Alberta Bee News Magazine - February 2023

Alberta

BEE NEWS

Serving the interests of the beekeepers of Alberta since 1933

FEBRUARY 2023

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

In This Issue 03

Report from the American Beekeepers Federation Conference – ABC Panel Discussion 04 - 07 Alberta Tech Transfer Program - Outlining Good Management Practices to Reduce and Mitigate Viral Infection 08 Alberta AgriSystems Living Labs is looking for producers to participate in bringing ‘Research to Reality’ 09 Labour News 09 Canada’s Agriculture Day 10 Advocating for Commercial Honey Producers and Pollinators in Canada.

12-14 How to Increase Hive Ventilation for Whopping Honey Crops 15 Recipe of the Month 17 - 28 Classifieds

Board of Directors President: CURTIS MIEDEMA BOX 39 SITE 11 RR1 Barrhead, AB T7N1N2 780.206.4483 miedemahoney@gmail.com

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

Vice President: LORNE PRINS RR3 Station Main Lacombe AB / T4L 2N3 780.893.2337 lorne.prins@gmail.com

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

Peace Region: RYAN HICKS BOX 625 McLennan AB T0H 2L0 / 780.837.0648 hicksry82@gmail.com

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

NE Central Region: HENRY GREIDANUS 56107 Range Road 245 Sturgeon County, AB T8R 0M1 grapiaries@gmail.com

CHC Delegate: JEREMY OLTHOF RR1 Tees AB T0C 2N0 T 403.872.4607 Teesbeesinc@gmail.com

Treasurer DUSTIN RYAN 5543 Township Rd 302, Water Valley, AB T0M 2E0 dustin@fallentimbermeadery.ca CHC Director: RON GREIDANUS PO Box 581 Stettler AB T0C 2L0 / 403.323.0234 rongreidanus@gmail.com

Alberta Beekeepers Commission Fiscal Year September 1 to August 31.

Eligible Producers with 100 or more live colonies: Service Charge of $200.00 (membership fee) and $1.35 per colony (hive levy) plus GST per year.

‘Keeping In Touch’ Subscription to Alberta Bee News is open to anyone interested in the Alberta beekeeping industry $60 plus GST Alberta Bee News is published by the Alberta Beekeepers Commision.

Deadline for submissions is the 15th of each month.

Our GST Registration Number is 773740089RT0001.

For further information please contact Alberta Beekeepers Commission 11434 - 168 Street, #102, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5M 3T9.

Tel. 780-489-6949, Fax 780-487-8640.

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #476579. ISSN 1191-4599. PM40010040 The opinions expressed in the articles printed in Alberta Bee News are those of the authors and not necessarily the Alberta Beekeepers Commission. Further we do not endorse any of the products, goods or services mentioned in this publication unless specifically stated. Articles are generally published as received.

2023 Platinum Sponsors

Alberta Beekeepers Commission: 11434 - 168 Street, #102 Edmonton AB / T5M 3T9 T 780.489.6949 / F 780.487.8640 www.albertabeekeepers.ca CONNIE PHILLIPS, Executive Director C 780.289.5604 connie.phillips@albertabeekeepers.ca

2022 - 2023 2

Report from the American Beekeepers Federation Conference – ABC Panel Discussion

T

he 80th annual American Beekeepers Federation (ABF) tradeshow and conference was held January 3 – 7, 2023, in Jacksonville Florida. A strong contingent of Canadian beekeepers and industry attended, including ABC Executive Director Connie Phillips, Alberta Tech Transfer Program Lead Dr. Renata Labuschagne, ABC Chair Curtis Miedema, and myself, ABC’s CHC Delegate.

The Commission hosted a panel discussion on January 4, titled, ‘Re-establishing Export Trade in Packaged Bees Between the US and Canada’. Panel members included myself, owner of Paradis Honey Ltd. Mike Paradis, Apimondia President Dr. Jeff Pettis, owner of Bee Buss, Charles Linder, and Connie Phillips.

I have to admit, after beginning my initial presentation the room seemed quiet and somewhat empty and thoughts of this going poorly crept into my mind. As I continued to read (with only an hour timeslot, my intention was to plow through the deck as fast as possible so the real discussion could happen), I could hear the room getting louder.

I was told after that there was a genuine buzz outside the conference hall. By the time I’d finished my introduction, the room was full. I'm not suggesting we garnered the same attention as some of the other speakers such as Dr. Samuel Ramsey, but I think we did fairly well.

One of our main goals of the panel discussion was to garner support from American Beekeepers, specifically the ABF and the American Honey Producers Association (AHPA).

Some of the more surprising comments we heard related to the shock and misunderstanding of why the border between Canada and the US was still closed to the import of packaged bees. Many of the beekeepers attending the session and conference were from the south east US and have been able to adapt their management practices to manage Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) and Small Hive Beetle (SHB), two things that are fairly common in some parts of the south east.

However, we are also aware that bee breeders in regional safe zones within the United States work very hard to ensure their apiaries are free of both AHB and SHB. A significant concern raised during and after the panel, was how Canada can import large quantities of packages from Australia and yet be so against US packages. The discussion continued around the trade implications and the real fear from American beekeepers of the Tropilaelaps mite coming to north America from Canada via Australian packages. We also heard that the US package industry is shrinking as the social media drive has pushed for nuc production similar to what we see in Canada.

Most of the package producers I spoke to were hesitant about Canadians out bidding their loyal domestic customers in April, but were very interested in the opportunity of May packages.

I tried my best to present a balanced approach and made it clear I was representing Alberta's industry and encouraged everyone to look into both sides of the discussion.

The panel discussion wrapped up with an informal poll of whether to support the Canadian efforts and I dare say it was overwhelmingly in favor. I will no doubt be criticized, as I already have been, on the point of having this panel discussion but I am extremely happy that we made the effort to include US beekeepers in this discussion.

Jeremy Olthof

Alberta Bee News

Part 3

February 2023

Three-Part Honey Bee Virus Series

3

Outlining Good Management Practices to Reduce and Mitigate Viral Infection By Nicole McCormick, Alberta Tech Transfer Program Technician

How can you manage honey bee viruses in your operation?

main components of IPM we will be focusing on throughout this article: cultural practices, monitoring, physical control, biological control, and chemical control2. Due to the lack of chemotherapies for honey bee viruses, beekeepers must lean on the other four components of IPM as they are highly relevant to viral management.

One of the main inducers of viral infection is the onset of colony stress. Some examples of these stressors are: varroa mite infestation, co-infection with other pathogens, and lack of proper nutrition3. Therefore, the management and prevention of viral infections tends to revolve around reducing colony stressors in order to keep bees vigorous.

Additionally, viral management is also comprised of both minimizing transmission and reducing viral levels4. By using the components of IPM as a guide, beekeepers can implement management practices that reduce colony stressors, limit viral transmission, and in turn lower viral titers within colonies.

After learning about the many transmission routes of honey bee viruses, we can now use this knowledge to identify how we can effectively manage them. Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments available to help combat viral infections. Therefore, “natural”, non-chemical management must be the primary method of virus control, applying the principals of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). An IPM plan is a knowledge heavy, producer lead decision-making process, which encourages the natural control of pests to prevent disease outbreak1.

There are five

The final piece of this virus puzzle will focus on how beekeepers can work to reduce and mitigate viral infections within honey bee colonies. This will be done by highlighting good management practices and potential control methods that fall under each section of IPM. 1. Cultural Practices

Cultural management practices are currently one of the most important aspects of IPM when working to control viral diseases. Management practices to reduce colony stressors, including colony/apiary management, queen management, equipment rotation, and viral-vector management (i.e., varroa mites), are all forms of cultural management.

Viruses can remain present in healthy colonies at low levels, but when the colony is put under stress, these unapparent infections can turn into overt infections (i.e., exhibiting clear signs of infection)3. Due to this, management of colony stressors is a critical factor in mitigating viral disease.

All of these cultural management practices work together to promote bee health, which in turn limits viral transmission and infection levels within a colony5.

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February 2023

colonies are isolated in order to reduce disease transmission2.

This is especially important for Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) infected colonies, as transmission can happen topically when infected bees encounter neighboring bees during activities such as robbing, drifting, and foraging7.

Implementing this practice is a form of transmission risk management that can reduce viral spread, as well as reduce the transmission of other pathogens that may synergistically work to increase viral levels3,4. Colony placement within an apiary can also help reduce viral transmission, as having bee pallets place well apart and hive entrances in different orientations can reduce bee drifting4. Finally, supplementing colonies with additional nutritional resources (i.e., pollen patties/protein substitute and sugar syrup) during times of dearth reduces nutritional stress, and therefore is an important practice in ensuring that viral levels do not rise4.

Apiary Management: It is important to select an apiary location that is surrounded by an abundance of rich floral sources during the beekeeping season5. Ensuring that colonies have access to adequate nutritional resources provides the means for fast build-up, as vigorous bees tend to have the lowest levels of pathogen infections5. Specifically in viral defense, it is important that colonies have access to a variety of pollen sources. Ensuring the availability of abundant and diverse protein and lipid sources, can help reduce the level of virus-induced mortality6. Additionally, the distance between apiaries can be very important in limiting viral transmission4. It is suggested that apiaries are a minimum of 1 kilometre apart with the number of colonies in each apiary adjusted based on the surrounding floral density, this is usually between 20-40 colonies per apiary4. This will help reduce the amount of overlap between foragers from different apiaries and competition for floral sources4.

Finally, it is

Queen Management: Colonies that are experiencing signs of viral disease can be managed by replacing the queen2. Introducing a young healthy queen can stop vertical transmission of viruses and improve colony health8. If queen replacement is not an option, the existing queen can be caged for 10-14 days to create a break in the brood cycle, allowing for the consistent removal of diseased brood8. This method mainly works for brood diseases such as Sacbrood Virus (SBV)8. The use of honey bee stocks selected for virus resistance can be an additional management technique.2 Genetic stocks that have been bred to promote genes associated with hygienic behaviour (i.e., removal of infected brood), help mitigate viral diseases and associated pests9.

Due to the close relationship between varroa mites and viral transmission, selecting a genetic stock that has been bred for varroa resistance (e.g., hygienic behaviour, varroa sensitive hygiene) will also reduce viral levels10.

Colonies with these genetics have lower varroa levels, reduced viral titers, and increased colony survival10.

Equipment Rotation: As discussed in Part 2 of this series, viruses can be harboured in the wax, honey, pollen, and wood structures of honey bee colonies4.

As equipment gets older it is more likely to contain higher levels of virus particles which in turn can contribute to the severity of a viral infection4.

Therefore, old equipment should be replaced with new equipment to help limit viral titers within a colony8. It is recommended that 10-20% of equipment (i.e., frames and brood boxes) is rotated out of use each year.

important that as beekeepers move between apiaries, there is no exchange of infected comb or hive products5. This can be done by implementing good biosecurity practices between yards, such as the frequent sterilization of beekeeping equipment and limited exchange of bee products (i.e., honey and brood frames) between yards5.

Vector Management: Due to the close linkage between varroa mite infestation and viral infection, there is a strong emphasis on the use of effective mite management techniques to reduce vector-based transmission of varroa-related viruses11.

In a study done by Woodford et al. in 2022, it was found that following an intensive varroa control treatment, where

Colony Management: One of the most beneficial disease management practices is separating sick colonies from healthy colonies4. Colonies that have high disease levels, whether it be viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic, threaten the health of surrounding hives and it is important that these 5

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Alberta Bee News

February 2023

colonies were shaken onto new equipment and treated with a miticide, there was 99% reduction in virus levels within the first month. While this method of varroa control is not feasible for large operations, these results emphasize the importance of varroa control when managing viral levels.

However, even after successful varroa treatments, the threat of virus infection isn’t completely diminished as viral levels do not drop to zero7. Viral infection has the potential to become cyclical as varroa infestation repeatedly occurs7. Therefore, constant, and effective control of varroa mites is important to reduce vector mediated transmission of viruses 7.

2. Monitoring Frequently monitoring colony health is a very important aspect of any disease management plan. However, monitoring for viruses can prove to be difficult as they can persist within a colony as an unapparent or asymptomatic infection, and lab diagnostics can be very costly12. Overt virus infections tend to go hand-in-hand with other pathogens such as, varroa mites and Nosema4. Therefore, monitoring for bee pathogens is extremely important for viral management, as colonies suffering from other diseases are likely to be suffering from viral diseases as well3. Visual inspections for viral diseases are difficult and not always accurate. An alternative is to take samples of suspected diseased colonies and send to a diagnostic laboratory for confirmation12. Having exact data regarding viral presence and levels creates a record of colony health. Producers can then look at viral levels throughout their operation and use critical thresholds as a tool for making management decisions7. In a study done

by Woodford et al., in 2022 a threshold of 5,000,000 genome copies (GC)/bee of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) was associated with symptomatic infection. Therefore, a critical threshold of 5,000,000 GC/bee can be used for guidance and to determine the success of certain cultural and physical controls, in combination with other IPM practices, such as separating sick colonies from healthy colonies.

irradiation of old frames is a potential option to eliminate pathogens harboured in honey, pollen, and wax without destroying the comb13. It was found that irradiation rendered DWV inactive and reduced the infectivity of Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), indicating that there are some beneficial effects13. However, some research has shown that not all viruses are inactivated and only subtle improvements on bee health have been observed9,13. For example, it was found that this process had little to no effect on Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) infectivity13. This method is not as useful as cultural management practices as it has a broad range of effectivity and can be expensive to implement on a large scale, nonetheless it has proved to reduce viral titers for select viruses13.

3. Physical Control Reusing old comb for food storage and brood rearing is a common practice for producers, as frequently introducing new frames is not always feasible9.

Introducing foundation requires mass amounts of bee energy to draw out new comb, therefore stunting productivity9. Gamma

4. Biological and Chemical Control As previously mentioned, there are no chemotherapies for viral diseases in honeybees. However, new advancements in RNA interference (RNAi) technology appear to be promising in the field of honey bee viral management. RNAi is a natural immune defense in which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) bind and destroy alike RNAs so that specific genes can be silenced, or replication can be reduced14. This process has 6

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

been used in honey bee populations to combat viral diseases by either feeding or injecting dsRNA to inhibit the replication of RNA viruses, such as DWV15. Unfortunately, this tends to be a difficult process that has many variable outcomes as dsRNA is expensive to produce and does not remain viable outside of the lab for long periods of time16. However, a new study has shown that genetically engineered bacterial organisms that are naturally present within the bee gut can be used as a transport vessel to easily administer and spread the dsRNA to the bee16.

This has proven to be successful in protecting honey bees from DWV and potentially other RNA viruses (i.e., Varroa Destructor Virus, CBPV, BQCV, and SBV)16. Additionally, this has also been found to be a potential control method for varroa mites as

the bacteria can be engineered to carry a dsRNA that targets essential genes within the mite after they feed on host bees, causing them to die more quickly16. This is not yet a management practice that can be used commercially; however, it shows promise for the future of viral management in honey bees.

Thank you for following along with this three-part series on honeybee viruses! I hope that this series was able to help deepen your understanding of common honey bee viruses and can be useful to you in the future as you manage your bees. Keep an eye out in the next few months as the Alberta Tech Transfer Program will be releasing a compact field guide on virus identification, transmission, and management!

References 1.

Dhawan, A. K., Arora, R., & Kumar, V. (2013) Insect pest management: Origin, evolution, and implementation. In A. K., Dhawan, B., Singh, M. B., Bhullar, & R. Arora (Eds.), Integrated pest management (pp. 1-43). Scientific publishers (India).

2. Pernal, S. F. & Clay, H. (Eds.). (2013). Honey Bee Diseases and Pests, 3rd edition. Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists, Beaverlodge, AB, Canada.

3. Chen, Y., Evans, J., & Feldlaufer, M. (2006). Horizontal and vertical transmission of viruses in the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 92(3), 152-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2006.03.010 4. de Miranda, J. R., Gauthier, L., Ribière, M., & Chen, Y. P. (2011). Honey bee viruses and their effect on bee and colony health.

In D. Sammataro & J. A. Yoder (Eds.), Honey Bee Colony Health (pp. 71-102). CRC press. https://doi.org/10.1201/b11318 5. Nagaraja, N., & Rajagopal, D. (2019). Honey Bees: diseases, parasites, pests, predators, and their management. MJP publishers.

6. Dolezal, A. G., Carrillo-Tripp, J., Judd, T. M., Allen Miller, W., Bonning, B. C., & Toth, A. L. (2019). Interacting stressors matter: diet quality and virus infection in honeybee health. Royal Society Open Science, 6(2), 181803. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.181803 7. Amiri, E., Meixner, M., Nielsen, S. L., & Kryger, P. (2015). Four categories of viral infection describe the health status of honey bee colonies. PLoS One, 10(10), e0140272. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140272 8. Wei, R., Cao, L., Feng, Y., Chen, Y., Chen, G., & Zheng, H. (2022). Sacbrood Virus: A Growing Threat to Honeybees and Wild Pollinators. Viruses, 14(9), 1871. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14091871 9. de Guzman, L. I., Simone-Finstrom, M., Frake, A. M., & Tokarz, P. (2019). Comb irradiation has limited, interactive effects on colony performance or pathogens in bees, Varroa destructor and wax based on two honey bee stocks. Insects, 10(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10010015 10. O’Shea-Wheller, T. A., Rinkevich, F. D., Danka, R. G., Simone-Finstrom, M., Tokarz, P. G., & Healy, K. B. (2022). A derived honey bee stock confers resistance to Varroa destructor and associated viral transmission. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08643-w 11. Woodford, L., Christie, C. R., Campbell, E. M., Budge, G. E., Bowman, A. S., & Evans, D. J. (2022). Quantitative and qualitative changes in the deformed wing virus population in honey bees associated with the introduction or removal of Varroa destructor. Viruses, 14(8), 1597. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081597 12. Tantillo G, Bottaro M, Di Pinto A, Martella V, Di Pinto P, Terio V. (2015) Virus infections of honeybees apis mellifera. Italian Journal of Food Safety, 4(3). doi:10.4081/ijfs.2015.5364 13. Simone-Finstrom, M., Aronstein, K., Goblirsch, M., Rinkevich, F., & de Guzman, L. (2018). Gamma irradiation inactivates honey bee fungal, microsporidian, and viral pathogens and parasites. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 153, 57-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2018.02.011 14. Brutscher, L. M., & Flenniken, M. L. (2015). RNAi and antiviral defense in the honey bee. Journal of Immunology Research, 2015, 941897. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/941897 15. Desai, S. D., Eu, Y. J., Whyard, S., & Currie, R. W. (2012). Reduction in deformed wing virus infection in larval and adult honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) by double‐stranded RNA ingestion. Insect Molecular Biology, 21(4), 446-455. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2583.2012.01150.x 16. Leonard, S. P., Powell, J. E., Perutka, J., Geng, P., Heckmann, L. C., Horak, R. D., Moran, N. A., Perutka, J., Geng, P., Davies, B. W., Ellington, A. D., & Moran, N. A. (2020). Engineered symbionts activate honey bee immunity and limit pathogens.

Science, 367(6477), 573-576. DOI: 10.1126/science.aax9039

The Tech Transfer Program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

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Alberta Bee News

February 2023

ALBERTA AGRISYSTEMS LIVING LABS IS LOOKING FOR PRODUCERS TO PARTICIPATE IN BRINGING ‘RESEARCH TO REALITY’ Alberta AgriSystems Living Labs (AALL) is a project led by Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) that will benefit Alberta’s agricultural producers through scientific collaboration, innovation, and research.

The AALL project was announced in July 2022 by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. This is an expansion of Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program. The initiative is led by ABP and supported by 16 partner organizations including Alberta Beekeepers Commission.

The goal of AALL is to co-develop beneficial management practices (BMPs) that work on-farm, offering real value to the environment and to producers. That means working directly with experts to determine what BMPs a producer might be interested in implementing on their operation and determining how best to undertake that implementation for each individual operation. Preferably, these will be practices that improve profitability or productivity, while also demonstrating some potential environmental benefits, such as improving carbon sequestration or reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Participating producers also receive a yearly stipend for their participation and are still able to apply for implementation funding from other programs and agencies.

The Living Labs program was developed as part of the Government of Canada’s effort to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The goal of Living Labs is to “accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable practices and technologies by Canadian farmers,” based on three core principles: • Focusing on farmers’ needs • Broad and diverse partnerships • Testing ideas in a real-life context “Ideally we’d like to see some of these practices spread beyond our core participants and out into the wider community across agricultural producers in Alberta,” says Schmid.

The Project is looking for Alberta producers interested in adopting or trying out some of the BMPs listed below.

The AALL activities are designed to be flexible and to work for producers across Alberta. The collaboration between scientists and producers is designed to build on the knowledge that both sides offer to production and climate change solutions. Your expertise, ideas and knowledge as a producer is valuable to the next steps in this project and will influence policy decisions in the future.

BMPs will focus on the following key areas: • Crop rotations and cropping systems • Land use changes • Grazing management and livestock feeding • Nutrient/fertilizer management • Increasing carbon storage on the whole farm

If you’re interested in participating in the project, or have more questions: please visit us at agrisystemsll.ca or contact us

“There’s lots of opportunity for producers if they’ve been thinking about trying something but are not sure where to start,”

llextension@albertabeef.org *This article is adapted from an article that originally appeared in the October issue of ABP magazine and was written by Debra Murphy and Karin Schmid.

Reprinted in this publication with permission.

says Karin Schmid, ABP’s Beef Production and Extension Lead.

“That’s where our researchers and their expertise can really finetune that and set them up for success right out of the gate.”

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Labour News

By Ron Greidanus, Canadian Honey Council (CHC) Director and Labour Committee lead.

(January 11, 2023)

RON GREIDANUS CHC Director

I recently participated in a meeting with the reformatted CFA labour committee. It has now been restructured into a joint government industry meeting with terms of reference. There were a few important updates: • Housing standards – work is ongoing with prepublication of recommendations to come forward sometime in 2023. They said they are focussing on prerequisites such as water must be tested but the recognize that much of the issue is of a local or provincial nature.

• Trusted Employee program – Lots of work has been done to coordinate this with other departments and it is currently going through the cabinet process. They are very hopeful that something will be out in the coming months.

• Open work permits for families of temporary foreign workers. A presentation on this can be viewed at: https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Open-work-permitsto-family-members-of-TFWs_Phases-and-TFWP_January-2023-.pdf

CANADA’S AGRICULTURE DAY IS BACK! Last year, the entire ag industry celebrated across the country, shared our pride, and opened doors to new food conversations. And we can’t wait to do it again in 2023. Join us on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, as we raise a fork to the food we love.

CONNECTING WITH CONSUMERS Canada’s Agriculture Day is a time to showcase all the amazing things happening in the industry and help consumers see the connection to where their food comes from and the people who produce it. Consumers want to learn more, and this day is a great way to start the conversation.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED: • Post a photo, make a video, or write a blog.

• Share what you’re doing on social media using the hashtag #CdnAgDay. • Encourage your friends to show-off their culinary talents using all-Canadian ingredients.

• Teach someone something new about agriculture. Share your knowledge and story with others.

These ideas are only suggestions – come up with your own ways to share your passion for ag and inspire others to join the conversation. It’s all about celebrating Canadian agriculture and food in engaging, fun and respectful ways.

For more inspiration, visit www.agriculturemorethanever.ca/cdn-ag-day/

WE CAN’T WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU ON FEBRUARY 15!

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

Advocating for Commercial Honey Producers and Pollinators in Canada.

Excerpt from the newly launched Canadian Beekeepers Federation website

www.canadianbeekeepers.ca/ We are currently engaging a lobbyist and others to help navigate and facilitate the immediate access to package bees from the mainland USA. Maintaining existing legislation, provinces manage their own rules for cross-border importation from other provinces. Time is of the utmost importance. The criteria to join this group is $2;500 for a 500 beehive or more operation.

The goal to achieve is to tackle the problems across Canada as they arise for commercial producers. It is not to replace the Canadian Honey Council, however we do need to have a more inclusive, flexible and faster reacting organization for the problems affecting commercial beekeepers.

This group is a national organization for large beekeepers, pollinators, honey producers and queen and nuc producers. There is room in Canada for everyone to operate their farm without impeding or affecting others.

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Alberta Bee News

February 2023

APIARIST DOWNSIZING TIMED ONLINE BEE AUCTION

SWEETHEART POLLINATORS/JANEIL ENTERPRISES NEIL & JANINE SPECHT

EATONIA, SK LOTS START TO CLOSE ❘ WEDNESDAY, MAY 8TH ❘ 12:00 NOON SK TIME Bidding will open May 1st and all lots will close May 8th starting at 12:00 Noon SK time.

TIMED ONLINE ONLY BIDDING www.fraserauction.com

NLINE BIDDIN G

OPEN HOUSE

MAY 5-6

AT SALE LOCATION Come and inspect all the bees and items in the auction.

• APPROX 2000 DBL BROOD COLONIES • APPROX 6000 9-FRAME HONEY SUPERS • 2007 Freightliner t/a truck w/22ft flat deck, SK-SAFETIED, VIN# 1FVHCYDJ37HX51413

• 2010 Chevrolet 3500HD s/a dually truck w/11.5ft flat deck, SK-SAFETIED, VIN# 1GB6K0B61AF110788 • 2008 Freightliner t/a truck w/24ft flat deck, SK-SAFETIED, VIN# 1FVHCYBS58HA86900

• 2007 IH t/a truck w/bunk, 24ft 22ft flat deck, SK-SAFETIED, VIN#1HTWNAZR77J470858 • (2) HUMMERBEE articulating Rough

Terrain forklifts • 2008 Dodge 5500HD s/a dually truck w/15ft flat deck, SK-SAFETIED, VIN# 3D6WD76A08G118624 • Hive clamp that mounts to Hummerbee forklift

More to be added. Updated list will be available at www.fraserauction.com

BID AT www.fraserauction.com FRASER AUCTION SERVICE LTD.

Brandon, MB Auctioneer: Scott Campbell / Jesse Campbell P: 204-727-2001 F: 204-729-9912 TF: 1-800-483-5856 www.fraserauction.com E: office@fraserauction.com Licensed and bonded. P.L. License #918093. Member of M.A.A., S.A.A., A.A.A., A.A.C.

NOTE: Cheques of $50,000 or more must be accompanied by bank letter of good standing. For more information on this please call Fraser Auction 204-727-2001. Not responsible for errors in description. Subject to additions and or deletions. Property owners and Fraser Auction Service not responsible for any accidents. GST & PST where applicable. TERMS: Visa, MasterCard, Debit, Cash, E-Transfer, Bank Wire Transfer, or cheque. Sale conducted by FRASER AUCTION SERVICE 1-800-483-5856 www.fraserauction.com

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Alberta Bee News

February 2023

How to Increase Hive Ventilation for Whopping Honey Crops

By Rusty Burlew, Honey Bee Suite First published on January 9, 2023, reprinted with permission. https://www.honeybeesuite.com/how-to-increase-hive-ventilation-for-whopping-honey-crops/ The best ventilation yields the biggest honey crops. Why? Because it’s easier for bees to evaporate excess water from nectar when the humidity is low. Good ventilation removes excess hive moisture, allowing the honey to cure quickly and easily.

Some people swear by extra ventilation and others think it harms the bees by chilling them. Shockingly, people often say, “We don’t ventilate our own homes, so why should we do it to bees?”

That is sadly naive. In modern times, a house without adequate ventilation will not receive a certificate of occupancy.

For residential homes, ASHRAE recommends adding 15 cubic feet of outdoor air per person per minute. And public buildings must replace the inside air at an incredible rate, so fast that it’s difficult for them to comply with energy conservation guidelines.

Table of contents • Why our homes are similar to bee hives

• Bees and humans have similar needs • How air circulates throughout a hive • How much ventilation does a hive need?

• Too much heat is a bad thing • 14 easy ways to increase hive ventilation • Balance one problem against another when increas inghive ventilation • Frequently asked questions

Why Our Homes Are Similar To Bee Hives The air in a modern home is always on the move. For example, today we have exhaust fans galore. We eject exhaust air from the attic and showers and baths. We have exhaust fans built into fireplaces and above cooking ranges and clothes dryers. All the air that’s expelled must be immediately replaced by outside air to prevent back-drafting or pulling air from a moldy basement or garage.

Increasing ventilation in bee hives is controversial, but it shouldn’t be. Like any other beekeeping tool, sometimes you need it and sometimes you don’t.

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Older structures didn’t have such a large air exchange problem because they leaked air around the windows, through the walls and windows, and along the baseboards.

Even today, we have some leakage around every door and window, every electrical outlet, every light fixture, and every duct connection. Even so, today’s building materials and insulation are so good we also need to add outdoor air on purpose. And we do.

Although our homes mostly still have openable windows and multiple doors that aid ventilation, many skyscrapers have few openable windows and not many doors per person using the space. Instead, they have huge fans that pump fresh air into buildings night and day.

This circulation happens constantly, although the exchange rate will vary with the outside temperature, the number of bees, and factors like wind and humidity. When the bees are actively fanning their wings to dry the honey, the air moves even faster.

What is Cured Honey?

Cured honey is flower nectar that has been chemically changed by enzymes from the bees’ saliva and then dehydrated. When enough water has been removed, the honey is capped with beeswax to keep it from absorbing atmospheric moisture.

Make-Up Air

How Much Ventilation Does A Hive Need?

The air that comes into a building to replace the air that is forced out is called make-up air. The rate that old air is replaced with new air is called the air exchange rate.

Every colony is different, so the amount of ventilation you will need depends on the type of hive, climate, local conditions, hive population, and sun exposure. It can be hit or miss at first, but with experience, you will discover what is needed at your location.

Bees And Humans Have Similar Needs You might think a beehive doesn’t have fans, but it does. In fact, the entire colony behaves like a giant fan, circulating air throughout the hive, bringing in new air, and expelling old air.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says humans need fresh air to lower levels of indoor pollutants, odors, humidity, temperature, and disease organisms. The same goes for bee colonies. An adequately ventilated hive will have less moisture accumulation, fewer pollutants, fewer disease organisms, less humidity, and less mold. Unfortunately, it all comes with some heat loss.

Speaking generally, we need less ventilation in dry areas where excessive moisture buildup is not a problem. Desert areas and those with dry winds seldom have a problem with mold or wet bees, but in rainy areas, moisture and mold control can be a full-time job.

Too Much Heat Is A Bad Thing We tend to obsess about bees getting cold, but too much heat is just as bad. If a hive gets too hot, it can damage the developing brood, melt beeswax combs, and make workers lethargic.

But with an adequate supply of honey, healthy bees living in a clean hive can stay toasty warm regardless of moderate heat loss. To help the bees rid their home of harmful substances, beekeepers must provide ways for contaminated air to leave the hive and clean air to come in.

And because warm air can hold so much moisture, the bees must work even harder to evaporate the water from the nectar. All that hard work generates even more heat, making everything more difficult. When we increase hive ventilation, we reduce the workload on the bees.

How Air Circulates Throughout A Hive The air in a bee hive circulates naturally. Much of the air comes in through the hive entrance or through the screened bottom board if you have one. Some air also leaks through the cracks between boxes or joints in the wood.

14 Easy Ways To Increase Hive Ventilation It is very easy to add ventilation to a bee hive. Following are some proven techniques that can be used singly or in combination, depending on how much airflow you want.

Inside, the bees give off heat and moisture just as we do.

The air surrounding the bees becomes warm from the bees’ bodies and respiration, then it rises to the top of the hive. This is no different from the warm air in your house that rises to the ceiling or the upper floors.

1. Entrance reducer: During the height of bee season when massive numbers of bees are coming and going, you can either use the largest opening in your entrance reducer or remove it completely. This will increase hive ventilation and ease congestion.

If you provide an opening to the outside near the top of the hive, this warm air will leave, carrying excess moisture and pollutants with it. As the stale air leaves, fresh air (make-up air) enters the hive at the bottom.

2. Screened bottom board: Screened bottom boards allow air to enter the hive from beneath the brood boxes.

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3. Varroa drawer: If you have a varroa drawer (a wooden, metal, or corrugated plastic tray below the screened bottom board) you can remove it until you are ready to do a mite count

The temperature in the shade can be drastically cooler than in the sun, providing your bees with a better environment for fanning the stored nectar.

Balance One Problem Against Another When Increasing Hive Ventilation

4. Slatted racks can be placed between the bottom board and the lowest brood box. Slatted racks provide more airflow by relieving congestion near the hive opening. You can leave them on all year, either with or without a screened bottom board.

When adding ventilation, keep in mind the downsides of anything you do. For example, openings that are large but not screened could encourage robbing by bees or wasps.

5. Vivaldi board: A Vivaldi board allows for increased airflow and moisture control. It goes above the hive boxes.

Also remember that if you live in an area with wind-driven rains, you may need to protect upper openings from rainwater.

6. Ventilated gabled roof: These roofs have holes on the end much like our attics do.

Keep in mind that many of these ventilation solutions are most appropriate for hot weather. You may need to seal them up or remove them completely before the weather turns cold.

7. Upper entrances: You can drill holes in brood boxes and supers. Upper entrances relieve congestion at the entrance and increase airflow through the hive. If you don’t want your bees to use them as an entrance, you can screen them from the inside. In winter, you can close them with a simple wooden or plastic plug.

Frequently Asked Questions How Warm Should A Honey Bee Brood Nest Be? The ideal temperature for brood rearing ranges from about 93 to 95 F (about 34 C). Stress, poor development, or death can occur at temperatures above or below the optimum.

8. Elevated hive stand: Keeping your hive on a stand instead of on the ground improves airflow.

Is Carbon Dioxide Built-Up Important In A Colony Of Bees?

9. Imirie shims: An Imirie shim comes with an entrance notched into it. These shims go between any two bee boxes to provide an extra entrance and ventilation. If you don’t want the bees to use them for coming and going, you can easily screen the entrances.

No. Nearly all bees have a huge tolerance for high carbon dioxide levels, so it’s not something that beekeepers need to worry about. In fact, a new paper published in the Journal of Economic Entomology shows how researchers were able to lower varroa mite levels by overwintering bee colonies in high carbon dioxide environments.

10. Screened inner cover: A simple screened inner cover is my favorite answer to summer ventilation. They also allow you to look down into your hive without the bees coming out for you.

Are Cross-Drafts A Problem In Beehives?

A draft that goes from one side of the hive to another is generally not a problem, especially in summer, and especially when the air crosses above the honey supers. This helps the bees dehydrate the honey. However, you don’t want a crossdraft traveling through the brood nest, so consider where the drafts will go before you add ventilation.

11. Ventilation eke: A ventilation eke is a shallow super with screened ventilation ports drilled into it. You can add as many holes as you like and place it above the hive boxes and below the lid.

12. Follower boards: Follower boards give the bees a place to congregate inside the hive. They force the bees to use more vertical space for the brood nest, because they leave only eight usable frames in a ten-frame box.

This tall and slender hive structure is more tree-shaped and provides a “chimney effect” that pulls the air up through the hive 13. Inner cover: If you use an inner cover, be sure to use the type with a hole in the center and a notch at one end. The hole in the top lets warm, moist air into the very top of the hive, and the notch allows it to escape to the outside.

14. Shade: If you are in a warm climate, by all means, give your bees some shade, especially in the heat of the day.

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February 2023

Recipe of the Month

INSTRUCTIONS

SALTED HONEY BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

Before you do anything—make sure you’ve cut your butter into those 1inch. cubes and place them in a small bowl in the freezer until ready to use. Cold butter is key!

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder + soda, and kosher salt. Add in your cold, cubed butter and squish each piece between your thumbs and index fingers to create flat little “shingles” of butter. Toss the mixture afterwards to make sure the butter gets evenly coated in flour.

Recipe from joshisbaking: https://joshisbaking.com/salted-honey-buttermilk-biscuits/

Make a well in the center and pour in half of your buttermilk.

Gently mix it in with a wooden spoon (or your hands). Once most of it has been incorporated, add in the other half of your buttermilk. Mix this in as well until no visible liquid remains.

Then, begin pressing/squeezing the dough until it comes together (avoid kneading). It may be a little crumbly, but generally keep its shape (see notes below if it seems dry).

Dump out your dough onto a floured surface and shape into a large disc (roughly 9 in). Using a bench scraper or knife, cut the disc into fourths and stack each piece on top of each other. Squish the stack down and shape into a disc again. Repeat the cut/stack/squish process one more time.

Lightly flour the surface + top of of your dough and roll it out into a disc about an inch high. Using a 4-in. round biscuit or cookie cutter, punch out 4-5 biscuits from the dough—push the cutter straight up/down and don’t twist it at the bottom, as this can seal the sides. Press the scrap dough together and roll out again (using more flour if needed) to get 3-4 more biscuits.

Place your biscuits on a small sheet or plate in the freezer for 30 minutes (to firm up the butter). Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly whisk your two egg yolks together in a small bowl, and prep a large baking sheet with parchment.

Flaky, tender, buttermilk biscuits brushed with a honey butter hot from the oven and topped with flaky sea salt.

Take your biscuits out of the freezer and space a few inches apart on the baking sheet. Generously brush the tops of each with your egg yolk wash and sprinkle granulated sugar overtop. Bake for 25-30 minutes on the middle rack, until desired browning.

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • •

4 cups all-purpose flour (510g), spooned & leveled 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (10g) 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt (14g) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g) 1 cup (2 sticks) cold, unsalted butter (22g), cut into 1in. cubes 1 1/4 cups cultured buttermilk (300 mL) 2 large egg yolks for egg wash (~30g) Granulated sugar to sprinkle on top

WHILE THEY BAKE: When your biscuits have about 5 minutes left, make your honey butter to brush overtop as soon as they’re out of the oven. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and honey together until the butter is fully melted (it helps to cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces), stirring every so often. Set aside.

As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush your honey butter over the top of each, letting it drip down the sides too. Sprinkle flaky sea salt overtop.

Let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes and then dig in—these are best enjoyed warm, but you can transfer to separate racks to cool completely. These will keep for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but if you’re like me—they won’t last past two. Enjoy!

Honey Butter

• • •

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (56g) 1/4 cup honey (50 mL) Flaky sea salt to sprinkle on top 15

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Classifieds

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

PLEASANT VALLEY HONEY LTD.(SW 15-46-27-W4 near Falun, AB) requires: Ten APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 2 years (seasons) experience working on a Canadian style commercial apiary with employment March thru December 2023 $15.65 - $18/hr to start depending on experience (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognising, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls; harvest and fill honey barrels and containers; supervise small teams of workers; driving and daily maintenance of vehicles; operate and maintain other apiary equipment; conduct bee yard maintenance; keep some field production records. A motor vehicle operator's licence with no serious infractions, recognised by the Province of Alberta and major insurance companies is an asset. . All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity.

Applicants must be able to work in the presence

of honey bees. All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. Ability to speak English is an asset. Contact Ryan Olthof in person at the farm to apply.

experience. On-Farm accommodations are available. Applications can be emailed to Mike deJong at busybee@telus.net Busy Bee Farm Ltd, 48549 Range Road 224, Hay Lakes, Alberta T0B 1W0

BUSY BEE FARM LTD. near Hay Lakes, Alberta, requires Four Apiary Labourers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience in commercial beekeeping, wages ranging from $15.65 - $17.50/hour; Also required is Fifteen Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431) with a minimum of three years of experience in Canadian commercial beekeeping, wages ranging from $17.50 - $23.50/hour. All positions are fulltime (45+ hours/week) for the February 1st – October 31st, 2023 season and involve the work and care of honeybees for honey production and pollination services. All applicants should be physically fit and able to perform work in a team environment. Having a valid driver’s license and the ability to speak English will be considered an asset. Wages are negotiable depending on

PALA’S VITAMIN HONEY FARM in Wembley, AB for the 2023 season is seeking 4 positions for Apiary Technician (NOC 8431), $16.00.$22.00/hr with 2 years experience minimum, in a commercial Apiary. Wages depend on experience.

Major duties: knowledge of hive management, disease diagnoses and prevention, weekend work and evenings.

Also require 4 positions for an Apiary Worker (NOC 8431), $15.65 - $18.50/hr experience required. Major duties include assisting Apiary Technician with all duties working with bees.

Some weekend and evening work if needed.

Physically demanding work (40 hours + a week).

Both positions start February 1-November 15, 2023. Staff accomm available. Contact Dan Pala, 721042 Hwy 724. Wembley, AB d.pala@telus. net, phone 780-832-5809, fax 780-766-3009

KONA QUEEN HAWAII Proud to be your first choice for Kona Italian and Carniolan Queens

Due to high demand, the majority of our spring production is booked.

Limited quantities may become available call to inquire.

Thank you for your understanding.

80 8-328 -90 16 | INFO@ KON AQ UEEN .COM WW W.KONAQUEE N. COM | @ K ONAQUE EN HA WA I I

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Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

MIGHTY PEACE HONEY Requires one Apiary Supervisor, NOC 8252, for full time (40+ hrs/ wk, $20-$24/hr depending on experience) year-round employment starting in March 2023.

Must have a minimum of 5 seasons working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial operation.

Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls; supervise extracting lines; supervise small to medium teams of workers; drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintain vehicles; operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts & pumps and extracting equipment); conduct bee yard maintenance; keep field and/or production records; Accommodation available. We are located at 833071 RR231 Grimshaw, AB Canada.

Please contact Mighty Peace Honey PO Box 1759 Grimshaw, AB Canada T0H 1W0. Rob 780 332 4862 or Fax 780 332 4822 or email mightypeacehoney@gmail.com

of pollination fiel_ds, monitoring and controlling bee health, keeping all required records, honey harvesting and extraction, construction of new bee equipment and maintain and repair equipment. Driving of vehicles, operate and maintain other apiary equipment. Some evening and weekend work required. Applicants must be in good physical condition (able to lift up to 70 lbs). A valid drivers license is required. Staff accommodations may be available.

7 apiary workers. Experience an asset but will be trained. Wage starting at 15.65- 17.00 per hour with a possible bonus (40 plus hrs/wk). Full time seasonal employment from April 2023 to sept 2023. Duties: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner, assisting Technicians with bees and equipment, harvesting and extracting honey, repairing and building new bee equipment. Must be able to work in a team environment. Ability to speak English an asset. Physical fit and able to lift up to 70 lbs.

Staff accommodations may be available. Please contact Sweetheart Pollinators/Janeil Ent Inc PO Box 155, Eatonia, Sask. SOL 0Y0 (306)463-8864 or Email to: sweetheart.pollinators@sasktel.net

supervise small teams of workers; driving of vehicles; operate and maintain other apiary equipment; conduct bee yard maintenance.

16 APIARY TECHNICIAN (LOW SKILL WORKER, NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1-2 years experience. Employment needed from April through November 2023; wage starting at $15.65- $17.50 (depending on exp. with a possible bonus) (40 + hrs/week).

Duties will include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; assisting Technicians with bees and equipment; assisting with harvesting honey; assisting with the bee yard and equipment maintenance.

6 GENERAL FARM WORKER, APIARY LABOURERS (LOW SKILL WORKER, NOC 8431) experience is an asset but will be trained. Employment needed for April through November 2023; wage starting at $16.52 per/ hour (with possible bonus) (40 + hrs/week).

Duties will include: Supering and harvesting honey, cleaning honey extraction and storage equipment, barrel moving prep, filling and storage, manufacture and assemble and maintain hive equipment, and bee yard maintenance.

All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Housing is available. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honeybees. All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment.

Email resumes to pollenpal@gmail.com attention Poelman Apiaries or fax to 403-687-2410 or mail to Box 1887 Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0.

MIGHTY PEACE HONEY Requires Six Apiary Technicians, NOC 8431, for full time (40+ hrs/ wk) employment ($15.65 - $20/hr depending on experience) February thru October 2023.

Must have a minimum of 2 seasons working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial operation.

Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls; harvest & package honey & beeswax; supervise small teams of workers; drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintain vehicles; operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts & pumps); conduct bee yard maintenance; keep some field and/or production records; Accommodation available.

We are located at 833071 RR231 Grimshaw, AB Canada. Please contact Mighty Peace Honey PO Box 1759 Grimshaw, AB Canada T0H 1W0. Rob 780 332 4862 or Fax 780 332 4822 or email andrewdicksonbeekeeper@gmail.com SWEETHEART POLLINATORS/JANEIL ENT INC 7km SW of Eatonia. Sask has the following positions available for the 2023 season: 7 Technician/Workers, Noc 8431 with a minimum of 2 years work in a Canadian Apiary. Full time seasonal employment from March, 2023 to October 2023. Wage starting from 17.00 to 20.00 (depending on experience with a possible bonus) 40 plus hrs/wk . Duties will include: caring for honeybee colonies, moving bees into and out

GOLDEN EARS APIARIES INC in Mission, BC, is seeking 11 Apiary Supervisors at $15.21/hr, starting Feb 1,2023 until Oct. 31/2023, working 40+ hrs/week. Apiary Supervisors must have a minimum of 3 seasons working full time (40+hr/ wk) in a Canadian style commercial beekeeping operation, and must have a good understanding of honeybee management and have the ability to independently assess hive health and make decisions regarding individual hive management.

All positions do require some evening, night and weekend work. All applicants should be able to work in a team environment. English is an asset as well as a valid driving license. Work will be in southern BC ( Fraser Valley). Contact Carolyn Shipley at jmcshipley@shaw.ca.

POELMAN APIARIES LTD.located near Fort Macleod, AB (102007A Range Rd 254) has the following positions available for the 2023 season: 7 FARM SUPERVISORS (SKILLED WORKER, NOC 8252) with a minimum of 5 years(seasons) experience working at a Canadian apiary. Employment needed from March through October 2023; wage starting at $17.50 + (depending on exp. with possible bonus) (40 + hrs/week). Duties will include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/controls; harvest and fill honey barrels and containers; 18

TEGART APIARIES is seeking 3 APIAIRY WORKERS with min 2+ years experience at a Canadian Commercial apiary operation. (at $15.65 - $16.40 hr with possible bonus) for July 10, 2023 to November 15, 2023. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team. Successful applicants must be accustomed to working with honey bees & have a good understanding of colony management, bee equipment maintenance & honey extracting/ beeswax processing. Apiary workers can expect on average 45+ hrs/week. Accom. available. Some evening & night work will be required. Main work location is Tegart Apiaries Honey Farms is located 2.5 miles from Fairview, Alberta (30024 TWP RD 820). Position may require travel to Harrison Mills, B. C. for spring and fall hive work (small travel allowance and accommodations provided) For more details or to apply, contact Dan Tegart directly at 780 835 2115 or tegarthoney@ telus.net; PO Box 904, Fairview, AB T0H 1L0

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

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

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

EMPLOYMENT MCW APIARIES has two positions available for Apiary Technician (NOC8431) starting February 1st to October 31st 2023. Must have at least three years of commercial beekeeping experience with wage staring at $18/hr, accommodation available if required, must have a valid driver's license. Hours are 45 hours per week with some weekends and evenings. Duties include doing and overseeing such tasks as feeding, medicating, spring brood management, queen rearing, making nucs, honey harvesting and moving hives. Contact Mike by fax at 780 624 9408 or mcwap@abnorth.com. We are located at 84172 Range Rd 204 East of Peace River near the hamlet of St Isidore.

MCW APIARIES has two positions available for Apiary Workers (NOC 8431), starting February 1st to October 31st, 2023. Must have at least one year of experience and a valid driver's license.

Accommodation available if required. Wages starting at $15.65/hr with some evening and weekend work. Hours are 45 hours per week with some evening and weekends, the job involves doing such tasks as feeding, edicating, honey harvesting and moving hives. Contact Mike by fax at 780 624 9408 or mcwap@abnorth. com. We are located at 84172 Range Rd 204.

East of Peace River near the hamlet of St Isidore.

EMPLOYMENT TEES BEES INC. requires: Three APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 2-3 years (seasons) experience working on a Canadian style commercial apiary in the min. capacity of Apiary Worker or General Farm Worker with employment March thru October 2023 ($15.65$19/ hr depending on exp. with possible bonus) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include: caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/ controls; harvest and fill honey barrels and containers; supervise small teams of workers; driving and daily maintenance of vehicles; operate and maintain other apiary equipment; conduct bee yard maintenance; keep some field production records. A motor vehicle operator's licence with no serious infractions, recognized by the Province of Alberta and major insurance companies is required. Nine APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year (season) experience and with employment March thru October 2023 ($15.65 - $17/ hr depending on exp. with possible bonus) (40+ hrs/wk); Duties include caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner; assisting Technicians with bees and equipment; assisting with harvesting honey; assisting with 19

EMPLOYMENT the bee yard and equipment maintenance. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honey bees. All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work.

All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. Ability to speak English is an asset. Contact Jeremy Olthof at 23318-Hwy 50, Tees, AB; mail to RR1, Tees, AB T0C 2N0; or email at teesbeesinc@gmail.com SWAN APIARIES are seeking workers for the 2023 season, February 20- October 31 2023, 12 Apiary workers (NOC 8431) and 2 Apiary Technicians(NOC 8253) in the Westlock area.

Applicants for apiary worker must have a minimum 1 year (season) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary operation as an Apiary Worker. The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from mid February to mid October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician.

The rate of pay is $15.65 - $16/hr (depending on experience) for apiary worker. Applicants for Apiary Technicians (NOC 8253) must have a minimum of 3 years experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($17 - $19/hr depending on experience).

The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from mid

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February to mid October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations with the assistance of the Apiary Workers. The ability to operate and maintain equipment utilized in the beekeeping industry and keep accurate records for monitoring hive health is essential to the position.

The positions are full time and may require evening and weekend work(45hrs+/wk) . Applicants must be in good physical condition as it is physically demanding work. Staff accommodations available.

A valid driver’s licence will be considered an asset.

Apply with resume to Hendrik Greidanus at Swan Apiaries, 520 4ST SW High River, T1V 1B6 or fax resume to 403-652-7683

4 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($15.65/hr). The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from late March to late October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies and the ability to speak English are considered assets. We require 10 Apiary Labourers (NOC 8431 - $15.65/hr) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary.

The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from beginning of June to late Oct. Major duties involve all aspects of harvesting honey and processing beeswax. The ability to speak English is considered an asset. Apply with resume to Grace Strom at The Greidanus Honey Mill, Box 5504, High River, AB T1V 1M6 or fax resume to 403-652-7683

productivity. All positions may require some night and weekend work. All applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees, be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. On farm housing is available.

Resumes: rongreidanus@gmail.com or via mail to: Greidanus Honey Bee Farm c/o 1005271 Alberta LTD, Box 1581, Stettler, Alberta, T0C 2L0

GREIDANUS HONEY MILL We require 5 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary to work in Northern Saskatchewan ($15.65/hr) in 2023. The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from early March to late October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies and the ability to speak English are considered assets.

Staff accommodations are available in Northern Saskatchewan. Production bonus may apply. We are seeking workers for the 2023 beekeeping season near High River, AB. All positions will be available on a seasonal basis. Production bonus may apply. All applicants must be physically fit and willing to work in a team environment. Staff accommodations are available.

We require 4 Apiary Technicians (NOC 8253) with a minimum of 3 years experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($17-$19/hr depending on experience). The position is full time (40+ hrs/ week) from mid February to mid October. Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations with the assistance of the Apiary Workers. The ability to operate and maintain equipment utilized in the beekeeping industry and keep accurate records for monitoring hive health is essential to the position. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies is required for these positions. The ability to speak & write in English are assets. We require 4 Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year experience on a Canadian style commercial apiary ($15.65 - $16.50/hr depending on experience). The position is full time (40+ hrs/week) from mid February to mid October.

Major duties involve all aspects of bee colony operations under the supervision of an Apiary Technician. A motor vehicle Operator’s license that is recognized by the province of Alberta and major insurance companies and the ability to speak English are considered assets. We require

GREIDANUS HONEY-BEE FARM in Stettler, Alberta is accepting applications for the 2023 season on a seasonal full-time basis. The following positions need to be filled: 4 APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) Full time employment (40+ hrs/week) $17-$18.50/hr depending on experience. Must have minimum 2 years of experience working full time on a commercial honeybee farm. Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment;recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatments/controls. Moving hives as required;harvest, extract and package honey, lead small teams of workers, drive and maintain vehicles, operate and maintain other beerelated equipment such as forklifts, conduct bee yard maintenance, general cleaning of working/production areas. Must have avalid driver's license. These positions are from March 15, 2023 thru October 31, 2023.2 APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) Full time (40+ hrs/ week) $15.75 -18/hr depending on experience.

Minimum 1 year experience. Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, assisting technicians with bees and equipment, assisting with moving bees, assisting with honey harvest, extraction and packaging, assisting with bee yard and equipment maintenance, cleaning of working/production areas. These positions are from April 15, 2023 thru October 31,2023.

2 CASUAL FARM LABOURERS starting @ $16.00 / hr. Duties include: working with cattle, honey bees, farm organization/production, operating farm equipment, and general maintenance of the farm and equipment. These positions are from June 1,2023 thru October 31, 2023. All wages are negotiable based on experience and 20

MOUNTAINVIEW HONEY near Cayley, Alberta is seeking interested applicants for 4 positions as Apiary Technician NOC 8431 (40+ hrs/wk) seasonal employment. The applicant must have a minimum of 2 years (seasons) experience working in a Canadian style commercial apiary environment with a minimum of 3 years as an Apiary Technician. Wages will be set by the NOC guidelines approx. $15.65 - $16 per hour, depending on experience. Possible bonus may also apply. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies, moving beehives into an out of canola pollination fields, monitoring and controlling bee health issues, honey harvesting and extraction, construction of new beehive equipment, all duties associated with a Canadian style commercial apiary. Preference will be given to applicants that have a valid drivers licence recognised by the province of Alberta.

Ability to drive a lift truck is an asset. Ability to speak English is an asset, must be physically fit, & be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment. Staff accommodations available. Please fax, mail, or email your resume to Mountainview Honey, Attn: Terry Greidanus, at Box 126 Cayley, AB, T0L 0P0. or jobs@ mountainviewhoney.com GULL LAKE HONEY COMPANY in Lacombe County (41113 Rg Rd 282 - 18 Kms west of Lacombe, AB) is looking for (1) Supervisor ($18-$22/hr + possible bonuses - NOC 8253) for employment March – October 2023.

Accommodations are provided. The position is full time, 44+ hrs per week. Some weekend and night work may be required. The Supervisor must have 3+ years working in a Canadian commercial apiary working as a supervisor. Duties include but are not limited to: Supervise and train other workers in caring for, splitting and managing honey bee colonies, monitoring and controlling colony health, moving bee colonies to new bee yards, woodwork for new and repairing of bee equipment, honey harvesting and extraction, and winter preparation and wrapping. Canadian Drivers licence is required. We are also hiring (3) Apiary Technicians ($17-$20/hr + possible bonuses - NOC 8431) for employment March – October 2023. Accommodations are provided.

The positions are full time, 44+ hrs per week.

Some weekend and night work may be required.

The workers must have 1+ years working in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include but

February 2023

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

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EMPLOYMENT

are not limited to: Assisting with care, splitting and managing honey bee colonies, monitoring and controlling colony health, woodwork for new and repairing of bee equipment, honey harvesting and extraction, and winter preparation and wrapping. We are also hiring (3) General Farm Workers ($15.75-$17/hr + possible bonuses) for employment March – October 2023.

Accommodations are provided. The positions are full time, 44+ hrs per week. Some weekend and night work may be required. Duties include but are not limited to: Assisting with care, splitting and managing honey bee colonies, woodwork for new and repairing of bee equipment, honey harvesting and extraction, and winter preparation and wrapping. Please contact: gulllakehoney@ gmail.com or 780.916.2263.

of bees and will assist with colony management and honey extraction and processing. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies and coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment. Also: recognizing, reporting, monitoring and controlling hive health issues. These positions are available from March to October 2023 (45+ hours per week).

All positions may require some evening and weekend work. A valid driver's license may be required. Applicants must be physically fit and willing to work in a team environment. Staff accommodations will be provided. Apply with a resume to Daryl or Sharon Lynes, Lynes Apiaries Ltd., P.O. Box 272, Clyde, Alberta T0G 0P0.

Email: sdlynes@hotmail.com

Location is #9 Hajash 190012 RR 142. Fax resume to 1-403-362-6506, call 1-403-501-4226 or email dejongshoney@gmail.com

CHRISTENSEN BEE RANCH LTD. located in Mallaig Alberta is seeking two Apiary Workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year of commercial beekeeping experience.

The positions are full time seasonal work from April to October. Wages for this position are between $16.52 and $19 per hour depending on experience. Duties include assisting with spring, summer and fall beehive management, moving hives, harvesting and extracting honey, driving and maintaining trucks, forklifts, pumps, leaf blowers and chain saws. All applicants must be in good physical condition, be able to work in a team environment and have a valid driver’s licence. Contact Paul Christensen by email at christensenbeeranch@gmail.com PARADIS VALLEY HONEY LTD Apiary in Watino, AB (NE-34-77-24-W5); requires the following for the 2023 season. 6-Apiary Technicians (NOC8431) $15.65/hr. Apiary technician applicants must have a minimum 3 years experience with commercial beekeeping and are expected to work effectively unsupervised. Experience driving trucks and a clean driving record are assets. These 6 positions are seasonal/full-time positions from Feb 1, 2023 to Nov 1, 2023 with 40-50 hours per week. Hours of work are dependent on weather conditions. No formal education is needed for. Successful candidates will take part in the break-down and re-building of live bee colonies, honey harvest, honey extraction, collection of bee pollen and seasonal feeding of hives. On-site farm housing is available.

Interested applicants can apply my emailing resumes to info@paradisvalleyhoney.com LYNES APIARIES LTD. (61118 Range Road 251) has 7 positions available for Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431). Applicants must have two years of Apiary technician experience. The rate of pay is $15.65-$18.00/hr., depending on experience.

Applicants must be able to work in the presence

LYNES APIARIES LTD. (61118 Range Road 251) has 10 positions available for Apiary Workers (NOC 8431). Applicants must have a minimum 1 year apiary work experience. The rate of pay is $15.65 - $ 16.00/hr. depending on experience.

Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees. Duties include: assisting Technicians with bees and equipment, harvesting honey and extracting. Also: bee yard and equipment maintenance. These positions are available from July to September 2023 (45+ hours per week).

All positions may require some evening and weekend work. A valid driver's license may be required. Applicants must be physically fit and willing to work in a team environment. Staff accommodations will be provided. Apply with a resume to Daryl or Sharon Lynes, Lynes Apiaries Ltd., P.O. Box 272, Clyde, Alberta T0G 0P0.

Email: sdlynes@hotmail.com YUAN ENTERPRISES is seeking for one Apiary Technician (from April 15 to November 30, 2023) and one Apiary worker (from June 15 to September 15, 2023) in Peace River, AB. Applicants must be in good physical condition and do all beekeeping management. Wages from $15.65/hr, depending on experience.

Email canadian.prairie.honey@gmail.com or Box 7554, Peace River, AB, T8S 1T2 DEJONG’S HONEY FARM BROOKS, AB requires four general farm workers (NOC 8431) from March 20, 2023 to November 1, 2023. $16/hr. 30 to 60 hours a week. Must be willing to do some weekend work. Three years beekeeping experience a necessity. Specific skills include apiary work, queen management, harvesting honey, assemble, maintain, and clean supers and frames, and work around bees. Work is fast paced, repetitive, and physically demanding. Must be a team player, able to operate a lift truck, and automatic honey extractor. Valid drivers license is an asset.

Located in isolated rural area. WCB coverage is provided. Worker accommodation is available.

21

MOUNTAINVIEW HONEY near Cayley, Alberta is seeking interested applicants for 3 positions as Apiary Supervisor NOC 8252 (40+ hrs/ wk) seasonal employment. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years (seasons) experience working in a Canadian style commercial apiary environment with a minimum of 3 years as an Apiary Technician. Wages will be set by the NOC guidelines approx. $15.65 - $19.00 per hour, depending on experience. Possible bonus may also apply. Duties will include Supervising and working with Apiary technicians, caring for honeybee colonies, moving beehives into an out of canola pollination fields, monitoring and controlling bee health issues, honey harvesting and extraction, construction of new beehive equipment, all duties associated with a Canadian style commercial Apiary. Must be able to drive a lift truck. The applicant must have a valid drivers licence recognised by the province of Alberta.

Ability to speak English is an asset, must be physically fit, & be prepared to work in a fastpaced team environment. Staff accommodations available. Please fax, mail, or email you resume to Mountainview Honey, Attn: Terry Greidanus, at Box 126 Cayley, AB, T0L 0P0. or jobs@ mountainviewhoney.com GREIDANUS FARMS INC.at Granum, AB requires 17 general farm workers (NOC 8431) from March 9, 2023 to November 9, 2023. $16.52/ hr. 30 to 72 hours a week. Possible bonus. Must be willing to do some weekend work. Three years beekeeping experience a necessity. Specific skills include apiary work, queen management, harvesting honey, preparing honey for market, assemble, maintain, and clean supers and frames, and work around bees. Work is fast paced, repetitive, and physically demanding. Must be a team player, able to operate a lift truck and automatic honey extractor. Valid drivers license is an asset. Located in isolated rural area. WCB coverage provided.

Worker accommodation is available. Fax resume to 403-687-2375 or e-mail ggreidanus@hotmail.com.

GREIDANUS APIARIES in Sturgeon County, Alberta for the 2023 season from March to November. Requiring four (4) Apiary Labourers, six (6) Apiary Workers and six (6) Apiary Technicians. Seeking four (4) Apiary Labourers at $16.00/hr for seasonal/full time position. (54.00 hrs/wk) As Apiary Labourer you are required in all manual labour of the Apiary as directed. Main duties involve all aspects of harvesting honey and processing beeswax. Apiary Labourer must have a minimum of one year of experience.

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

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February 2023

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Alberta Bee News

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Seeking six (6) Apiary Workers at $17.00/hr for seasonal/full time position. (54.00 hrs/ wk) As Apiary Worker you are required to assist management and apiary technician with beehive maintenance, this involves cleaning, checking, treating and feeding colonies, honey harvesting and extracting. Apiary Worker must have a minimum of one year of experience.

Seeking six (6) Apiary Technicians at $18.00/hr for seasonal/full time position. (54.00 hrs/wk) As Apiary Technician you are required to work with, supervise and instruct other employees.

Other requirements include maintaining field records, monitoring and reporting to management. Apiary Technicians must have a minimum of two years of experience. Accomm for all positions are provided. Bonuses apply.

Email grapiaries@gmail.com.

Greidanus Apiaries Ltd. 56107 Range Road 245, Sturgeon County, AB, T8R 0M1.

be willing to work with both leafcutter and honeybees, be in good physical condition, and work in a team environment. Having a valid Alberta driver’s license and the ability to speak English will be considered an asset.

All applicants must be able to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain health and safety of self and others.

Apiary Technicians must have a minimum of 3 seasons of full-time experience in a commercial apiary, have the ability to supervise/train staff, have knowledge in commercial hive management for pollination, honey production, queen rearing and disease diagnosis. Must be able to oversee and maintain hive equipment, bee yard and storage facilities.

Apiary Workers must have a minimum of 1 season full time experience in a commercial apiary, and have knowledge to assist technicians with hive management, building and repairing bee equipment, placement/pickup of pollination equipment, and honey harvest /extraction/processing. Must be able to maintain hive equipment, bee yard and storage facilities.

Apiary Laborers do not require any experience but must be committed to working with bees, be in good physical condition and can work in hot, sweaty, fast paced environment.

All wages are negotiable based on knowledge /experience/skill set. Personal Protection Equipment benefit is provided to all staff.

Bonuses may be available. Please email resumes to kiwijobs@witdouckfarms.com Drop off resumes at 94056 Highway 845 Coaldale AB

jobs may have weekend and evening work.

Accomodations available. There may be some spring and fall work in the Similkameen valley in B.C. Apply to hicksry82@gmail.com or mail to Hicks Honey Farms Ltd., box 181, McLennan, AB T0H 2L0.

WESTLOCK HONEY PRODUCERS INC. Located at 59332 RR15 Westlock County is seeking applicants for the following positions available in the 2023 season: 4 Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431). $15.65 - $21/hr depending on experience. Full time 45+ hrs per week Feb thru Oct 2023. Applicants must have a minimum 2-3 seasons experience working in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include spring, summer and fall management of bee colonies, bee health monitoring, hive feeding, honey harvesting, operating /maintaining apiary equipment and coordinating some workers. Two apiary workers (NOC 8431) with a minimum of 1 year (season) experience and with full time employmentApril thru September 2023. ($15.65 - $18 /hr depending on experience) Duties include assisting technicians with bees and equipment, honey harvesting and equipment maintenance.

A valid drivers license may be required for some of the positions. All applicants must be in good physical condition, ability to speak English is an asset. Must be able to work with bees in a fast paced team environment. Email westlockhoney@ gmail.com or mail to Westlock Honey Producers RR1 Busby, AB T0G 0H0 KIWI BRIAN’S HONEY near Coaldale AB, (94056 H845), is seeking employees for the 2023 season. Apiary Technicians: 8431 (4 positions; starting at $16.50 -$21.00/hr.) and Apiary Workers NOC: 8431 (15 positions; starting at $16 - 18.50/hr.) and Farm Laborers (3 Positions; starting at $15.75-16.00/hr.) needed full time (45+ hrs./wk.) as early as February 1, 2023, up until November 16, 2023, weather depending. Some evening, night and weekend work will be required. Accommodations are available if required. All applicants must

HICKS HONEY FARMS LTD. Near McLennan, AB 77405 RR 193A is seeking for the 2023 season, 8 Apiary technicians, NOC 8431. Applicants should have between 3-5 years experience working in a Canadian style commercial beekeeping operation.

Duties include, helping to feed, treat, split, and monitor springbuild up. Also responsible for helping to prepare hives for harvest, including, adding supers, monitoring hives, and setting up bee locations. Once harvest begins, applicants should be able to run a crew pulling honey, picking up honey, or extracting. Applicants will be required to help, feed, treat and prepare bees for winter in the fall. Work begins February 18, 2023 and goes until November 5, 2023. Also seeking 9 Apiary workers NOC 8431. These workers should have 1 year experience working in a Canadian style commercial operation. Wages will be between $16.50 - $18 depending on experience and efficiency. These applicants will be expected to help technicians with all duties related to beekeeping, including, spring preparation, feeding, treating, harvest preparation, extracting, and fall feeding and winter preparation. All 23

LALLIER APIARIES Located at 56226 Range road 64 Sangudo, AB is in need of one (1) apiary worker (low skill worker) for the 2023 season; wage $16/hr. The position is full time (40+ hrs/ wk depends on the weather). The season willstart on March 2023 until October 2023. TheApiary Worker will assist the Apiary Technician with beehive maintenance this involves unwrapping, cleaning, treating, make new hives(splits), honey harvesting & extracting, feeding and wrapping in the fall. Applicant may send a resume to extremehaulinginc@gmail.com.

PARADIS HONEY LTD. PARADIS HONEY LTD. 5023-50 St & SW4-78-23-W5 Girouxville, AB Requires 1 FARM SUPERVISOR NOC 8252 for fulltime (40+ hrs/wk) year round employment ($16.00 - $20.00/hr - bonuses possible) depending on experience. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 yrs (seasons) in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include assist management in bee colony management & harvest crop. Recognize, report, monitor hive health issues. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. English an asset.Valid driver’s license an asset. 4 APIARY TECHNICIANS NOC 8431 $16.25 - $19/hr (bonuses possible) depending on experience for full time (40+ hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2023. Must have a minimum of 4+ yrs experience working with bees in a Canadian style commercial apiary. Some technicians may be required to spend 3-4 months out of province to BC (March-June) as bees may be moved to BC for spring pollination services and return to AB mid-June. Room and board will be provided for employees working in BC. Must be able to travel out of province. Duties include assist management in bee colony management & harvest crop. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. English an asset. Valid driver’s license an asset. APIARY TECHNICIANS – NOC 8431 (8 positions) ($15.65 - $17.00/hr with possible bonus) for full time (40+ hrs/wk) from Feb to Nov, 2023. Must have a minimum of 1+ yrs experience working with bees in a Canadian style commercial apiary. Applicants must be able to work in presence of honeybees (Apiary work) & will assist with colony management & harvest crop. Some technicians may be required to spend 3-4 months out of province to BC (March-June) as bees may be moved to BC for spring pollination services and return to AB mid-June. Room and board will be provided for employees working in BC. Must be able to travel out of province. English an asset. No skills, experience or education required. All positions

www.albertabeekeepers.ca

February 2023

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

may require some evening, night and weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and have the ability to handle heavy loads, bending, crouching, kneeling. Accomm available. Rural area. Apply: info@paradishoney. com or mail to Paradis Honey Ltd, c/o Lise Paradis Box 99, Girouxville, AB T0H 1S0.

Company Ltd. 10609 McGrath Road, Rosedale, BC V0X 1X2 tel: 604-794-3315; fax: 604-794-3085; jobs @workerbeehoney.ca

is considered an asset, along with, a valid driver's license. Duties of an Apiary Technician include but are not limited to site preparation, site maintenance, colony management, honey extraction, and preparing hives for winter. Hours of work are minimum 40 hours per week or more. The salary for Apiary Technicians is $15.65 - $25.00 per hour.

SEVERSON HONEY FARM at 48143 Range Rd 204 Camrose, AB is seeking for the 2023 season from Feb – Nov 1: 8 apiary workers (NOC8431) with a min of 1-year experience, wages starting at $16.52/hr & 7 Apiary Technicians (NOC8431) with a min of 2-3 years experience, wage starting at $16.50/hr. These positions are fulltime 40+ hrs/ week & may req. some evening,night, weekend work. Work involves care of honey bees for honey production & pollination services. All applicants must be physically fit &be able to perform work in a team environment. On farm accomm are avail.

Wages are negotiable depending on experience.

Please send resume to Russell at rads@netkaster.ca Cell 780-608-0076.

WORKER BEE HONEY COMPANY Apiary Technician NOC 8431 (6 seasonal positions available, January to November 2023) - $17.75/ hour plus bonus for superior work. Duties include caring for honeybee colonies; recognizing and monitoring hive issues; supervising 2-4 Apiary Workers; harvesting, extracting and packaging honey, beeswax and pollen; using power tools; and maintaining field and/or production records, including using an online app. Three years’ experience required in a Canadian-style commercial apiary. Apiary Worker NOC 8431 (8 seasonal positions available, February to October 2023) - $16.15/hour plus bonus for superior work.

Duties include caring for honeybee colonies; harvesting honey, pollen and beeswax. Minimum one year experience required in a Canadian-style commercial apiary. Apiary Harvester NOC 8431 (8 seasonal positions available, February to October 2023) - $15.65/hour plus bonus for superior work. Duties include harvesting and extracting honey, pollen and beeswax. Minimum six months’ experience in a Canadian-style commercial apiary.

All positions are physically demanding and involve standing/bending/crouching for long periods; heavy lifting; repetitive tasks; working outdoors in the heat in a rural environment; driving and maintaining farm equipment (class 5 driver’s license required, class 3 preferred); 40-70 hours per week including evenings, weekends and overtime as required, as well as ability to work in a team environment and show attention to detail. Positions are in Rosedale, British Columbia with summer months spent in Boyle, Alberta. Accommodation provided at both locations. Worker Bee Honey

GOOD MORNING HONEY LTD.in Parkland County, AB (51516-RR15) is looking for: (2) APIARY TECHNICIANS ($17-$20/hr depending on experience) NOC8431 for employment during March thru October 2023 season. The positions are seasonal full time (44+ hrs/wk). Some weekend, evening and night work required. Onfarm accommodations available. Located 10 min SW of Stony Plain, Alberta. The Apiary Technician must have a minimum of three years experience in a Canadian commercial apiary working as an Apiary Technician or Apiary worker. Experience required in hive management for honey production, disease diagnosis, general hive health and mite threshold monitoring. Applicants must be in good physical condition. A valid driver's license is an asset.

We also require (3) APIARY WORKERS ($16 -$19/ hr depending on experience) NOC8431 with employment during March thru October 2023 season. The positions are seasonal full time (44+ hrs/wk). Some weekend, evening and night work required. On-farm accommodations available.

Located 10 min SW of Stony Plain, Alberta. The Apiary Worker MUST be able to work in the presence of honey bees and will assist with colony management as well as honey extraction.

Applicants must be in good physical condition and have a minimum 1+ year experience working in a Canadian style commercial apiary. We also require (2) APIARY LABOURER (Bee Farm Worker) ($16/hr) NOC 8431 with employment during March thru October 2023 season. This position is seasonal full time (44+ hrs/wk.)

Some weekend, evening and night work required. On-farm accommodations available.

Located 10 min SW of Stony Plain, Alberta. The Apiary Labourer MUST be able to work in the presence of honey bees. Applicants must be in good physical condition. Experience is an asset.

Production bonus payments may be included for all positions. Email resumes to Richard at albertahoney@gmail.com or send mail to 2-51516 RR15 Parkland County, AB T7Y 2E8.

Clearly indicate which position you are applying for. These are seasonal jobs that do not start until March of 2023.

YAREMCIO HONEY is seeking 8 full time seasonal Apiary Technicians (NOC 8431) for the 2023 March to November Season.

Apiary Technician's must have previous beekeeping experience (7 months to 1 year experience).They must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently.

Additionally, Apiary Technicians need to be able to pay great attention to detail and handle the pressure of working under tight deadlines. Previous leadership experience 24

NIXON HONEY FARM in Red Deer County, Alberta is accepting applications for the 2023 season on a seasonal full time basis. The following positions need to be filled: 5 APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 8431) Full time employment (40+ hrs/week) $1721/hr depending on experience with possible bonus. Must have minimum 2 years of experience working full time on a commercial honeybee farm.

Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, coordinating the production of replacement bees and equipment; recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatments/ controls. Moving hives as required; harvest, extract and package honey, lead small teams of workers, drive and maintain vehicles, operate and maintain other bee related equipment such as forklifts, conduct bee yard maintenance, general cleaning of working/production areas. One of these positions is from February 2023 thru June 2023 The other four positions are from February 2023 thru October 2023.

13 APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) Full time (40+ hrs/week) $16.52 -19.50/hr depending on experience, possible bonuses. Minimum 1 year experience. Duties include: woodwork (building bee related equipment), caring for bees in an appropriate manner, assisting technicians with bees and equipment, assisting with moving bees, assisting with honey harvest, extraction and packaging, assisting with bee yard and equipment maintenance, cleaning of working/production areas. One of these positions is from July 2023 thru October 2023. The other twelve positions are from February 2023 thru October 2023. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. All positions may require some night and weekend work. All applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees, be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment.

On farm housing is available. Email resumes to: info@ nixonhoney.ca or mail to: Nixon Honey Farm, #20, 35566 RR 263, Red Deer County, Alberta, T4G 0C9 S.S. HONEY INC. S.S. Honey Inc. is looking for 4 positions to be filled for the upcoming 2023 bee season. 2 Apiary technicians (NOC 8431) from April 1 2023 to October 31 2023.

Full Time Seasonal employment on a Canadian commercial beekeeping operation. (40+/hrs a week) $18 to $20/hr depending on experience, minimum 3 year experience. Must be physically fit and be able to work as a team. Duties include

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

55 USG Open Head

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

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

and are not limited to: Hive Management, Detecting Hive Diseases, Treating Hive Diseases, Extraction of Honey, Operating Farm equipment. Apiary Techs are required to be team leaders and must be able to manage a team.

2 Apiary workers (NOC 8431) from April 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023. Full time seasonal employment on a Canadian commercial beekeeping operation. (40+hours a week) $16.00 to 18.00 depending on experience.

Must be physically fit and be able to work as a team. Duties include and are not limited to: Hive Management, Detecting Hive Diseases, Treating Hive Diseases, Extraction of Honey, Operating Farm equipment.

International Drivers License is an asset. Some evenings and weekends are required. Worker Accommodation is available. Send resume to sshoneyinc@gmail.com or by mail Box 765, High Prairie, Ab, T0G-1E0

vesting, extraction, equipment maintenance and associated duties. Jun-Oct Apiary Harvest Worker will also assist with winter hive preparation. Contact Butz Apiaries, butzbuzz@ gmail.com. PO Box 36 Carnwood AB T0C 0W0

BUTZ APIARIES 1 Apiary Harvest Worker for Jun-Oct, 2023 and 1 Apiary Harvest Worker Jul-Sep, 2023. Starting $16.52/hour according to NOC 8431 guidelines. 45 plus hrs/wk. 1+ year Canadian commercial beekeeping experience required and must be physically fit and able to work with bees. Duties include honey har-

WILDROSE COUNTRY APIARY LTD. n Smoky Lake AB, is seeking to hire 4 seasonal apiary Technicians (NOC 85100) from March thru October 2023. $16.52-20hr 30-60 hours a week. 1 year experience is required. Specific skills include colony management, honey production, spring & winter preparation, and general maintenance on the farm. Must be physically fit and prepared to work in an efficient team environment. Expect some weekend and evening work. Located in a rural setting. Worker accommodation is provided.

Email: wildrosecountryapiary@gmail.com P & J APIARIES INC. We are seeking interested applicants in the Westlock County area for the following positions, including...

(10) APIARY TECHNICIAN(s) (NOC 84120) $16.52-$22.00/hr. depending on experience for full time (45+ hrs/wk) employment February thru October 2024. No educational requirement. Must have a minimum of 2-3 25

EMPLOYMENT years (seasons) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary operation as an Apiary Technician or in the min. capacity of an Apiary Worker. All Duties associated with Canadian style commercial apiary such as Spring, Summer, Fall management of bee colonies, bee health monitoring, feeding, honey production and harvest, maintaining quality control/production, and safety records, operating and maintaining apiary equipment including trucks and forklifts, and coordination of some workers.

- (10) APIARY WORKER(s) (NOC 85100) $16.52$19.00/hr. depending on experience for full time (45+ hrs/wk) employment March thru October 2024. No educational requirement. Must have a minimum of 1 year (season) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary operation as an Apiary Worker or in the min. capacity of an Apiary Harvester/Labourer. All duties related to Canadian style commercial apiary associated with assisting Beekeepers/Apiary Technicians with Spring, Summer, Fall colony management, moving colonies, maintaining of apiary equipment, and all aspects in the collection extraction/processing of honey.

All positions may require some evening &

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February 2023

Classifieds

Alberta Bee News

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical conditions and able to work in a fastpace team environment. All Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees. A valid driver’s license may be required for some of the Apiary Technician positions. Apply with resume to Todd Eastman at P & J Apiaries Inc., p.j.apiaries.applicants@shaw.ca (Location 61232 – RR240 Westlock Co. AB.)

work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment.

Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. Valid driver’s license an asset.

Apiary Workers Accommodation is available. Rural area. Apply: rycrofthoney@gmail.com or mail to Marc G Paradis, Box 487, Rycroft, AB T0H 3A0.

WOLFE HONEY COMPANY INC. requires 12 Beekeeper Apiary Workers for full time/ seasonal work (40-50 hrs/ wk.) for beekeeping season (approximately end of Feb to beginning of Nov 2023) in Guy, AB. Wages will be set by the NOC guidelines and is currently $15.65 per hour. Accommodation is provided in Guy. All applicants must be physically fit and able to work in the presence of honeybees. The job duties under the direction of the Field Supervisor and Managers include: maintaining the health of live honeybees, moving bees, collection & extraction of honey & preparing bees for winter. Also includes some woodwork for new beehive equipment, and general shop cleaning & maintenance. There will be some evening, weekend and night work required.

This is an entry level position with on the job training. There are no job experience or educational requirements for this position.

We work in a team environment. Wolfe Honey Company Inc. is located at 5010-49th Street in Guy, AB, T0H 1Y0. The hamlet of Guy is located in the Municipal District of Smoky River.

Applications accepted by email to accounting@ honeybunny.ca; or by fax: 780-925-2943.

P & J APIARIES INC. - We are seeking interested applicants in the Westlock County area for the following positions, including...

-(6) APIARY HARVESTER(S)- NOC 85101 (6) Positions- $16.52 per/hr. The positions are available on a seasonal/full-time basis (45+ hrs. per week) for May to October 2024. Apiary Harvester duties include honey harvesting, collecting & processing of honey No educational requirement, experience an asset. Apiary Harvester position may require some evening & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical conditions and able to work in a fast-paced team environment.

Experience an asset. All Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees. Apply with resume to Todd Eastman at P & J Apiaries Inc., p.j.apiaries.applicants@shaw.ca, Fax.: 780 349 6610. (Location 61232 – RR240 Westlock Co. AB.) PHILPOTT HONEY PRODUCERS LTD. located 10 kms north of Brooks is accepting resumes for Apiary workers for the 2023 beekeeping season. The position starts Feb 1st, 2023 and carries on until Oct 31st, 2023. Full time hours (45+hrs/week) and some weekends and evenings are required. All applicants must be in good physical condition and be able to work well with others. Duties to include helping with all aspects of beekeeping and honey production in a commercial beekeeping operation. No experience is necessary as on job training given; however, is an asset. Starting wage is $16.52/hour and is negotiable depending on exp. with a performance bonus determined at end of season. On-farm accommodations are also available. Please email resumes to colin@ philpotthoney.ca or mailed to box 555, Brooks AB, T1R 1B5 or faxed to 403-362-4350 MARC G. PARADIS NE 23-79-5W6 Rycroft, AB. – NOC 8431(4 positions) ($15.65 - $16.50/hr depending on experience) for full time (40+hrs/ wk) from Feb to Nov, 2023. Applicants must be able to work in presence of honeybees (Apiary work) & will assist with colony management & harvest crop. English an asset. No skills, experience or education required. All positions may require some evening, night and weekend

AP HONEY FARM LTD in Wanham AB for the 2023 season is seeking two positions for Apiary Technician (NOC 8253) $15.65 - $17 with two years’ experience minimum, in a commercial apiary, wages depends on experience. Major duties: knowledge of hive management, disease diagnoses & prevention, weekend work & evenings. Also require seven positions for Apiary Worker (NOC8431), $16.52 -$17 experience required. Major duties, include assisting Apiary Technician with all the duties in the work with bees. Some weekend & evenings work if needed, physically demanding work (45/ hrs + a week of work). Both positions start Jan 15 - November 15, 2023. Staff accomm available. Send resumes to Artur Pala palashoney@ hotmail.com or fax 780 694 2282.

P & J APIARIES INC. We are seeking interested applicants in the Westlock County area for the following positions, including... (6) APIARY LABOURER(S)- NOC 8431 (6) Positions- $15.65 per/hr. The positions are available on a seasonal/ full-time basis (45+hrs. per week) for May to October 2023. Apiary Labourer duties include honey harvesting, collecting & processing of honey No educational requirement, experience an asset. Apiary Labourer position may require some evening & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical conditions and able to work in a fast-paced team environment.

No educational requirement, experience an asset. All Applicants must be able to work in the presence of bees. Apply with resume to Todd Eastman at P & J Apiaries Inc., p.j.apiaries. applicants@shaw.ca, Fax.: 780 349 6610.

(Location 61232 – RR240 Westlock Co. AB. HONEY MEADOWS FARM is located 10 km south of Calgary at 226012 72st St. E Foothills, Alberta. We are looking to hire 14 beekeepers for the 2023 season, beginning mid January through to mid October (~45+hours/ week). The work entails colony management, harvesting and extracting honey as well as manufacturing and repair of apiary equipment.

The positions fall under NOC:8431- $15.65/ hr - will adjust according to NOC guidelines if required. Successful applicants must have experience working with bees on a commercial honey farm for at least 2 seasons. Please email resumes to Honeymeadows1@hotmail.com.

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SEVERSON HONEY FARM at 48143 Range Rd 204 Camrose, AB, requires 3 Apiary Supervisors/ Forman (noc8253) for the 2023 year. Must have a minimum of 5 yearexperience in commercial beekeeping, wages start at $17–$21 depending on experience. Must be able to supervise 3-4 people & operate trucks & equipment.

Be organized, maintain records, work in team environment. This position is full-time 40+ hrs/ week. On farm accomm avail. Please send resume to Russell at rads@netkaster.ca 780-608-0076 SUPERNUC APIARIES located near Granum, AB (251032 TWP RD 104) has the following positions for the 2023 season. APIARY TECHNICIAN (NOC 8431) 1 position; wage starting at $16.50 - $20.00/hr, and APIARY WORKERS (NOC 8431) 2 positions: starting at $15.65 - $18.00/hr, needed full time (45+ hrs/wk) from Mar 1, 2023 through October 31, 2023. Apiary technicians must have a minimum of 3 seasons of full-time experience in a Canadian commercial apiary and have the ability to supervise/train staff, have knowledge in commercial hive management for pollination, honey production and queenrearing and the ability to assess hive health and care for them in the appropriate manner. Apiary workers must have a minimum of 1 season full time experience in a Canadian commercial apiary. Duties include assisting technicians with beehive maintenance and treatments, building

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

and repairing bee equipment, moving hives, harvesting and extracting honey, and winter preparation.Some evening, night and weekend work will be required. Accomodations are available. A valid driver's license and the ability to speak English is an asset. Must be physically fit and accustomed to working with honeybees. No educational requirements. All wages are negotiable based on experience and productivity. Bonuses may be available. Email resumes to aovinge@gmail.com or mail to Box 133, Granum, AB T0L 1A0.

• Harvest & package honey, pollen & beeswax.

• Supervise & train workers.

• Drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintenance of vehicles.

• Operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts, chainsaws & pumps).

• Conduct bee yard maintenance.

• Keep field and/or production records.

• Interact with external farm personnel.

• Operate & maintain other apiary equipment (including forklifts, chainsaws & pumps).

• Conduct bee yard maintenance.

• Keep some field and/or production records.

T’N’T APIARIES REQUIRE: An APIARY FOREPERSON (NOC 82030) for fulltime (40+ hrs/wk) year round employment ($20.00-$25/hr depending on experience.

Bonuses possible). Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years (seasons) fulltime in a Canadian style commercial apiary environment with a minimum of 3 years (seasons) working as an Apiary Technician.

Duties include: • Caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner.

• Co-ordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment.

• Recognizing, reporting, monitoring and controlling hive health issues.

5 APIARY TECHNICIANS (NOC 84120) for full time (40+ hrs/wk) employment ($17-$22/ hr depending on experience. Bonuses possible) February thru November 2023. 1-2 positions may become year round. Must have a minimum of 2 years (seasons) working fulltime on a Canadian style commercial apiary in the min. capacity of Apiary Assistant or General Farm Worker.

Duties include: • Caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner.

• Co-ordinating the production of replacement bees & equipment.

• Recognizing, reporting, monitoring hive health issues and applying appropriate treatment/controls.

• Harvest & package honey, pollen & beeswax.

• Supervise small teams of workers.

• Drive (including std transmission & medium duty trucks) & daily maintenance of vehicles.

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6 APIARY WORKERS (NOC 85100) for full time (40+ hrs/wk) employment ($16.55 - $19/hr. depending on experience. Bonuses Possible) February thru November 2023. Applicants must be able to work in the presence of honey bees.

Duties include: • Caring for honeybee colonies in the appropriate manner • Assisting Technicians with bees & equipment.

• Assisting with harvesting honey, pollen & beeswax.

• Assisting with the bee yard & equipment maintenance.

All positions may require some evening, night & weekend work. All applicants must be in good physical condition and able to work in a team environment. A motor vehicle Operator’s license with no serious infractions, recognized by the Province of Alberta & major insurance companies, is required for the Foreperson position and preference will be given to those Technician & Worker applicants holding one.

Contact Dave Tharle, 44116 - Hwy 659, Ardmore, AB or Box 80, Ardmore, AB. (Fax 780-826-6013) Email: tntapi@mcsnet.ca

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Alberta Bee News

February 2023

FOR SALE HONEYBEAR APIARIES LTD. in Leduc completed our major downsizing in 2022 to just 200 hives put into winter. This spring I will decide if I keep hives beyond 2023. There may be a very limited number of brood chambers, supers, nucs and bee blowers available. This spring the Dakota Gunness uncapper, frame lifter and roller assembly, three Dadant 60 frame extractors with speed controls, several moyno pumps and a nice 10 barrel SS honey tank may be sold. Text Barrie Termeer at 780-446-6924 for updates and pictures and to get on the waiting list.

PARADIS HONEY LTD. Has the following equipment for sale: Paradise 1000 Wax Press - $15,000 obo Pollen Traps (approx. 1,500) $60 each obo For further information email: paradishoney@outlook.com or phone 780-323-4183 FOR SALE: Commercial beekeeping operation in Sask. selling 1000 colonies at end of 2023 pollination season. Available last week of July (p.s.

3 fields in Bow Island hailed out and colonies

FOR SALE AVAILABLE NOW). Double brood chamber, avail with super if required (additional). $450 each for small qty; larger quantities price negotiable. Colonies located Medicine Hat, AB, and Bow Island, SK. Contact Neil at sweetheart. pollinators@sasktel.net or 306-463-8864.

EQUIPMENT IN ELK POINT, ALBERTA. Used, in good condition. $150,000.00 for the following: • Paradise Air Ram extraction line, 128 frames • Automotive uncapper with de-boxer • Ralph Belt frame grabber, 9 frames • Second generation wax press (Canadian made, Paradise knockoff) • Water-jacketed Cowan in-floor sump with baffles and float switch (2 drum capacity) • 900 gallon heated milk tank (half inch tubing Cowan heater) • 2 tall plastic holding tanks on stands with 18 drums each • Electric scale up to 2000 Lbs • 3 two inch Cowan honey pumps Please contact Jean-Marc Le Dorze at jeanmarcledorze@gmail.com

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FOR SALE NUCS FOR SALE Our (5X2) 10 deep frame nuc colonies with laying queens are great for getting your beekeeping season off to a strong start. Nucs come pre-Treated for Varroa, Nosema, and AFB and are ready for installation. Orders typically are ready for pickup in the Fraser Valley area late April early May. We have an excellent record of highly productive healthy honeybees. Nucs are raised in the Fraser Valley and will be inspected by provincial apiculturist for interprovincial sale.

Your Nuc order includes: • (5x2) 10 deep frame nuc box • 2 actively laying queens • 2 strong deep frames of brood and young larvae (all stages) covered with Bees.

• 2 strong deep frames of feed (Honey) and Pollen covered with Bees.

Now accepting orders for Spring 2023 delivery ($325 per nuc). There is a limited supply; place your orders early to ensure that your order will be filled.

Contact: info@paradisvalleyhoney.com Or Danny at 780-837-0302. Paradis Valley Honey, www.paradisvalleyhoney.com

Alberta Bee News

February 2023

Ask for NOD Apiary Products at beekeeping supply stores across North America.

NOD APIARY PRODUCTS

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