Transcript Slide 1
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Beekeepers Pollinating Agricultural Crops elearning modules Module 7: Best Management Practices For Almond Growers Renting Bees Growers can help beekeepers in the pollination process of their crops. There are plenty of methods that can be used to accomplish this aid. Let’s start with the basics; food and water. Nutrition If possible, help your beekeeper locate flowering forage prior to and after almond bloom. This can be achieved with pre-existing forage or, We can plant a cover crop on adjacent land. For example……. Nutrition Plant a cover crop on: •At perimeter of an orchard. •Within younger orchards. •On fallow land. What are good examples of alternative food resources? Nutrition Three very good ones are: Mustard, Clover and Vetch! Next, let’s look into an important requirement, Water! Water Water is important to prevent dehydration. Water Provide abundant and potable water, free from contamination. True or False: A large open tank full of water is all that is needed to insure the bees will be well hydrated. Water False! Landings and screens make water accessible and prevent bee drowning. What rule of thumb should we consider when deciding where to set these colonies down? Access and Placement Keep in mind that the distribution of colonies should be accessible and convenient at all times. Remember, beekeepers need to place, service and remove hives routinely. Let’s keep em from gettin stuck in the mud! So….. Access and Placement Orchard roads should be maintained and graded for easy access. Allow hive placement in areas not prone to flooding or shade. Access and Placement Sun exposure and human proximity make a huge difference in this important issue! Therefore, eastern and southern exposures are better for sun and warmer temperatures and encourage bee flight for pollination, Also------- Access and Placement Let bees do their job, place hives as to limit human and honey bee interaction. Next topic is important enough to all of us , to get everyone on board by sharing this knowledge and information. Hint: Better living through chemistry! Agricultural Sprays Yep, you guessed it! Let your beekeeper know the agricultural products used for crop protection, including tank mixes. How, when and where are these products applied? Agricultural Sprays Application and Timing Honey bees come in contact with agricultural sprays in different ways: • Bees may fly through the spray. • Sprays may drift to hives via wind. • Bees may collect and bring into the hive pollen that contains chemical residue. Agricultural Sprays Application and Timing Management practices to minimize contact are: •Spray when bees are not flying. •Spray when pollen is not being produced by the tree. •Time applications at night or when bees are not flying. I need to hammer this home Let’s communicate! Communication Keep in contact with your beekeeper, especially prior to bloom. We have ways of making you talk! What suggestions can we put forth to help facilitate this interchange? Communication Discuss honey bee health and conditions. For example: •Inquire about supplemental feeding through the winter. •Ask about colony collapses, Varroa infestations, honey crop, and over-wintering. Communication Location, transportation and other factors can positively or negatively affect the strength of the colonies. Remember to discuss timing of hive placement prior to bloom and pick-up after bloom. Of course is has been said, it’s money that makes the world go round …….. Communication Negotiate rental fee, number of colonies per acre, frames of bees per colony, and payment schedule. Next topic is nothing personal, it’s strictly business. Pollination Contracts A signed contract protects both grower and beekeeper. Visit "Downloads' at http://www.ProjectApism.org/ for a pollination contract template. Pollination Contracts Secure contracts early for the following season so beekeepers will make the investment in colony health and strength. True or False: Beekeeper’s inherently know what it takes to supply plenty of strong colonies to do the job, no follow-up necessary. Pollination Contracts False! When colonies arrive in the orchard, check colony strength; 8 to 10 frames is optimum. An objective third party inspection of colonies will confirm if contractual obligations have been met. Pollination Contracts Allow your beekeeper time and opportunity to provide additional colonies if needed. Finally, the ultimate follow-up, involves a little leg work. ‘Forge ahead’ and see. Pollination Contracts Walk your orchard during honey bee flight hours to make sure you see plenty of bee activity. Thanks for your attention! www.ProjectApism.org Any questions? Want more information? Email [email protected] Visit www.ProjectApism.org