming honey production season, using low cost, high return techniques. Different beekeeping methods for enhanced honey production were shown using hands on demonstration. The bees were very easy to examine and assess, as they were of a very gentle disposition. A key learning step for the group

was to recognize that bees are very good at controlling temperatures in tropical conditions, provided that the hives are organized differently from what the CHAI members had been doing. Beekeepers were provided with

information on early recognition of bee diseases and effective treatments. We also found time to create several samples of value added products such as lip balms, skin creams, propolis tinctures and soaps, using honey, beeswax, propolis and essential oils.

Our demonstration hives were located behind the regional Department of Agriculture in a backyard storage area where several hives were operated

Beekeeping on Cebu Island in the PhilippinesCharles Polcyn, Scotts Hill Apiary, Winnipeg, MB

Above: Tasting of several types of Manitoba Honey by the CHAI Group

Left: Charles Polcyn and Boyd Flores examining a frame in his home yard for queen laying quality

Inset: Charles Polcyn and Boyd Flores examining a sugar roll jar for varroa mites

Charles Polcyn, Scotts Hill Apiary, Winnipeg, MB


by members of the CHAI group. The DA also provided us with a fan-cooled meeting room that was welcome in the humid heat and served as our lunch room and demonstration centre. The CHAI beekeepers were very enthusiastic

and willing to try different approaches to beekeeping.

Philippine beekeepers are very ingenious at inventing and building beekeeping equipment in their own workshops. They quickly adapted local materials to build new equipment from the photos that I had brought along. I discovered that one of the local species of mahogany makes very strong hives and frames, as well as beautiful furniture. Every day was busy for me with notes to prepare, materials

to be located, and travel to different hive locations over some very bumpy roads. A recent communication from the group mentioned that honey production was higher for the CHAI beekeepers, despite the fact that the weather had changed due to water conditions in the Pacific. It is satisfying to know that the information and training was useful to them.

I enjoyed my experiences with the tropical bees and their beekeepers. The CHAI beekeepers warm generosity and good will was exceptional. They went out of their

and skills indicated that a medium to advanced course on beekeeping would be useful. One of their main concerns was how to produce more honey for sale year round. Currently the production per hive provides little surplus. Another interest was to be able to sell some of the other products of the hive such as beeswax, pollen, and propolis to a wider market than their friends and immediate families.

We began planning with them how to produce more honey in the upcoming honey production season, using low cost, high return techniques. Different beekeeping methods for enhanced honey production were shown using hands on demonstration. The bees were very easy to examine and assess, as they were of a very gentle disposition. A key learning step for the group

was to recognize that bees are very good at controlling temperatures in tropical conditions, provided that the hives are organized differently from what the CHAI members had been doing. Beekeepers were provided with

information on early recognition of bee diseases and effective treatments. We also found time to create several samples of value added products such as lip balms, skin creams, propolis tinctures and soaps, using honey, beeswax, propolis and essential oils.

Our demonstration hives were located behind the regional Department of Agriculture in a backyard storage area where several hives were operated

way to make us feel welcome in many ways. Their traditional hospitality of snacks and meals whenever I visited their various hive locations was always a part of my visit. We met many members of their extended family. One weekend we were invited by the CHAI group for a picnic and fish barbecue at a waterfall park on the other side of Cebu Island. It was a fascinating trip across the hilly spine of Cebu Island with great views, deep gorges and towering trees. There is no doubt that Filipino farmers have a challenge living and practicing agriculture and beekeeping on the steep hillsides of this volcanic island.

We left the Philippines in mid-February and spent some time in Thailand and China before returning to Winnipeg. There was snow to shovel and no opportunity to wear the shorts and sandals that had been more than sufficient in the Philippines.

Beekeeping on Cebu Island in the PhilippinesCharles Polcyn, Scotts Hill Apiary, Winnipeg, MB

Above: Tasting of several types of Manitoba Honey by the CHAI Group

Left: Charles Polcyn and Boyd Flores examining a frame in his home yard for queen laying quality

Inset: Charles Polcyn and Boyd Flores examining a sugar roll jar for varroa mites

Finale of the Bee Beard demonstration left to right; Teeting, Boyd,Charles, Russell Solon with

bee beard and Verna Polcyn.


Varrox® VaporizerOxalic acid (vaporization method ) for treating beehives against varroa mites is inexpensive, effective in broodless colonies and well tolerated by honeybees. The Varrox® Vaporizer is easy to use, just insert it through the entrance with a 12 V battery hookup. The cost is $145 plus 7% GST and shipping.For more information or to purchase the oxalic acid Varrox® Vaporizer contactDaniel or Beatrice Ficza, 902-675-3690 or [email protected]

MENTHOL BOARDSPlease order early

HAMILTON BEE RANCH LTD.Box 1169, Nipawin SK S0E 1E0

Phone 306-862-4194Fax 306-862-4193

Producers of Northern Blossom Honey

The overall goal of our research project is to evaluate lysozyme

as an alternative to oxytetracycline (OTC) for the control of the American foulbrood (AFB) and other brood diseases. Since 2005, we have continued to investigate the toxicity of lysozyme to honey bees, Apis mellifera, as well as its efficacy against AFB caused by Paenibacillus larvae . The antibiotic nisin, a compound with action against P. larvae and a synergist to lysozyme, was also examined. Based on demonstrated synergy between lysozyme and other macrolide antibiotics, we undertook an additional study to establish whether additive or synergistic effects between lysozyme and tylosin also existed. Finally, we modified our in vitro protocols to evaluate the efficacy of lysozyme against Ascophaera apis, the causative agent of chalkbrood disease.

Acute and chronic oral toxicity of lysozyme and nisin was evaluated using laboratory cage assays with adult worker bees. In acute trials, cages of 30 field-collected bees, 7-9 days-old, were fed discrete doses of lysozyme, nisin, or dimethoate (a highly toxic reference compound) with mortality being monitored over a period of 72 hours. Chronic oral toxicity was determined using cages of 100 newly-emerged bees, fed a continuous dose of lysozyme or nisin. Lysozyme and nisin were not acutely toxic to adult

honey bees, requiring >6400 µg per bee to kill half the sample population; in contrast, dimethoate required only 0.34 µg per bee. Chronic consumption of lysozyme over 19 days did not affect survival at a dose of 511 µg per bee per day or less, compared with bees fed only sugar syrup. Nisin, however, was more toxic and consumption of more than 40 µg per bee per day decreased survival. The increased toxic effects of nisin may be attributed to the formulation of the commercial product Novasin™, which contains large amounts of sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is toxic to bees at levels as low as 0.125%.

For the suppression of AFB, successful transmission of treatment from nurse bees to larvae is essential because young larvae (<48 h-old) are the only stage susceptible to infection by P. larvae. Persistence and stability of lysozyme in the honey stomach of adult worker bees engaged in brood feeding would increase the probability of lysozyme reaching the target larval population. To test the stability of lysozyme, cages of 100 adult workers, 7-9 days old, were fed different treatments of lysozyme in sugar syrup while being held at 34°C. The contents of the honey stomach from 10 bees per cage were forcibly regurgitated at six discrete time intervals after treatment (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h) and analyzed for quantity and activity of

the enzyme. Lysozyme concentrations decreased in the honey stomach by 82-89% over the course of 24 h, but levels of lysozyme detected from unconsumed lysozyme sugar solutions remained relatively stable over time.

Tylosin is an effective treatment against AFB, however the antibiotic remains very stable in honey. Synergy between tylosin and lysozyme would reduce the therapeutic dose of tylosin needed for treatment and reduce the risk of contaminating honey with undesirable residues. A fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) test was used by Neova Technologies to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of lysozyme and tylosin and the combined effect of both substances on P. larvae growth for six P. larvae strains. Concentrations of lysozyme and tylosin tested ranged from 0-1000 µg/mL and 0-1 µg/mL, respectively. Although lincomycin, a macrolide antibiotic with a mode of action similar to tylosin, is synergised by lysozyme against other gram-positive bacterial species, we found that the synergistic effects between tylosin and lysozyme against

Management of Honey Bee Disease Using Lysozyme: Progress in 2006

Amanda Van Haga and Stephen F. Pernal, AAFC Beaverlodge, AB

Foundation made up from$1.50-$1.75 lb

4-5 sheets to the poundNucs and resistant queens

FERGUSON APIARIESHensall, [email protected]


P. larvae were limited. When combined with lysozyme, there was a four-fold drop in the amount of tylosin needed to inhibit growth for two of the P. larvae strains evaluated, however this trend was not consistent across the remaining strains tested.

The effects of feeding lysozyme to larval honey bees and the ability of the enzyme to treat those infected with P. larvae was evaluated using an in vitro rearing assay. Honey bee larvae less than 24 h-old were grafted into 24-well tissue culture plates and transferred onto fresh basic larval diet (BLD) daily, until pupation occurred, at which time they were moved to pupation trays and monitored until emergence as adults. Infected larvae were fed 1 x 107 or 1.5 x 108 P. larvae spores mixed into their BLD, with spores isolated from local sources of AFB scale. Larvae, infected or uninfected, were fed lysozyme or nisin mixed into the BLD at various concentrations. In addition, known therapeutic concentrations of OTC and were included in the rearing assay as controls.

We evaluated a large number of incremental concentrations of lysozyme and nisin for their effects at suppressing AFB at infections using in vitro rearing techniques. Concentrations of lysozyme evaluated against the inoculation dose of 1.0 x 107 spores/mL did provide some protection against AFB infections. At the most therapeutic dose of lysozyme (0.005%), only 30-50% of the infected larvae emerged as adults which was lower than the emergence levels of 80-90% for the antibiotic control treatments. Consequently, lysozyme does not appear to prevent AFB infections to the extent of commercial treatments currently in use, but it does appear to have some limited therapeutic value.

The in vitro larval rearing assay was modified to evaluate the effects of feeding lysozyme to larval honey bees infected with A. apis in a standardized and consistent manner. Infected larvae treated with lysozyme at the lowest dose tested (0.75% BLD) resulted in levels of adult emergence equal to that of the uninfected, untreated control. Repression of chalkbrood infection was not complete at that concentration however a four-fold increase of lysozyme (3% BLD) did not decrease proportion of larvae exhibiting clinical signs of chalkbrood symptoms. Emergence success also declined when infected larvae were treated with higher concentrations of lysozyme. Lysozyme appears to be highly fungistatic but does not completely protect all larvae from the effects of chalkbrood. Nevertheless, lysozyme is very effective in the treatment of chalkbrood at concentrations of 0.75 and 1.5%

Further experiments at the colony level will establish a therapeutic dose of lysozyme for the treatment of chalkbrood, a disease for which there are currently no registered chemotherapeutic agents. Trials are planned for the spring of 2007 which will allow us to determine effective application methods and dosage schedule.

& SonsEnterprises Ltd.

BOX 316, AUSTIN, MANITOBAToll-free 1-866-800-2077

Phone: (204) 637-2277 Fax: (204) 637-2033Murray or Adam Lewis

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Announcing The Publication Of The Book

History Of Beekeeping In OntarioBy Professor Gordon A. Townsend

This is the story of beekeepers throughout Ontario. Some of the major changes Ontario beekeepers encountered over the years with regard to bee diseases, apiary management and honey marketing are documented.

For more than a century, the beekeeping community has been an integral and unique sector of the agricultural system. This is the first book to document, including numerous photographs, the history of beekeeping in Ontario. It is hoped that beekeepers across Canada and throughout the world will appreciate its value and enjoy its story.

History of Beekeeping in Ontario contains 200 pages with over 300 black and white photographs plus a coloured section on how to date honey cans.

History of Beekeeping is available for a $50 donationto the Ontario Research Fund. (Shipping/handling included)

United States customers pay $50 US by credit card or $55.00 US by cheque or money order. Order from:

Ontario Beekeepers’ Association, Bayfield, Ontario, Canada, N0M 1G0

Honey Bunny A Novel Packaging Idea

Gilbert Wolfe, Wolfe Honey, Falher, AB

Wolfe Honey is a family owned enterprise that

has been in operation for over 20 years in northern Alberta. We are, by far, Canada’s largest producer of organic honey. Our new line of premium, organic honey called Honey Bunny™ features our signature Peace River Organic Clover Honey. Its high quality taste and purity makes it one of the world’s most sought after honeys. A significant amount of our production is exported to Europe where buyers have exacting standards.

We modeled and engineered our production facility in Peace River country plant to the standards of a German facility that has impressed us for many years. It features state-of-the-art honey processing and packaging technology. Honey Bunny™ is a unique product because of its innovative distinctive packaging. The flexible pouch has been designed to provide for an easily controlled pour. It is environmentally sound because of the lightness of the packaging and comparatively fewer resources are needed to produce the pouch. A bonus is that it is shatter-free as well.

Honey Bunny™ also sells bulk organic honey. Contact Gilbert Wolfe at 780-925-2282 for information about our large format northern organic honey products or visit www.honeybunny.ca

VANCOUVER ISLAND APIARY SUPPLY Beekeeping Supplies Equipment & Glassware Larry & Marilyn Lindahl 6456 Cowichan Valley Hwy PO Box 1491 - Lake Cowichan BC V0R 2G0 -Canada 250-749-3800 - www.thebeestore.com


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Honey Promotion PilotResults of Honey Promotion Pilot Project held in Winnipeg by Probe Research Inc. Winnipeg, MB. Excerpted from Full Report to Canadian Honey Council

Consumers continue to place high importance on the taste of honey when deciding what type to purchase. Moreover, it’s unique flavour and that it improves the flavour of food also received high levels of agreement among Winnipeg adults.

The majority of Winnipeggers take health factors into account when purchasing honey and this is bolstered by consumers’ agreement that this product is pure and natural, is better for you than sugar and that it is good for colds. The country of origin, price, ease of opening container and health factors were also important to consumers in their decision-making process.

Nearly twice as many Winnipeggers currently report awareness of advertising or promotional material featuring honey, compared to September. There was a spike in the number of Winnipeggers reporting radio and billboard as their sources of media for honey advertisement. And although television was mentioned by around one-third of respondents, this communication vehicle dropped in mentions from one-half who reported this as their source of honey advertising in the Fall.

Honey Purchases

Six-in-ten Winnipeg adults (60%) report having purchased or consumed honey in the past 12 months and this level of consumption has not changed over the past few months.

While the number of consumers reporting recent purchases of honey have remained consistent over the past few months, those having purchased this product three to six months ago has increased.

Reason for Purchasing

Overall, more than eight in ten Winnipeg adults place a great deal of importance on the nutritional value of

the food that they buy (85% agree, including 30% “strongly agree”). This was especially the case among respondents from the Core area (41% “strongly” agree), older citizens (38%) and frequent honey purchasers (41%).

Attitudes to honey

“Honey has a unique flavour” (93% agree, including 31% “strongly” agree).

“Honey is a pure, natural product” (89% agree, including 28% “strongly agree”)

“Honey improves food flavour” (82% agree, including 17% “strongly agree”),

“Honey is better for you than sugar” (72% agree, including 22% “strongly” agree)

“Honey is good when you have a cold” (75% agree, including 21% “strongly agree”).

Somewhat lower levels of agreement were offered for the statements,

“Honey is messy to use” (58% agree, including 12% “strongly” agree) and

“Honey is high in calories” (48% agree, including 10%“strongly” agree).

Notably low levels of agreement were expressed with the statements “honey is too expensive” (29% agree, including 6% “strongly agree”),

“Honey usually contains additives and preservatives” (23% agree, although only 3% “strongly agree”),

“The lighter the colour, the better the quality” (21% agree, including 3% “strongly agree”) and “Honey cannot be stored for a long period of time”

20 January 2007 HiveLights 20 May 2006 HiveLights

(19% agree, including 4% “strongly agree”).

It is important to note that in several cases, significant numbers of respondents expressed a lack of awareness about honey. These areas included “the lighter the colour, the better the quality” (36% “unsure”), “honey is high in calories” (26% “unsure”), and “honey usually contains additives and preservatives” (17% “unsure”).

What is Important?

“Taste” was by far the single most important factor that Winnipeg consumers take into consideration when purchasing honey (88% “important”, including 64% “very important”). This was particularly the case among respondents from households earning <$30K annually (74% “very” important).

Other factors of significant importance to consumers included the “price“ of honey (65%). This includes 27 percent “very important” (rising to 43% among those from lower income households

“Spreadability” was reported as being an important factor when deciding what honey to purchase among respondents (60% “important”), including 28 percent indicating this factor was “very important” (rising to 34 percent among those from Northeast Winnipeg).

“The container being easy to open and close“ (63% “important” including 31% “very important”),

was especially important among women (36% “very important” versus 24% men), those aged 55+ years (40% versus 21% 18-34 years) and respondents from households earning <$30K (42%).

“The country of origin” was important to 67 percent of respondents (including 47% “very important”).Origin of the honey was especially important to those from Northeast and Southwest Winnipeg (61% and 56% “very” important), those aged 55+ years (62% “very important” versus 23% 18-34 year olds and 53% 35-54 year olds), respondents from households earning $60-$79K (57%) and those who feel price is not an important factor when deciding what honey to purchase (57%).

“Health factors” (63% “important” including 34% “very important”) was a very important factor when purchasing honey for respondents with low levels of income (39% “very important”), brand conscious consumers (45%) and those who would disagree that imported honey is as good as domestic (40%)

Finally, “the grade” of the honey (55% “important”, including 30% “very important”) was very important to Southwest Winnipeggers (37% “very important” versus 24% Northeast Winnipeg), those aged 55+ years (35% versus 19% 18-34 and 32% 35-54 years), brand conscious consumers (45%) as well as those who disagree that imported honey is as good as domestic (37%).

Least Important?

Factors offered by fewer than 50 percent of consumers as being important when considering buying honey included, the fact that it is on promotion or special (39% “important”, including 16% “very important”), the fact that it is organic (42% “important”, including 20% “very important”), the colour (45% “important”, including 19% “very important”), the variety (43% “important”, including 19% “very important”), the type of container (38% “important”, including 14% “very important”), the brand name (32% “important”, including 12% “very important”) and the attractiveness of the label (15%“important”, including 4% “very important”).

Promotion from pg 19

Type of Media

Around one-third of Winnipeg adults indicated they had seen a “television commercial” (32%) followed closely by those hearing a “radio commercial” advertising honey (29%). Other media commonly reported include “billboards (13%), “magazine advertisements” (12%), “supermarket displays” (7%) and “newspaper advertisements” (10%). There were several other sources mentioned by fewer than five percent of respondents.

The full report can will be presented at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Honey Council.

or check our website:www.fraserauction.com


Reports from pg 9

Based on the Ministries Beekeeping Production Statistics, average honey yields were 70 lbs. per colony, down from the long term average of about 80 lbs. Approximately 11,000 queens were sold to out of province producers while a further 26,000 queens were imported from overseas and nearly 9,000 from mainland USA. Contract pollinations continues to expand with and estimated 48,000 colony sets were contracted in 2006 at an average pollinating fee of approximately $65.00, this could represent a value of over $3 million to BC beekeepers.

This past summer the Beekeeping Industry Development Initiative (BIDI) awarded its first grant in the amount of $56,350 to the B.C. Bee Breeders Association to support their project “Selective Breeding of Honeybee Queens for Increased Economic Performance and Varroa Resistance in British Columbia.” The three year project is being coordinated by Liz Huxter from Grand Forks and goals of the project are:

1.) To find and develop bees that perform well in BC and show some tolerance and resistance to Varroa Mites; and

2.) To distribute the resulting stock to BC Beekeepers.

This leaves BIDI with $143,000 available for other projects that fall within the following guidelines as

outlined in the Strategic Plan:

1.) Research & Disease Prevention

2.) Marketing & Quality Guidelines

3.) Industry Communication

4.) Training and Education

Provincial beekeepers are mourning the loss of several prominent beekeepers during the past year including Annie Medd and Doris Davy from the Fraser Valley, John McDonald

and Babe Warren from Victoria, Art Watson from 100 Mile House and Dr. Jack McGhee from Prince George. Condolences are extended to their many friends and

family members.

BeeMaid

Bee Maid held its regular quarterly board meeting in October. The Alberta and Manitoba Honey Coop annual meetings were held in November and Bee Maid held its annual meeting at the end of November in Winnipeg. Newly elected to the Alberta Board is Neil Specht and to the Manitoba board is Christopher Warriner. Welcome to these new Directors and many thanks to outgoing directors Peter Gunning from Alberta and Otto Boettcher from Saskatchewan who sat on the Manitoba Honey Cooperative Board.

Barrie Termeer

The executive of Bee Maid remains unchanged with Bill Bygarski as chairman, Cleta Dieken as vice-chair, and executive members being Elmer Zumwalt and Phil Veldhuis. Barrie Termeer continues to represent Bee Maid as the CHC representative.

Congratulations to Ida McLeod on her upcoming retirement from her position as controller for Manitoba Coop. Ida has worked diligently for Manitoba and Beemaid for almost 20 years and will be missed by all. Thanks for everything Ida and enjoy the new lifestyle that retirement will bring.

We were pleased to celebrate in Alberta on December 13 the 25th anniversary of Derek Johnston’s work with Alberta Honey and Bee Maid. Derek began as a 15-year-old student helping in the plant and has helped make Bee Supplies in Alberta a terrific place to do business for members and non-members alike.

In other news, we are very pleased with the work done by CHC in setting up the test market in Winnipeg for “Pierre the Bear” and the national promotion program, which has created some very valuable and useful tools to promote pure Canadian honey in the marketplace. Bee Maid assisted with

financial support and participation from our marketing staff. We look forward to the results of the market assessment and hopefully this kind of promotion will grow beyond the test market in Manitoba.

Gordon Marks, CEO of Bee Maid, representing the Canadian Honey Packers and Dealers Association, Barrie Termeer, Bee Maid rep to CHC, John Van Alten, Ontario rep to CHC and Heather Clay, National Coordinator CHC,

attended a meeting in Edmonton on December 14 with CFIA personnel. The working group reviewed the registered establishment regulations, and the Standard of Identity

for honey sold in Canada. Following the formal meeting, the entire group was given a tour of Barrie and Julie Termeer’s operation, Honeybear Apiaries Ltd. in Rollyview. This helped the CFIA personnel become better acquainted with production and food safety practices at the beekeeper level. It is expected that the CFIA will be coming to the CHC annual meetings in Langley, BC in January 2007 with a package of recommended changes to the honey regulations.

Finally, seasons greetings to the membership of the CHC and best of luck in the upcoming season to one and all.

Ed Nowek


Making Tomorrow’s Products Better

Acsion Industries • P.O. Box 429 • 402 Ara Mooradian Way, Pinawa MB R0E 1L0tel:204-753-2255 • fax: 204-753-8466 • e-mail: [email protected] • www.acsion.com

Introducing EB Treatment for AFB Decontamination!

Disinfection using EB Treatment at Acsion’s Manitoba Service Centre

Acsion’s EB (electron beam) treatment processhas been shown to be extremely effective fordisinfecting AFB-contaminated supers.

Equally effective in treating pollen.

• Low cost affordable process• No heating • No damage to wax combs• No residues


For Sale 10

Dakota Gunness model 200 uncapper with adjustable flailes, $2000.00 or would trade on a Hubbard 80 frame SS extractor. Stinger Apiaries 306-862-3991.

Foundation 11

For all your foundation needs, any size, wired or without, organic or conventional, place orders by phone 780-835-2115 or fax 780-835-2873 or email [email protected].

For Sale 12

RV Cut Comb Honey Trays (340g)Tight Snap-On Clear Plastic Lid - Cream Coloured Base Sold Coast to Coast by Mail. 2006 Prices: $46.80/100 - $210.70/500 F.O.B. River Valley Apiaries - P.O. Box 142, Stirling, ON, K0K 3E0 - Visa/Master Card Accepted - 613- 395-4257, [email protected]

For Sale 56

Manual benchtop system for making your own honey straws. Reliable, Affordable, Profitable. Check it out at www.AnthonysKansasHoney.com. Or phone 785-842-9268 or 913-206-2188

For Sale 13

Beeswax candlemaking supplies including bulk wicking and silicone moulds at wholesale prices. Free Spirit Candles and Supplies. www.freespiritcandles.ca or 1-877- 335-3769.

For Sale 14

Small honey filter machine including filters, elect/hydraulic pallet stacker, whirl dry, two heat exchangers, 30 barrels, misc carts etc. Also 25 double brood hives, 150 honey supers, 400 hive shells. Call MacKenzie Honey 519-368-5363 or fax 519-368-7152.

For Sale 15

Strong double brood chamber hives, excellent equipment, bees selected for over 16 years in Manitoba, tracheal mite resistance, high honey producers. Member of Manitoba Queen Breeders Association. Contact Terry, Meadowlark Honey Ltd. [email protected] or phone; 1-204-385-2337 Available September 1, 2006

For Sale 16

1000 colonies. Contact Jack Cage Beaverlodge Alberta 780-354-2728.

ClassifiedsFor Sale 17

Active Beekeeping business with retail packaging market. Registered packer, stainless steel extracting plant. Equipment for 500 colonies, queen rearing, package and nucleus colony production, pollination. Contact Mike McLennan, Flower Power Apiaries, 4550 Hillview Rd Grand Forks BC V0H 1H5 phone 250-442-2933.

For Lease 19

Bee Yard/Orchard/Farm in Tropical Central Mexico (4 hours from Acalpulco); 20 acres, including orchard with mangoes and other exotic fruits and wild flowers, surrounded by vegetation and farms with abundant nectar sources. Plentiful water supply by adjoining creek. Paved road access. Near town. Reasonable offers considered. Contact: E-mail: [email protected] or tel. 858-775-4893, Attn. Francin

Help Wanted 21

Beekeepers with a minimum one year of experience are required at Golden Eagle Apiaries for the months of February to November, 2007. Qualified candidates will have knowledge of honey bee colony pathology and management, experience in queen rearing, and good driving skills. This position pays $1800 - $2200 per month, plus accommodation benefits. Interested applicants should contact the Apiary Manager by Email ([email protected]) or Fax (604-460-0944) with a resume of experience and qualifications.

Help Wanted 22

4 to 6 experienced beekeepers wanted from March-November. Preference will be given to candidates with queen rearing experience. Must be able to operate truck and fork lift. Wages based on experience. Golden Ears Apiaries BC. Phone 604-820-6924 email [email protected]

For Sale 23

4-frame nucs available mid May.Queen cells ready for pickup June and July. Mated queens shipped from mid June to September. Contact: Phil Laflamme RR 3 Lanark ON K0G 1K0 613-259-5553.

For sale 24

NUCS & FARM 4 frames of brood replacement colonies.Farm Operation in Kelowna BC. high earnings, compact, mechanized, 30 years in business, polination, honey. Nucs & queen contracts, guaranteed. Call Bill in February 1-250-762-8156

Help Wanted 25

Experienced Beekeeper (s) needed for 2007 season. Full time employment March through Oct. 1500 colony operation, must have good driving record, be able to perform most beekeeping related jobs independently, work long hours during peak periods, heavy lifting.Send resume to Dutchmanʼs Gold Inc. 300 Carlisle Rd., Carlisle Ont. LR-1H2. Phone: 905-689-6371 Fax: 905-689-7730 email [email protected]

Colony deaths on US East Coast

Pennsylvania State University and Pennsylvania Agriculture.

During the months of October, November, and December

2006, an alarming number of honey bee colonies began to die along the East Coast of the United States. West Coast beekeepers are also beginning to report unprecedented losses. This phenomenon, without a recognizable underlying cause, has been tentatively been termed “Fall Dwindle Disease”, and threatens the pollination industry and production of commercial honey in the United States.

This has become a highly significant yet poorly understood problem for beekeepers. States, like Pennsylvania, can ill afford these heavy losses; the number of managed colonies is less than one half of what it was 25 years ago. Many beekeepers are openly wondering if the industry can survive.

There are serious concerns that losses are so great that there will not be enough bees to rebuild colony numbers in order service the pollination needs and to maintain economic viability in these beekeeping operations.

This preliminary report consolidates (see report at www.honeycouncil.ca) our findings and current thoughts on the symptoms and causes of “Fall Dwindle Disease”. While our investigations continue, the epidemic nature of this disease demands that we share information as it becomes available. It is hoped that, despite its incomplete nature, this report will help to formulate plans of action on how to best tackle this new challenge to the industry. The apicultural industry has proven resilient in the face of past challenges; it is our firm belief that it will do so again.


Help Wanted 26

Full time beekeeping help, April to October. Wages based on experience. Contact Brad Lechler 306-278-2198, Porcupine Plain SK.

Help Wanted 27

3 seasonal beekeepers wanted in Saskatchewan for work in a commercial honey production operation from April - October. Experience, valid drivers licence and English speaking skills would be an asset. Pay based on experience. Potential to earn bonuses. Housing and transportation may be an option.For the right individual, this could lead to full time employment. Contact Corey Bacon Fax 306-864-3260 Phone 306-864-3774

Help Wanted 28

Seasonal beekeeper wanted in Saskatchewan honey operation. Work period from April to November. Wages base on experience. Contact Gerry Moyen phone 306-767-2757 or fax resume 306-767-2626.

Help Wanted 29

Golden West Enterprises is now looking for seasonal help for April thru Oct. Wages dependent on experience $10 to $12 per hour. Contact Lester at [email protected] or 306-665-2178

Help Wanted 28

Looking for seasonal help in commercial operation in Shellbrook, Sask. Wages are dependent on experience and accommodations. Contact 1-306-747-3299 or PO Box 367, Shellbrook, SK S0J2E0

Wanted to Buy 20

Buckwheat honey in drum. Contact Henry Nauta phone 905-640-1564, fax

Help Wanted 29

Seasonal Beekeepers Wanted for Saskatchewan operation.April - Oct 2007. Experience Preferred. Wage $12.00/hr based on experience Contact: B.STRONG APIARIES LTD. email [email protected] fax: (306) 645-4591

Help Wanted 30

Experienced Beekeepers wanted for seasonal position in Nipawin area of Saskatchewan. Pay based on experience, housing and transportation. Contact Yves Garez ph: 306-862-5979 fax 306-862-5974 or email [email protected]

Help Wanted 31

9 full time beekeepers help, April to October 2007. Beekeeping experience would be preferred. Wages start at $12.00 per hour. Contact Mark Knox , [email protected] 306-862-5657, Box 179 Nipawin,Sask. S0E 1E0.

Help Wanted 32

Full time experienced beekeeper required. Willing to train person with right attitude. May 1 to Sept 30. Accommodation available. Contact Neil Carter, Carter Bees & Honey, 306-229-2530.

Help Wanted 33

Full time beekeeper required. Beekeeping experience an asset. Apr till Oct $12.00 per hour. Glory bee Honey, phone 306-743-5469 or email [email protected] for more information

Help Wanted 34

4 Experienced beekeepers wanted for 2007 March –November. Preference will be given to candidates with queen rearing and royal jelly production experience. Monthly salary range $2200 – $2700, depending on experience. Send resumes to [email protected] Honeyland Canada or Fax 604-460-8887

Help Wanted 35

2 experienced beekeepers needed from May to Oct 2007.Queen rearing experience essential. Starting wage $12 per hour. Contact [email protected] Saskatchewan.

Help Wanted 36

Experienced beekeepers wanted for 2007 season April –October for honey production and queen rearing.Contact Jack Cage 780-354-2728 Beaverlodge, AB

Help Wanted 37

Inexperienced and experienced beekeepers assistants required for seasonal fulltime employment in Ardmore AB. April to November 2007 for honey and queen production. Assist owner/operators with general hive management and extraction of honey on a commercial apiary. Preference to those with valid operatorʼs licence and ability to drive forklifts and standard transmission vehicles. Average 50 hrs/wk. Occasional evening, night & Sunday work. $10.45 - $11.45/hr depending on experience. Accommodations and some other benefits, Fax resume Attn: Dave 780-826-6013

Help Wanted 38

Apiary Foreperson required for seasonal fulltime employment in Ardmore AB. April to November 2007 for honey and queen production. Assist owner/operators with general hive management and supervision of seasonal and summer staff, Minimum of 3 yrs experience on a North American commercial apiary. Must have a valid operatorʼs licence and ability to drive forklifts and standard transmission vehicles. Average 50 hrs/wk. Occasional evening, night & Sunday work. $13.50/hr Accommodations and some other benefits..Fax resume Attn: Dave 780-826-6013

For Sale 39

AUSTRALIAN QUEENS (Carniolan, Italian open-mated F 1ʼs) Arrival Dates: through April and May. Shipping from Toronto to major Canadian centres. Confirmed orders by early March. Contact: Peter Mewett, RR 4, Stirling, Ontario, K0K 3E0 Tel: 613-395-3225 Fax: 613-395-1835 Email: [email protected]

For sale 40

500 super nucs with minimum 4 frames brood and laying queen. Available mid May to June. Overwintered hives single or double. Bees inspected annually, disease free history. Call Rod Boudreau 204-885-3344

MiteGone™

FORMIC ACID DISPENSER

Available in Canadaand World Wide!

Treatment method & video: www.mitegone.com

e-mail: [email protected] / fax: 1-250-762-8156


Get control of Varroamites with Apistan.• Up to 100% Varroa control

• Cost effective and convenient to use – one treatment gives a full year’sprotection

• Safe for bees and beekeepers

• Considered the best anti-Varroa productby beekeepers around the world

• No detectable residue in honey

• No risk of applying too much, or too little

SECURETHEIR

FUTURE

For additional information contact your favourite bee supplies company or call 1-800-263-2740.

Please read label carefully for directions and precautions. APISTAN is a registered trademark of Wellmark International.

Pure Honey BrochureThe CHC has produced an attractive brochure to promote 100% Pure Canadian honey. A French version is also available. It contains information on honey, bee facts, recipes and an explanation of the 100% Canadian honey logo. The brochure unfolds into a larger poster for children. Our industry mascot Pierre the bear has some wise words for readers “Before you buy honey, look for the symbol that says 100% Pure Canadian Honey. And bee-ware of imitations.”

The brochure is available from your provincial associations.

How to take care of your honey

Honey is one of the few products i

n the world that never goes

bad. Honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs was st

ill

edible after thousands of years.

Liquid honey—To prevent crystalli

zation, keep it at

room

temperature or in the freezer, not in the frid

ge.

Creamed honey—If you prefer a fi

rm texture, you can keep

it in the fridge. If your honey crystallize

s—Place the open jar in a pan of

hot water, or heat gently in

the microwave.

•

•

•

Naturally better, in

recipes

It’s easy t

o make a healthy difference and add

the unique flavour of honey to all y

our recipes:

Substitute 250 ml (1 cup) of honey for 250 ml (1 cup) of sugar

and reduce liquids by 1⁄4 cup

Reduce oven temperature by 15º C (25º F)

Add 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used

To prevent honey from stic

king to utensils a

nd measuring

cups, coat them lightly with vegetable oil or vegetable

oil sprayIf the recipe calls

for oil, measure it in the cup first

Honey is easier to pour and measure when it is

warm

Honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age

.

Honey is a safe

and wholesome food for older children

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Naturally, better for you

For more than 5,000 years honey has been known for its

medicinal and health benefits. T

hese therapeutic qualitie

s have

been confirmed by recent medical s

tudies:

Honey contains an

tioxidants that ar

e essential to protect

the body against fr

ee radicals. A daily d

ose of honey—even

just a spoonful—boosts t

he immune system.

Honey provides natural food energy. W

ith just 64 calories

and 17 carbohydrate

s in each tablespoon (15 ml), honey is

released into the body at a ste

ady rate. Sports n

utritionists

have found that consuming honey before exercise

increases

endurance and reduces muscle fatigue.

Honey is a natural a

ntiseptic. By absorbing moisture around

wounds, honey prevents the gro

wth of bacteria a

nd helps

keep cuts and minor burns cle

an and free from infection.

Honey helps digestion. The anti-bacterial properties of

honey are effective

in treating digestive problems such as

peptic ulcers. Honey helps the body absorb calcium so it’s

the healthy

choice for people who are concerned about osteoporosis.

Honey contains no fat and provides essential m

inerals—

iron, copper, sodium, potassium, manganese and phosphorus.

•

•

•

•

•

•

��

Delicious and nutritio

us3

eggs

3

½ cup

honey

125ml

½ cup

vegetable oil

125ml

3½ cups100% bran cereal

875ml

1½ cupsmilk

375ml

2¼ cupsall-p

urpose flour

550ml

4 tsp

baking soda

20ml

1 tsp

cinnamon

5ml

1 cup

raisins

250ml

Beat eggs, honey an

d oil in small bowl until blended; set asi

de.

Combine bran cereal with milk in larg

e bowl; let stand 5 minutes.

Add egg mixture to cereal m

ixture and stir lightly.

Combine flour, baking soda, cin

namon and raisins in medium

bowl; mix well. Stir into bran mixture. Do not over-mix.

Spoon batter into paper-lined or greased muffin cups.

Bake in pre-heated oven 180ºC (350ºF) 20 to 25 minutes or until

toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from pan; cool

slightly o

n wire rack. Serve warm with honey or honey butter.

Makes about 1 ½ dozen muffins.

��

A natural way to tenderize meat

1/3 cup

lemon or lime juice

75ml

2 tbsp

vegetable oil

30ml

2 tbsp

soya sauce

30ml

2 tbsp

honey

30ml

1

garlic clo

ve, finely chopped

1

2 tsp

fresh ginger root, finely c

hopped10ml

1 tsp

dried thyme

5ml

¼ tsp

hot pepper sauce

1ml

Mix all ingredients to

gether. Marinate pork, chicken or turkey for

at least 4

hours or overnight in the refrigerato

r. Cook on BBQ

or broil. Makes enough marinade for about 454 g (1 lb) of meat.

��

��Perfe

ct for fru

it 1

250 g package cream cheese,

softened

¼ cup

honey

50ml

1 tbsp

frozen orange juice

15ml

concentrate, thawed

1–2 tbspmilk

15-30ml

Combine all ingredients, using enough milk to make a so

ft,

spoonable sauce. Spoon over fresh berries and fruit, or let guests

dip their own. Makes approx. 12 servings.

��

A wonderful last minute desser

t

½ cup

honey (divided)

125ml

1 tsp

grated orange rind

5ml

¼ tsp

cinnamon

1ml

4

baking apples

4

cored and pared 1/3 way down from top

Blend ¼ cup (50 ml) honey, orange rind and cinnamon; set aside.

Arrange apples in 9-inch (23 cm) round or 8-inch (20 cm) square

microwave-save baking dish. Fill ce

ntre of each apple with 1 tbsp

(15 ml) honey mixture. Cover with microwave-safe wrap; vent.

Microwave at HIGH (100%) for 6 to 7 minutes, or until al

most

tender; rotate dish ¼ turn half w

ay through cooking tim

e. Drizzle

remaining honey over apples an

d allow to stan

d 2 to 3 minutes.

Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Serves 4.

Naturally, delicious

Honey brings you all t

he delicious, su

btle flavours of flowers.

Because honey is sweeter than sugar, a

little goes a lo

ng way:

On half a grap

efruit, bursting with Vitam

in C

On whole grain toast, b

agels or muffins

In plain low-fat yogurt, w

ith fresh fruit or berries

In fruit milk shakes—a delicious way to

increase

calcium in your diet

On pancakes and waffles instead of butter and syrup

As a glaze for car

rots and squash

As a light touch for sal

ad dressings and vinaigre

ttes

For marinades that make lean cuts of meat m

ore tender

For a delicat

e sweetness in herbal te

as

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Naturally, better for our world

Honey is a consumer’s most ethical and environmentally

friendly choice, according to agricultural researchers here in

Canada and around the world.

Recent energy life-cycle studies from Sweden show it takes less

energy to produce domestic honey than to refine sugar from

beets or sugar cane.Sugar cane, corn and beets need more fertilizer, pesticides and

irrigation than any other field crops.

By contrast, Canadian beekeepers leave virtually no trace on

farm ecosystems. Canadian honey’s main floral sources are alfalfa and clover,

which naturally fix nitrogen into our soil and reduce our

reliance on fossil-fuel-based fertilizers.

Honey wins over other sweeteners when it comes to the

energy needed in refining because honey has no refining step.

Beekeepers just spin honey out of the honeycomb.

Domestic honey travels the least distance to get to Canadian

consumers. This is important because the environmental costs

of transporting food can rival the costs of processing.

Refined sugar takes an incredible journey to reach Canadians.

Canada imports 90% of its sugar.

When Canadians buy table sugar they not only may be buying

an imported product, but often a sweetener produced by

labourers working in terrible conditions. Canadians who buy

domestic honey support beekeepers who own their own

businesses and help keep our rural communities vibrant. The voice of Canadian Beekeepers

Members of the Canadian Honey Council include provincial

associations, honey packers, researchers—and, of course,

beekeepers from coast to coast. Together we work on issues of

importance to all Canadians.

We’ve created this new symbol so you can

easily tell the difference between blended honey (labelled

“Canada No.1”) and 100% pure Canadian honey. Be sure

you’re getting the best—always choose honey that features this

new symbol of quality.

This brochure is a result of an industry government co-operative effort between the

Canadian Honey Council and Agriculture Agri-Food Canada.

Brought to you courtesy of:

Better.Naturally.

��

��

��Healthy bees. Long hours of summer sunlight.

Clean air, clear water and fields bursting with

blossoms. Canadian honey is made by the best

bees working under the best conditions.

Canadian beekeepers put their hearts into

achieving the highest standards of purity. That’s

why it’s only natural that 100% Canadian honey

is known to be the best honey in the world.

The voice of Canadian Honey Bees

“Canadian honeybees make the best honey in the world, but

they’re much too busy to speak for themselves. For far too long

their work has been overlooked, their honey unrecognized.

That’s where I come in! I’m proud to be the official Spokesbear

for hardworking Canadian honeybees.

After all, nobody knows more about honey than I do.

Since I was a cub I’ve travelled the world in search of the best

honey. I always come home to Canadian honey. It’s made by the

healthiest bees—in the cleanest environment—and it’s the

most delicious in the world.

Before you buy honey, look for the

symbol that says ��

��. And bee-ware

of imitations!”


The flavo

ur of

honey comes

from th

e

plants t

he honeyb

ees

visit—

wildflowers, clo

ver,

canola, a

lfalfa, s

unflowers,

fruit t

rees an

d even

blueberries.

Every day, a

honeybee makes

10 trips to visit

more than 1,000

flowers.

Honeybees have 6 legs,

2 compound eyes with thousands of facets, 3 simple eyes (ocelli) and 2 sets of wings.

Over its life

,

each Canadian

honeybee will make

just 1/10th of a

teaspoon (.5 ml)

of honey.

Hardworking Canadianhoneybees fly at 20 kilometres an hour and their wings beat

190 times per second.

To make just one pound (.45 kg) of honey, a hive of 60,000 Canadian honeybees will fly the equivalent of twice around the world and visit two million flowers.

Use round comb section equipment by

Ross Rounds, Inc. and see how this low cost investment

can increase your profits.8 oz. sells for same as 12 oz.

Minimal Labor • Bees Fill Completely No Breakage • No Propolis Attractive Durable Package

Comb Honey Has Come Full Circle


Get control of Varroamites with Apistan.• Up to 100% Varroa control

• Cost effective and convenient to use – one treatment gives a full year’sprotection

• Safe for bees and beekeepers

• Considered the best anti-Varroa productby beekeepers around the world

• No detectable residue in honey

• No risk of applying too much, or too little

SECURETHEIR

FUTURE

For additional information contact your favourite bee supplies company or call 1-800-263-2740.

Please read label carefully for directions and precautions. APISTAN is a registered trademark of Wellmark International.

How to take care of your honey

Honey is one of the few products i

n the world that never goes

bad. Honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs was st

ill

edible after thousands of years.

Liquid honey—To prevent crystalli

zation, keep it at

room

temperature or in the freezer, not in the frid

ge.

Creamed honey—If you prefer a fi

rm texture, you can keep

it in the fridge. If your honey crystallize

s—Place the open jar in a pan of

hot water, or heat gently in

the microwave.

•

•

•

Naturally better, in

recipes

It’s easy t

o make a healthy difference and add

the unique flavour of honey to all y

our recipes:

Substitute 250 ml (1 cup) of honey for 250 ml (1 cup) of sugar

and reduce liquids by 1⁄4 cup

Reduce oven temperature by 15º C (25º F)

Add 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used

To prevent honey from stic

king to utensils a

nd measuring

cups, coat them lightly with vegetable oil or vegetable

oil sprayIf the recipe calls

for oil, measure it in the cup first

Honey is easier to pour and measure when it is

warm

Honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age

.

Honey is a safe

and wholesome food for older children

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Naturally, better for you

For more than 5,000 years honey has been known for its

medicinal and health benefits. T

hese therapeutic qualitie

s have

been confirmed by recent medical s

tudies:

Honey contains an

tioxidants that ar

e essential to protect

the body against fr

ee radicals. A daily d

ose of honey—even

just a spoonful—boosts t

he immune system.

Honey provides natural food energy. W

ith just 64 calories

and 17 carbohydrate

s in each tablespoon (15 ml), honey is

released into the body at a ste

ady rate. Sports n

utritionists

have found that consuming honey before exercise

increases

endurance and reduces muscle fatigue.

Honey is a natural a

ntiseptic. By absorbing moisture around

wounds, honey prevents the gro

wth of bacteria a

nd helps

keep cuts and minor burns cle

an and free from infection.

Honey helps digestion. The anti-bacterial properties of

honey are effective

in treating digestive problems such as

peptic ulcers. Honey helps the body absorb calcium so it’s

the healthy

choice for people who are concerned about osteoporosis.

Honey contains no fat and provides essential m

inerals—

iron, copper, sodium, potassium, manganese and phosphorus.

•

•

•

•

•

•

��

Delicious and nutritio

us3

eggs

3

½ cup

honey

125ml

½ cup

vegetable oil

125ml

3½ cups100% bran cereal

875ml

1½ cupsmilk

375ml

2¼ cupsall-p

urpose flour

550ml

4 tsp

baking soda

20ml

1 tsp

cinnamon

5ml

1 cup

raisins

250ml

Beat eggs, honey an

d oil in small bowl until blended; set asi

de.

Combine bran cereal with milk in larg

e bowl; let stand 5 minutes.

Add egg mixture to cereal m

ixture and stir lightly.

Combine flour, baking soda, cin

namon and raisins in medium

bowl; mix well. Stir into bran mixture. Do not over-mix.

Spoon batter into paper-lined or greased muffin cups.

Bake in pre-heated oven 180ºC (350ºF) 20 to 25 minutes or until

toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from pan; cool

slightly o

n wire rack. Serve warm with honey or honey butter.

Makes about 1 ½ dozen muffins.

��

A natural way to tenderize meat

1/3 cup

lemon or lime juice

75ml

2 tbsp

vegetable oil

30ml

2 tbsp

soya sauce

30ml

2 tbsp

honey

30ml

1

garlic clo

ve, finely chopped

1

2 tsp

fresh ginger root, finely c

hopped10ml

1 tsp

dried thyme

5ml

¼ tsp

hot pepper sauce

1ml

Mix all ingredients to

gether. Marinate pork, chicken or turkey for

at least 4

hours or overnight in the refrigerato

r. Cook on BBQ

or broil. Makes enough marinade for about 454 g (1 lb) of meat.

��

��Perfe

ct for fru

it 1

250 g package cream cheese,

softened

¼ cup

honey

50ml

1 tbsp

frozen orange juice

15ml

concentrate, thawed

1–2 tbspmilk

15-30ml

Combine all ingredients, using enough milk to make a so

ft,

spoonable sauce. Spoon over fresh berries and fruit, or let guests

dip their own. Makes approx. 12 servings.

��

A wonderful last minute desser

t

½ cup

honey (divided)

125ml

1 tsp

grated orange rind

5ml

¼ tsp

cinnamon

1ml

4

baking apples

4

cored and pared 1/3 way down from top

Blend ¼ cup (50 ml) honey, orange rind and cinnamon; set aside.

Arrange apples in 9-inch (23 cm) round or 8-inch (20 cm) square

microwave-save baking dish. Fill ce

ntre of each apple with 1 tbsp

(15 ml) honey mixture. Cover with microwave-safe wrap; vent.

Microwave at HIGH (100%) for 6 to 7 minutes, or until al

most

tender; rotate dish ¼ turn half w

ay through cooking tim

e. Drizzle

remaining honey over apples an

d allow to stan

d 2 to 3 minutes.

Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Serves 4.

Naturally, delicious

Honey brings you all t

he delicious, su

btle flavours of flowers.

Because honey is sweeter than sugar, a

little goes a lo

ng way:

On half a grap

efruit, bursting with Vitam

in C

On whole grain toast, b

agels or muffins

In plain low-fat yogurt, w

ith fresh fruit or berries

In fruit milk shakes—a delicious way to

increase

calcium in your diet

On pancakes and waffles instead of butter and syrup

As a glaze for car

rots and squash

As a light touch for sal

ad dressings and vinaigre

ttes

For marinades that make lean cuts of meat m

ore tender

For a delicat

e sweetness in herbal te

as

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Naturally, better for our world

Honey is a consumer’s most ethical and environmentally

friendly choice, according to agricultural researchers here in

Canada and around the world.

Recent energy life-cycle studies from Sweden show it takes less

energy to produce domestic honey than to refine sugar from

beets or sugar cane.Sugar cane, corn and beets need more fertilizer, pesticides and

irrigation than any other field crops.

By contrast, Canadian beekeepers leave virtually no trace on

farm ecosystems. Canadian honey’s main floral sources are alfalfa and clover,

which naturally fix nitrogen into our soil and reduce our

reliance on fossil-fuel-based fertilizers.

Honey wins over other sweeteners when it comes to the

energy needed in refining because honey has no refining step.

Beekeepers just spin honey out of the honeycomb.

Domestic honey travels the least distance to get to Canadian

consumers. This is important because the environmental costs

of transporting food can rival the costs of processing.

Refined sugar takes an incredible journey to reach Canadians.

Canada imports 90% of its sugar.

When Canadians buy table sugar they not only may be buying

an imported product, but often a sweetener produced by

labourers working in terrible conditions. Canadians who buy

domestic honey support beekeepers who own their own

businesses and help keep our rural communities vibrant. The voice of Canadian Beekeepers

Members of the Canadian Honey Council include provincial

associations, honey packers, researchers—and, of course,

beekeepers from coast to coast. Together we work on issues of

importance to all Canadians.

We’ve created this new symbol so you can

easily tell the difference between blended honey (labelled

“Canada No.1”) and 100% pure Canadian honey. Be sure

you’re getting the best—always choose honey that features this

new symbol of quality.

This brochure is a result of an industry government co-operative effort between the

Canadian Honey Council and Agriculture Agri-Food Canada.

Brought to you courtesy of:

Better.Naturally.

��

��

��Healthy bees. Long hours of summer sunlight.

Clean air, clear water and fields bursting with

blossoms. Canadian honey is made by the best

bees working under the best conditions.

Canadian beekeepers put their hearts into

achieving the highest standards of purity. That’s

why it’s only natural that 100% Canadian honey

is known to be the best honey in the world.

The voice of Canadian Honey Bees

“Canadian honeybees make the best honey in the world, but

they’re much too busy to speak for themselves. For far too long

their work has been overlooked, their honey unrecognized.

That’s where I come in! I’m proud to be the official Spokesbear

for hardworking Canadian honeybees.

After all, nobody knows more about honey than I do.

Since I was a cub I’ve travelled the world in search of the best

honey. I always come home to Canadian honey. It’s made by the

healthiest bees—in the cleanest environment—and it’s the

most delicious in the world.

Before you buy honey, look for the

symbol that says ��

��. And bee-ware

of imitations!”


F.W. JONES & SON LTD.SINCE 1878

44 DUTCH STREET, BEDFORD, QUEBEC J0J 1A0

(450) 248 3323 PHONE

(450) 248 2592 FAX

E-MAIL: [email protected]

We stock a complete line of beekeepingEquipment for all your needs.

Woodenware, Queen excluders, containers in glass and plastic.

Queen rearing equipment, Queens, Comb Honey

Containers, Foundation, smokers, Extracting Equipment

Beekeeping Tools and much more.

Please call or write to receive yourFree catalogue.

Branch Office: F.W. Jones & Son Ltd.105 St. Regis Crescent, Toronto, Ont. M3J 1Y6

416 783 2818

Your Leading Supplier of:

*Natural Menthol CrystalPlease indicate your interest in Thymol Crystals, Call for

Availability

*Bee Feed Pollen

*Fresh, Frozen Royal Jelly

Call for Competitive Pricing and for a Free Copy of our Full Color 2004 Mail Order Catalog.

PO Box 2744 _ Eugene, OR 97402 USAToll Free (800) 456-7923 _ Fax (541) 762-7173

[email protected]

EasternGuy Anderson, Kincardine ON 519-396-3529

CentralLewis Farms, Austin, MB 204-637-2277Manitoba Co-op Honey Producers, 625 Roseberry St,

Winnipeg, MB 204-783-2240West

Alberta Honey Co-op, 70 Alberta Ave. Spruce Grove AB, 780-962-5573

Stawn’s Honey, Vernon BC 250-542-9977 J.J. Bee Supplies 5693-176 St.,

Surrey BC Ph 604-574-3400 Fax 604-574-9728Flying Dutchman 6124 Metral Drive,

Nanaimo BC ph/fax 250-390-2313

One-piece plastic drone comb

Quality Bee PollenPeace River, AlbertaRural Ontario

Custom pollen cleaning and drying servicesBuying Canadian bee pollen.Fresh frozen pollen available

Call Chris Toll-Free 1-866-624-8175Tel. (519) 773-590211302 Imperial Road, Aylmer, Ontario, N5H 2R3

[email protected]

PLANET BEE HONEY FARM TOURS & GIFTS

5011 Bella Vista RoadVernon, B.C. V1H 1A1Phone 250 542-8088email: [email protected]: www.planetbee.com

Retail / Wholesale & Distributor Pricing, Re-sellers Wanted

Specialty Honey, Pollen, Propolis, Royal Jelly,

Filtered Beeswax

Mite-Away

Use Mite-Away II Single Application Formic acid Pads in the spring and fall for control of varroa and tracheal mites. See our updated

web site at www.miteaway.com or call toll free 866-483-2929. You can purchase Mite-Away at the following distributors:

Ontario: F.W. Jones & Sons Ltd, Toronto, 800-665-6637 Cook's Bee Supplies, Aurora, 888-645-9722 Better Bee Supplies, Cambridge, 519-621-7430 Benson Bee Supplies Ltd, Metcalfe, 800-214-7366 Peter Mewett, Stirling, 613-395-3225 Grey-Bruce Bee Supplies, Markdale, 519-986-4980 Clovermead Apiaries, Aylmer, ON 519-773-5503 Tannenhof Farms, Oro Station,877-772-8753 Sudbury Bee Supplies, Sudbury, 705-566-0743

Quebec: F.W. Jones & Sons Ltd., Bedford, 800-665-6637 Maritimes: Country Fields Beekeeping Supplies,

Upper Coverdale, N.B., 506-387-6804 Western Canada: BeeMaid, Winnipeg MB, 204-783-2240

Vancouver Island Apiary Supply, Duncan, BC 250-746-1676

Fully reconditioned and #1 Quality Export Drums - Offering custom trucking across western Canada and western states.

Office/Cory 250-499-5773 - Lee 250-499-5753 - Fax 250-499-5752

High Fructose Corn SyrupFood Grade SweetenerDealer for ADM Corn Processors

Serving Manitoba & Saskatchewan

Delivered to Door on TimeAt Temperature 80-90 degrees F.

PO Box 190 Fisher Branch MB R0C 0Z0Telephone 1-800-990-1390 [email protected]

disease management lysozyme for januaryvol 20 # 1 2007 ... · provincial reports plants for bees...

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