Own your Beekeeping

• #1- The current model of beekeeping as I see it.

• #2- Time to take ownership, take point and lead!

Now let’s get into the core of each point! The world of beekeeping is waiting for you!

Point #1- The current model of Beekeeping.

People get into beekeeping for SO many different reasons and each reason is unique; usually it’s to help the environment in some way or someone’s grandfather kept bees and they remember that as a child with fondness. My reason had nothing to do with beekeeping at all, I simply needed a job.

However, once each of us begins our beekeeping journey, we quickly realize that we have absolutely no idea what we’re doing! So naturally we look to those who have been doing it longer than we have; whether it’s someone local like through a beekeeping club or online like YouTube, we need direction and we need it fast.

As a result we base our own beekeeping practices on a set of uncoordinated actions based on what we see; what we think we “should” be doing. Ultimately, our beekeeping path goes down a course that is not necessarily our own. 

The next thing that happens is twofold:

• The majority of people quit beekeeping because of inexperience, their bees fly away or they die; it’s a long list 😅.

• Or the small percentage that sticks with it find the guru they like best, probably on YouTube, and make that their way of doing things AND possibly even subscribing to the honey bee research to give us direction of approach, especially when it comes to pest & disease management.

Now do not misunderstand, there’s nothing inherently wrong with any of this. However, I would submit that while we are waiting for others to tell us what to do that we are drastically missing out on our own experience and possibly even discovering something that could make in incredible impact, big or small, in the world of beekeeping.

Point #2- It’s time to take the reins.

I would like to suggest that you take control of your own beekeeping, continuing to learn from others but not waiting for them or research results to tell you what to do OR what you can and cannot do.

Here’s an example: I am familiar with the issue of American Foul Brood (AFB). I am also familiar with the current products on the market to combat AFB, legal and not-so-legal (only by observation). Do they work? Often there is some kind of positive result but it usually comes with a price of detriment to the bees. Do I use them? No.

Knowing that the spore that AFB is and when it affects the brood, I use a broad-spectrum antibiotic that boosts immunity rather than diminishes it. It’s a natural product that hasn’t been “approved” for use on honey bee colonies; most likely because no one has ever thought of it and the FDA and EPA can’t control it in a way that financially benefits them. Anyone can buy it.

I use it in a preventative manner and have never had AFB in a single colony. Does it work? Well, the best thing I can say is that it hasn’t hurt my bees. That’s the only downside is not having a science lab to test things.

So what am I saying?

• Keep following your gurus and learn as much as you can but choose what to take and what to let go of. Don’t follow blindly.

• Learn about your bees and gain experience so that you can base your questions and answers from that, ultimately becoming your own source for answers.

• Experiment on a level that is small and safe. Take precautions and don’t be dumb. Start off small, easy and slow.

• Don’t wait for others to pave the way for you. Sometimes the people that come up with “solutions” in beekeeping have never kept a beehive a day in their life. This is especially evident when they come up with a delivery system that is poor in design (should have asked a beekeeper!)

Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom 😉. I want to hear from you!