Seasonal Outlook

With spring just around the corner and pollination season well underway, its go time for beekeepers. My understanding is that most of the county has received decent rainfall over the winter, despite the forecast of a ‘super el-nino’, let’s hope the rain keeps coming. There are always some areas missing out, areas of Queensland are dry and are calling for rain. Reports that prospects are reasonable across the board. All states have reasonable budding in some areas.  I can speak more for NSW, inland is very limited on budding, canola is very early and mostly will be done after almonds, other ground flora looks promising for spring and many areas on the coast are showing good budding. With the challenges of Varroa, let’s hope mother nature is kind to lessen the stress.  

Pollination 

As predicted, we are starting to witness a shift in dynamics within the pollination sector. With the reduction of managed colonies as well as the decimation of the feral population, pollination dependent industries are becoming nervous and more engaged with industry. It is becoming a common sentiment, ‘We are not seeing bees on the flowers like we used to.” A strong collaboration will be required between both sectors to result in success.  

It is very concerning to hear in many instances that bee hive audits are not matching up with the hive strength supplied to almond farms. As prices rise, bees are being paid by per frame, auditing correctly will become more of a contentious issue. It is paramount to work closely with your farmer or broker to develop a trustworthy relationship. I encourage beekeepers to be present at the time of audit to encourage accountability. As many reports have been received, AHBIC will be writing to relevant parties expressing concern on behalf of industry.  

Imported Honey 

The fight for change continues. AHBIC have had several meetings with DAFF of late. The main goal is to get the Government to lift the testing protocols for honey coming into Australia. AHBIC has another meeting next week where pressure will be applied once again.  

Previously AHBIC approached DAFF with concerns of a biosecurity risk with imported honey transmitting Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). DAFF stated that there wasn’t enough solid evidence to intervene. Recently an Agrifutures publication by Dr John Roberts ‘Transmission of deformed wing virus (DWV) via imported honey’, displayed that there is a slight risk of DWV being vertically transmitted to bees via honey. As a result, AHBIC have taken the paper to DAFF expressing the concerns. DAFF have acknowledged the possible threat and AHBIC are working closely with them to derive outcomes promptly.  

 https://agrifutures.com.au/product/project-snapshot-transmission-of-deformed-wing-virus-dwv-via-imported-honey/

AgriFutures

Over the past months, AgriFutures have advertised for several positions on the honey bee and pollination advisory panel. Myself, Amanda Olthof and Samantha Beresford from AgriFutures sat on the selection committee. It was great working with Amanda and Samantha, and they truly demonstrated a deep understanding of our industry. It was fantastic to have received 23 applications for the panel, however, it made our job very hard making the final selections! In October, the new panel will meet in person, I will attend to catch up with the panel to further develop a relationship and demonstrate industries needs in this space.  

 I hope that all have a good spring, all the best with the mite and look after each other.  

 Jon Lockwood 

AHBIC Chairman