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The South African Bee Journal
March 2018 Volume 90 No.1
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Byetydskrif
Maart 2018 Jaargang 90 Nr.1
issn 0038-2019
capensis
encroachment
in Scutellata
Supplementary feeding Is beekeeping South-western Cape
– the new norm becoming unviable? drought bites hard
The South African
Bee Journal
Contents March 2018
Die Suid-Afrikaanse
Byetydskrif
3 From the Editor’s desk
Published by The South 6 SABIO contacts
African Bee Industry 7 Chairman’s message
Organisation (SABIO).
10 Supplementary feeding – the new norm
Editor: Donald Marshall in beekeeping
Layout and Design:
Monika Fresen
19 Beekeeping in South Africa is becoming
unviable
Printed by: Lawprint
22 Quality inspectors poised to put honey
products under the spotlight
Advertising
26 Richard Booth: ’n Byeboer wat kan uithou
For advertising
28 Lively debates expected at Beecon 2018
bookings and rates
email: 30 Honey production in the South-western
editor@sabio.org.za. Cape plummets as drought bites hard
36 Parasitic laying worker identification
38 World Bee Day
39 Vandalism and theft not part of a Turkish
beekeeper’s vocabulary
42 Apimondia leaves Jaco Wolfaardt covered
in Turkish delight
44 Beekeepers and Macadamia growers meet
to discuss mutual needs
47 Afsterwe: Hennie du Toit
49 Contact details
On the cover:
Clear indication of
Capensis egg laying
inside a Scutellata
queen cell – found in
Letters
the Northern Cape to the editor
Photo: Lydia Born. The SABJ welcomes readers’ letters and these should
be addressed to the editor (editor@sabio.org.za)
Disclaimer: While every effort has
been made to ensure the accuracy of All letters are subject to editing. It helps to keep
this journal, SABIO cannot be held
responsible for any errors which may
letters short (about 150 words) and to the point.
arise and cannot be held liable for any Anonymous letters or letters written under
damages whatsoever arising out of pseudonyms will not be considered.
the use of or reliance on the contents
of this journal. SABIO is also not For verification purposes they should include the
responsible for the statements and
opinions advanced in the Journal, which
writer’s name and telephone number.
may not reflect its own viewpoint.
1
From the editor’s desk
We need to up our game to
meet future demands
What is wrong with SABIO? This question in its various forms
constantly crops up among beekeepers – and, frankly, it is one
that sticks in my crop. The question we should be asking is:
What is wrong with beekeeping in South Africa, and where do
beekeepers fit in the agricultural puzzle?
If you want a look of bemusement to cross a beekeeper’s face,
ask any of the following questions:
• How many beekeepers are there in • Is there a master plan to ensure the
South Africa? survival of beekeeping in this country?
• How many managed beehives are • Will commercial beekeepers be able
there in South Africa? to meet the growing demand for
• How much honey is produced in this pollinations services and, if not, what
country annually and what is it should we be doing about it?
worth?
• How much honey is imported from The problem is that we just do not know
other African countries, China and enough about ourselves, or our industry,
elsewhere? and carping about the national body is
• What is the cost of bee diseases to not going to provide answers.
the industry? SABIO is run by volunteers who
• How serious is the Capensis problem operate on a shoestring budget and its
in the Scutellata areas? Board members should be recognised
• How many community beekeeping for what they have achieved in the past.
projects, launched with much fanfare, But the past is the past and, looking to
still exist, and are successful? the future, it becomes obvious that the
3
organisation is in danger of becoming • Theft and vandalism
irrelevant unless fundamental changes • Adulteration of honey products
are introduced. • Developing links with beekeeping
An urgent issue that should be put on organisations across Africa
the table is whether the organisation’s • Publicity
administrative center should be staffed • The importation of honey products PO Box 4518 6 Clay Street
by full-time employees, headed by a • Website updates, communiques and George East George – Industrial
suitably qualified professional person publishing of the Bee Journal 6593 6529
Tel: 044 873 5262 Fax: 044 873 0189
who would take over the duties currently • Accounts administration.
Email: enduroworkwear@gmail.com Cell: 076 306 5633
filled by the Chairman and the Board.
Vat No: 4420245120 – CC 2008/051458/23
Just some of the national and regional Change is going to cost money – and
issues he or she should deal with include: quite a lot of it, and new sources of
• Liaising with government and revenue will need to be tapped. It will INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS
provincial departments, commercial be painful and difficult to achieve, but
OF THE FOLLOWING:
beekeepers, bottlers and importers in the end the bees and in particular the
• Membership and marketing beekeepers of this country will benefit
• Transformation most. FULL BODY BEESUIT
• Research funding
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Tel: Matt Walker 082 713 4192 page 28
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details number for more information.
4 6
30 3
SABIO chairman’s message
Contacts
SABIO is the official mouthpiece of
the bee industry of South Africa. Its
mission is to “represent and promote
Tide turning in
the interests of all persons involved SABIO’s favour
in the beekeeping industry in South
Like the winds of change which are
Africa in order to establish, support
sweeping through our political arena,
and develop an economically viable
it is time for similar winds to shake the
and sustainable apiculture sector
SABIO website: beekeeping industry to its foundations
and ensure the environmental and leave in its wake a more
www.sabio.org.za
security of the honeybee”. representative body that encompasses
all players.
A
SABIO Mike Miles 082 456 4177
n industry cannot be represented does not run an advisory service and
Board Jaco Wolfaardt 083 301 5165 by a handful of individuals who are that members never hear from the
as from not guided by the key players – the large organisation as to what is going on in
July Craig Campbell 084 774 8692 commercial beekeepers, the bottling the industry.
2017 Phil Walker 084 510 1556 sector, the honey importers and the I respond by pointing out that SABIO
associations which represent is not like a local association, which is
Danie Vorster 072 363 9478 beekeepers, predominantly hobbyists, the body that ought to provide such
in the regions. Everybody needs to play services. SABIO has a far wider respon-
a part and contribute constructively to sibility to the beekeeping community,
create a better understanding of all the and if we do not have the support of
SABIO contact details: issues which confront us. a large percentage of the beekeeping
SABIO has recently changed its fraternity in this country we cannot
General Enquiries, Membership & Insurance: administrative system and has sent meaningfully engage with legislative
info@sabio.org.za out notices requesting past members and governmental agencies on key issues
to rejoin and pay their annual subs. which directly and indirectly affect our
Accounts & Administration: Inevitably we receive responses which industry.
admin@sabio.org.za ask: “What does SABIO do for us?” We Yes, it is true that regular commu-
are told that SABIO does not provide nication is a challenge which needs
training, does not organise field trips, to be addressed, and with technology
6 7
“
we seriously need welcome and appreciate the role which
this organisation plays in reinforcing
to bring other role- the interests and rights of beekeepers.
players on board; the At the same time, we seriously need to
bottlers, the retailers, bring other role-players on board; the Highveld Honey Farms
bottlers, the retailers, the importers,
the importers, and and equipment producers, to create a
* E s t a b l i s h e d
Beeswax Comb
1 9 6 3 *
equipment producers, truly representative body capable of
Your “one stop” beekeepers
to create a truly functioning at the very highest level.
We, therefore, appeal to those who
Foundation supply store:
For all bee-hives, safety equipment,
representative body have distanced themselves from Sabio We will roll wax to your requirements honey and processing equipment.
for self-serving reasons to take a We also sell wax sheets
longer-term look at themselves and the Phone of fax We buy any quantity of
expanding as it is we need to improve
our feedback system to reach all who industry as a whole by becoming more honey and beeswax
are involved in the industry; but not involved in the national body. Even-RUN APIARY Call (011) 849 1990 for your free
to the extent that recipients drown in Only then will we be taken seriously PRODUCTS price list or visit us at
an endless stream of non-essential and everyone involved in beekeeping Plot 185, Uys Street, Rynfield
8 Francis Street, Pietermaritzburg 3201 Agricultural Holdings, Benoni.
information. will be proud to belong to this national
Phone: 033 345 1016 Fax: (033) 394 7542
I do believe, however, that the tide is organisation.
turning in SABIO’s favour and that the
majority of beekeepers in this country Mike Miles
Beekeepers take note...
NOTICE to register
All beekeepers are required to register with the Department of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). This is a requirement in terms of the regulation:
Control Measure R858 published on 15 November 2013 under the Agricultural
Pest Act, 1983 (Act no. 36 or 1983).
This registration applies to everyone in the beekeeping business ie.
bee removals, honey producers, pollination as well as hobbyists.
Woodwork Specialists
Registration takes place between 1 January and 31 March every year. There
Manufacturers and Stockists of Beehives, Apiary Equipment are no registration fees involved.
and other Pine Products Registration forms can be downloaded off the DAFF website with the
following link: www.daff.gov.za Production Health Food & Safety, Inspection
Service, Forms, Beekeepers Registration Form. Completed forms can be emailed
P.O. Box 11911, Dorpspruit, 3206 32 Clough Street, Pietermaritzburg
to RofhiwaN@daff.gov.za or MavisMat@daff.gov.za or faxed to 012 309 8774.
Telephone / Fax (033) 342 4990 Failure to comply will result in the deregistration of the beekeeper.
Email: beekeeping@satweb.co.za Website: www.beekeepingsa.co.za For further enquiries call Mavis 012 309 8763 or Gloria 012 309 8791.
8 9
Supplementary feeding T he yield of honey per hive in
South Africa is generally low
While I am convinced that the feeding
of bees has become essential, I also believe
– the new norm in beekeeping
when compared with other Southern that there is a place in the Western Cape
Hemisphere countries due largely to a for a full-time queen breeder to boost
shortage of bee-friendly flora in large the quality of bee swarms. The last
parts of the country which are either people actively involved in breeding
When Nico Langenhoven began a semi-arid or Karoo. Only 10% of South queens in the Western Cape were the
widespread search for suitable swarms Africa is suitable for agronomy or other late Walter Hartmann and his wife, Ilse,
commercial plantation development. who terminated their programme in the
for a queen-rearing project he The occurrence of natural nectar- late 1990’s.
uncovered a more pressing problem producing plants, like Fynbos in the
“
– the swarms he was encountering Western Cape, is limited. Other factors It is interesting to
which have a negative impact on honey
were, simply put, undernourished and, production include low rainfall, frequent
note that bees, like farm
therefore, unsuitable. It became apparent droughts and veld fires. They also have a animals, can be fat or
to him that these were not isolated cases so, abandoning negative impact on the size of swarms skinny. It is not apparent
used for commercial pollination.
the queen-rearing project, Nico focused his attention on South Africa does not appear to be to the naked eye (much
the growing need to provide supplementary feed to bees in alone in this regard, as the feeding of like guinea fowl), but
honey bees has become common practice can be determined by
the Western Cape. The following is Nico’s account of the trials worldwide among beekeepers, although
he conducted over a 10-month period... the intensity varies depending on the weighing them in groups
country, region and season. of 50 or more.
In South Africa the feeding of
honeybees is as yet somewhat limited With this in mind, I set out in 2016 to
since most beekeepers view this as look into the possibility of rearing queens
unnecessary. Whatever supplementary and my 10-month project was launched
feeding does occur is generally confined during autumn the following year. Three
to the feeding of sugar syrup, which can study sites were chosen, based on the
vary from normal sugar-water mixes to availability of natural food: the back
commercial syrups, or from cane to yard of my home in southern Paarl;
corn syrup. The debate about which is Kleinjoostenburg, near Stellenbosch;
best will probably continue for some and Morreesburg. I then had to select
time to come. When comparisons are swarms large enough for the study and
made, the concentration of the sugar(s) 12 were singled out at the conclusion of
needs to be taken into account. the honey harvest. It later emerged that
The fact that the feeding of sugar none of the swarms met the criteria in
syrup can be beneficial to the overall terms of size or strength, because for
health of a colony is not in doubt. The queen rearing each hive should contain
addition of other stimulants, however, at least eight frames of brood and be
also needs to be thoroughly researched. populated by at least 30 000 bees.
10 11
Looking inside the hives, I discovered the pupa stage, but also afterwards As an aside, day-old chicks are also
that the probable reason for the weak when the young bees emerge and until fed a high protein diet after which the
state of the colonies was that very little they become fully fledged workers. The protein is scaled back, coupled with an
or no pollen had been stockpiled for the quality (measured by amino-acid increase in carbohydrates. The literature
coming winter months, probably because content) is also of utmost importance. also refers to instances where adult bees
there just wasn’t any available from Most South African pollen is quite low cannibalise young larvae in times of
natural resources – a worrying situation. in protein, and therefore contains fewer pollen scarcity.
In an effort to build up their food amino acids. Examples include sunflower The feeding of carbohydrates (sugar
reserves, and thereby the swarm pollen (14% protein) and eucalyptus syrup) is only of immediate to moderate
numbers, so that the queen breeding pollen (less than 20% protein). In term importance in the effective
project could proceed, it was decided to contrast Aloe Davyana is an excellent management of honeybee swarms. The
feed the swarms pollen substitutes and protein source (28% protein) and this is Figure 1: Gunshot brood pattern before feeding of protein in the form of pollen
sugar syrup. This alleviated the situation the reason bees flourish on this source. feeding pollen substitute. or pollen substitutes, however, is
to some extent, although not nearly Canola and Ramanas falls in the same important in the medium to long term
enough, and in the end the queen category. functionality of a honeybee swarm.
breeding project failed. One could not Echium is another excellent source, It is interesting to note that bees, like
ascribe it to the limited size of the with 40% protein. The downside is that farm animals, can be fat or skinny. It is
swarms only as there could have been this is not as common as the other named not apparent to the naked eye (much like
many other reasons. sources. Honeybees need a source of guinea fowl), but can be determined by
What it did reveal, however, was that protein above 25%. weighing them in groups of 50 or more.
supplementary bee feeding had become Insects like flies, moths etc. lay their The larger the sample size, the smaller
a requirement – and not just a nice to eggs on any suitable surface, with the the margin for error.
have – when keeping bees in the resultant larvae being left to fend for
Western Cape. themselves once they hatch. Honeybee Over a period of four weeks, over 30
larvae in contrast need to be fed from samples were weighed with the following
Drought the start. This feed also needs to be of observations:
Readers need to keep in mind that this high quality. A comparison would be the Figure 2: Brood frame on right, four 1. It is fairly certain that a single adult
weeks later. Brood frame on left,
supplementary feeding initiative would colostrum produced by a cow after giving bee normally weighs about 100mg.
indicates better brood pattern after
not have been necessary up to 10 years birth having approximately double the feeding pollen substitute. All frames 2. Baby bees weigh 75mg or less.
ago. However, after a three-year drought protein content of normal milk. In the from same hive. 3. There is a direct correlation between
and little expectation that the situation words of Randy Oliver: “They must the weight of the babies and the weight
would improve in the foreseeable future, swim in a milky like substance”. Young The next critical stage is when the of the adults of a single swarm. In all
this had now changed and it had become larvae fed a low protein diet die quickly young bees hatch from the pupa. They instances the babies weighed in at
necessary to supplement their natural before they even reach the pupa stage. are referred to as “baby bees” and their around 25% or less than the adult
food intake most months of the year. This will explain the buckshot pattern first need is the intake of protein. This bees’ weight.
Such a feeding programme needs to that sometimes manifest with young is also potentially the reason why, in 4. Bees from a good area (Klein
include both protein and carbohydrates. larvae (Figure 1 & 2). Underfed larvae smaller swarms particularly, the pollen Joostenberg) weigh on average
The efficiency of the aforementioned has may survive on moderate protein diets is stored right above the young bees in 113mg. These samples were taken
already been proven, so this article will but similar to other animals, their life the hive. “Baby bees” who consume high from strong swarms (20 000 bees or
focus on the feeding of protein. quality and production potential will be quality protein live longer and are more with four or more frames of
Protein (pollen) is necessary not only severely impacted when they reach functionally better equipped for their larvae and plentiful pollen, including
for the growth of new-born larvae up to adulthood. future roles. Echium, in reserve).
12 13
Photo: www.invasives.org.za
5. Bees from less than ideal areas frames, and therefore contained quite
(Moorreesburg) weighed on average a bit of honey.
95.5mg. These swarms averaged 5. When pollen substitute is mixed with
10 000 to 12 000 bees with no larvae 10% – 20% honey it is also consumed
or pollen reserves. rather quickly.
6. Bees from Klein Joostenbeerg (see 6. Larvae and bees from trapped swarms
Point 4) were moved to Moorreesburg fed with pollen substitutes increased
and weighed again after four weeks. quickly in number.
Their weight averaged only 104mg.
There were no natural sources of Canola Echium vulgare It is no longer a question whether pollen
pollen, and they therefore lost weight. substitutes are necessary – it has been
7. The bees at Moorreesburg were twice Over a four-month period, from established that they are. Latest news
fed with a pollen substitute over a September 2017, several swarms were from Australia about feeding pollen is
“
period of seven days, and weighed observed through glass. Different kinds that it is “getting very popular”, according When bees are being
98mg after four weeks. of pollen and combinations thereof were to Doug Somerville.
fed, cost also becomes a
8. A moving swarm’s bees weighed investigated. These observations were Honeybees need to maintain a healthy
104mg on date of occupation and done in a normal residential home in bodyweight in order to function optimally. factor. Moving any hives
nine days later 89mg. After a further southern Paarl, which made it possible This includes wintering. Similarities exist the beekeeper wants to
seven days they weighed in at 81mg. to do observations any time during the with breeding cattle as well as plants like
apple trees, vineyards and blueberry
feed, especially smaller,
No feed was introduced. It is there- day or night. There were adequate
fore accepted, as Randy Oliver amounts of natural pollen available. bushes, which are treated with fertilizer struggling hives,
mentioned, that the bees use their after the harvest. This ensures adequate closer to base might be
own bodily reserves to feed the larvae. The following was observed: resources for the next production cycle.
After another 30 days the bees weighed 1. Bees did not take to the commercial There are still problems that need to beneficial as this saves
110mg and their babies 80.2mg. pollen substitute provided. (Note that be addressed. There is obviously no need both time and money.
there are quite a few wild swarms in the to feed if a sufficient quantity of natural
From the above observations, the area which proceeded to steal honey pollen is available. It has to be noted breeding frames is possibly best, but
following conclusions were drawn: or sugar syrup when left outside.) however that bees need higher quantities it has the side effect of drying out and
1. Baby bees need feed in order to 2. Bees don’t eat the commercial pollen of lower quality pollen in order to obtain then becoming less appealing to the
mature and build the necessary substitute in the hive. the adequate levels of amino acids bees. If it could be fed outside the hive
bodily reserves for later use. As with 3. When commercial pollen substitute necessary. (See Fatty Bees Skinny Bees – in a communal feeding trough, this
new born calves the feed has to be was mixed with 25% Chinese canola Doug Somerville). It might be necessary would simplify matters considerably.
protein-rich and high quality, as this pollen, 50g was consumed within 96 to supplement feed with additional high Quantity and frequency is also still
will help ensure the maximum hours. The most recent observations quality (30%-plus) pollen. Surplus pollen uncertain. At the moment it would seem
productive adult life. point to natural pollen, when mixed is probably converted to energy, as with 1g – 2g per 1 000 bees per day can be
2. Bees kept in areas with high pollen with substitutes, becomes more farm animals, therefore feeding too much used as a guideline.
concentrations have more bodily attractive to honeybees. can be expensive and unnecessary. Stored The biggest problem with pollen
reserves than bees kept in lower 4. When commercial pollen substitute pollen also comes with a “best before” substitutes is to get it ground finely
pollen areas. is mixed with hand harvested pollen, date: stored pollen older than six months enough. There are also differences
3. Bees use their bodily reserves to feed 50g is consumed within eight hours. has very little value. between harvested pollen and stored
larvae (See Randy Oliver: Scientific It is necessary to note that the Feeding pollen substitutes still needs pollen that needs to be taken into account:
Beekeeping – Part 2). harvested pollen came from honey to be refined. To feed this flat above the natural pollen contains unidentified
14 15
yeast, while when pollen is stored, the Sources:
B
1. Fat Bees, Skinny Bees – Doug Somerville.
yeast turns the pollen to bee bread.
SA
2. Scientific Beekeeping – Part 2 – Randy Oliver.
In an initial study it was found that
eequipment
3. Bee Food – SW Nicolson, June, 2008.
4. Nutritional content of Aloe Pollen – Human
bees fed with both honey enriched and Nicolsen.
pollen substitutes and sugar syrup fared 5. Personal experience & communications –
better than bees fed with one or the Theunis Engelbrecht.
other in isolation. All three groups
however fared better than the control
group, which did not receive any feed.
Unfortunately the number of hives in Booster Bee Protein Plus tm
the study was too few to obtain signifi- A Pollen Substitute for feeding bees in times of protein scarcity, winter feed
cant findings. and depleted rainfall periods. Also a boost feed for bees prior to start of
When bees are being fed, cost also natural honey flow & pollination contracts. Not intended as a permanent
becomes a factor. Moving any hives the
feed for bees as they will prefer natural organic pollen from flora when
beekeeper wants to feed, especially
smaller, struggling hives, closer to base available. Feed as dry powder form in large container placed close to apiary
Nico is a qualified agricultural site. Fortified with natural pollen.
might be beneficial as this saves both research technician who
time and money. Also, not all hives in specialised in poultry
the same apiary will react in the same husbandry. When retrenched
way to a given feeding programme. in 1994, he decided to turn a
30-year beekeeping hobby into
Behavioural patterns a full-time career. At the time
During the study it was also observed of selling the business in 2008
that bees from different hives in the at the age of 68, he had 1 000
same apiary tend to work in separate hives and was producing some
areas. This could mean hives in the same 15 tonnes of honey and doing
apiary might fare differently depending 1 500 pollinations a year.
on the quality of the pollen they collect. During this time he served
Swarms in the same apiary also have on the Western Cape Bee
different behavioural patterns. Some Association’s committee, as well
swarms will hungrily consume pollen,
while others might have a lesser affinity
as the then Federation of Bee
Keepers Association. He was the Booster Bee Nectar Feed tm
last chairman of the federation
to do so. The latter is however in the A Nectar Substitute for feeding bees in times of nectar scarcity and as a
minority. before it became SABIO.
He still actively promotes
winter feed. Ideal for establishing trek swarms and struggling colonies. Also
The supplementary feeding of honey a boost feed for bees prior to start of natural nectar flow periods. Dilute with
beekeeping, particularly in
bees has already become important, and
raising pollination standards boiling water and feed cold in liquid form. Contains additional nutrients
will only become more so in the future.
Knowledge on the topic, however, is
and supporting the present Bee other than plain sucrose.
Forage project in the Western
limited to the practical experience of
beekeepers.
Cape. Nico was voted Beekeeper www.beequip.co.za
of the Year in 2016.
Here might be an opportunity for Email for enquiries and to place orders: doreen@beequip.co.za
research by post-graduate students. Tel: 011 476 5626 (mornings only: 08h00-12h00)
Deliveries throughout South Africa by courier at purchasers’ cost can easily be arranged.
16 24Beekeeping in
South Africa is
becoming unviable
According to Elize Lundall-Magnunon, from the Agricultural
Research Council, Roodeplaat
Honeybees pollinate a third of
everything we eat and play a vital
H oneybees are hard-working insects
and their activities ensure that
most of the fruits, nuts and vegetables
role in sustaining the planet’s that we eat are pollinated. Some of the
ecosystem. An ancient synergy plants that are almost totally dependent
exists between honeybees and on honey bees are deciduous fruit like
apples, pears and plums; vegetables
flowering plants with honeybees
like pumpkins, zucchini, watermelon;
needing access to flowers for the berries like strawberries, blueberries and
food they consume, while the blackberries; seed oils like sunflowers
flowering plants need to attract and canola and nuts like almonds and
macadamia.
pollinators to enable essential Wild honeybees are still widely
reproduction. Honeybees provide available in South Africa. Wild bees can
that role while they consume be found in suburban gardens and parks
pollen (as a protein source) and in cities (where they most likely pose
problems) and are found throughout the
nectar (as an energy source). natural environment where there are
Honeybees need a biodiversity enough forage plants to sustain them.
of flowers to survive. However, the habitat that wild honey-
19bees depend on to nest and forage is if there is now a bounty on every honey-
rapidly disappearing due to modern bee swarm. Will honeybees have any
farming practices and urbanisation. sanctuary in refuge areas where these
Mike Allsopp, one of the ARC’s experts ‘harvesting’ activities do not happen?
on honeybees, stated that ‘as housing A world-renowned environmental
developments expand and land is grazed economist, Pavan Sukhdev, made the
to death through bad farming practices, following statement: “Not a single bee
the available habitat for bees is declining. has ever sent you an invoice. And that
In addition, modern travel means a is part of the problem – because most
smoother passage into the country for of what comes to us from nature is free,
new diseases.’ because it is not invoiced, because it is
not priced, because it is not traded in
“
markets, we tend to ignore it.”
how long South
Although beekeeping is a popular
Africa will still have small-scale agricultural activity, it is
wild populations in the becoming increasingly difficult for
commercial beekeepers to profitably
natural environment if keep bees in South Africa. The input
there is now a bounty on costs (fuel, packaging material, labels,
every honeybee swarm. equipment, hives and disease control)
of commercial beekeeping, as well as
Will honeybees have hobbyist beekeeping, have increased Aloe Davyana, found between Hammanskraal and Pienaarsriver, is a favourite plant
any sanctuary in refuge dramatically, while the income generated among beekeepers for building up a bee colony. Bees collect pollen and nectar from
from honey sales (the main income these plants.
areas where these
generator for most) have not increased
‘harvesting’ activities proportionally. Apart from price difference for honey References:
do not happen? More pressure is placed on beekeepers and the depletion of natural forage • https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/
jun/17/why-are-bees-important
by retail chain stores who want to push resources, beekeepers also face other • http://blog.agrivi.com/post/pollinators-sustain-crop-
production
Due to expanding cultivation of the price of honey down. In a survey constraints. They have problems securing
• http://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/pollination/
horticultural crops, the increased need of supermarkets and health stores in access to land as forage sites for their • http://www.abfnet.org/page/PollinatorFacts
for commercial pollination services Pretoria, we established that the price hives and there are massive losses of • http://www.apishive.com/honey-bees-for-sale-2/
compelled commercial beekeepers to of a 500g bottle of honey (mostly plastic hives through veld fires, theft of hives estimated-cost-of-buying-bees
• http://www.foodreview.co.za January 2011
devise a plan to increase their stock of containers) range between R55 – R127 and brood and the wanton vandalism of • Johansmeier, MF. 2016. Beeplants of South Africa.
honeybees – they subcontract smaller per bottle. hives in apiary sites. Beekeeping in Sources of nectar, pollen, honeydew and propolis
for honeybees. Strelitzia 37. South African National
beekeepers to catch wild swarms for By studying the labels, that are South Africa is therefore increasingly Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
them. Although the current price placed compelled by law to state origin of the becoming an unviable venture. • Kremen C, Williams NM, Thorp RW (2002) Crop
pollination from native bees at risk from agricultural
on these swarms in South Africa is far honey, we established that imported intensification. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 99:16812-16816
from the $92-115 (USA) and £100 (UK) honey was between 20% and 50% EJ Lundall-Magnuson is from the Agricultural • Merlin A, Rouget M, Midgley J, Donaldson JS.
Research Council, Plant Health and Protection, Pollination ecosystem services in South African
paid for captured bee swarms in other cheaper than local South African honey. Roodeplaat. Email: Lundallme@arc.agric.za Agricultural systems. S Afr J Sci. 2014;110 (11/12),
parts of the world, the question remains Due to its cost, pure South African This article first appeared in The Diamond Route
ART.#2014-0078, 9pages.
• Potts SG, Biemeijer JC, Kremen C, Neumann P,
how long South Africa will still have wild honey is mostly found in the specialised Newsletter produced by De Beers and is reprinted Schweiger I, Kunin WE (2010) global pollinator declines:
populations in the natural environment chain stores and in health shops. with permission. trends, impacts and drivers. Trends Ecol Evol 25:345-353
20 21In December 2016, the The objective is to ensure compliance sustaining expenditure for each
with the regulations of the Agricultural industry affected. In other words the
Department of Agriculture, government doesn’t pay for it – the
Products Standards Act.
Forestry and Fisheries appointed During the course of 2017, the industry must pay for its own
Impumelelo Agribusiness appointed Assignees attempted a series compliance. However what are the
Solutions, based in Nelspruit, of consultations and presentations to the costs? Firstly, there will be a fee for
affected industries and the chairman of every inspection. The proposed fee
Mpumalanga, as the designated SABIO attended a number of these to (in 2017) is R1 450 (+ VAT). However
Assignees in terms of the gain an insight into how it would directly, the debate here has been whether this
Agricultural Products Standards and indirectly, affect the honey producing is a once-off inspection fee, or as has
industry. The process to enforce them been suggested, an inspection fee per
Act for the inspection of certain
includes both locally produced and sample. We cannot accept the latter.
regulated processed products. imported honey. If there has to be an inspection fee it
Discussions between SABIO and the has to be per visit. Secondly there is
T he products covered included fruit
juices and drinks, frozen fruit and
vegetables, jam, jelly and marmalade,
Assignees on a standard operating
procedure for the honey producing
industry have progressed reasonably well,
the cost of the samples to be taken.
This will depend on how many tests
need to be done on the product but
rooibos, honey, table olives, fat spreads, although agreement has yet to be reached the average testing sample at most
Quality mayonnaise and salad dressings, vinegar
and canned processed products,
on the following outstanding issues: requires only 150 grams of honey.
The biggest issue is the actual cost of
inspectors
including pasta, mushrooms, fruit and 1. An exemption for smaller producers the test required. There is no SANAS
vegetables. be applied, and proposing that those accredited laboratory in South Africa
The purpose of this inspectorate whose annual honey production is which is capable of carrying out all
poised to service is, as in the words of DAFF to: less than a certain amount should
be exempt from the inspection
put honey Prevent unintended consumer health
risks that may arise due to the presence
requirements.
products of foreign matter and other contaminants
in the processed products;
2. The definition of a “batch” for
sampling purposes.
under the Prevent intentional deception using
processed products / food for economic 3. What constitutes a “sample” in terms
gain through adulteration and this may of the quantity of product to be tested.
spotlight include but not limited to the following:
a. Mislabelling 4. What tests need to be carried out on
“
b. Dilution
honey samples. The Regulations list There is no SANAS
17 required standards but we need to
Report compiled c. Substitution
ascertain whether these requirements, accredited laboratory
by Mike Miles d. Unapproved enhancements dating back to legislation passed in in South Africa which is
e. Concealment 2000, are still relevant and necessary. capable of carrying out
f. Counterfeiting
5. The costing factor. It is the intention all the designated tests
g. Grey Market Production
of government for this to be a self- for honey.
22 23So des u
BOOSTER BEE TM
u i fac
the designated tests for honey. After the “non-standard” honeys could
m
th g t
an
consulting with a German laboratory receive inspections. It is however
Af ed ur
liquid feeder
SABIO has ascertained that if all tests more likely to be at the point of
r & ed
n
ic
required in terms of the legislation production/packaging (ie. bottling)
an
were to be carried out by them the and of course with the importers.
total current cost (based on end
February foreign exchange rate) We hope that this situation update For internal feeding through beehive entrance
would be R4 926 per sample. We have will give readers a perspective of the
pointed out to the consultants that it sensitive issues SABIO is dealing with. Key features:
is unacceptable to expect the industry We are informed that the process will go 1. Sturdy base takes all size transparent plastic 1
players to have to pay such large sums ahead and that Assignees will commence bottles (ideally 1 litre) to monitor level of intake.
for testing and if they were to expect their work shortly. It is SABIO’s intention 2. Sealed unit – no leakage.
three inspections per year this would to ensure that the bona-fide players in 3. Extended neck to ensure internal feeding
financially ruin the industry. the industry are protected in terms of 2
4. Slender troughs prevent access by bees &
fair play and to warn the implementers drowning. 3
6. Another big issue is where will be the that over taxing genuine players with 5. Long body extends into beehive – everyone
point of inspection? It is unlikely to unnecessary expenditure and regulation gets a drink.
be at point of sale in the smaller retail will seriously undermine our local 6. Pointed snout to push through
outlets; but the larger retailers selling honey producing industry. propolised entrance.
Once inserted squeeze bottle slightly
to create bubble & prevent air lock. 4
Best fed late evening when bees
not foraging.
WOODLANDS
BYE TOERUSTING
Hoogste Kwaliteit Korwe
Goedkoopste pryse in Afrika!
Groothandel pryse direk aan die publiek. To be used for feeding
Bye toerusting beskikbaar. 5 Booster Bee Nectar Feed
TM
in liquid form
6
Skakel gerus
www.beequip.co.za
Sel: 082 878 0481 Posbus 12881
B SA
Email: info@beequip.co.za
Epos: mustang646464@gmail.com Onderstepoort, 0110 eequipment Telephone retail outlet:
(0) 27 11 476 5626
(mornings only)
24“
deure en vensters deur diewe verwyder. Onlangs het ons
Die eienaar het egter gesê: “ As julle dit
kan regmaak, kan julle maar huurvry aangesit vir ’n ete
daarin woon.” Natuurlik het Richard met van plaashoender,
dankbaarheid hierdie gulde geleentheid groenigheid en
aangegryp.
Die Booths se geluk was egter van aartappels. Ook die drink
korte duur. Misdadige elemente sou die van heuning gemeng met
lewe vir hulle eindeloos versuur. Talle
suurlemoen – alles op
inbrake het gevolg. Richard sê dat hulle
opgehou het met tel het toe die getal op die plaas voortgebring
40 te staan gekom het. Hy is op ’n keer
in die been geskiet en Nola is ’n paar neem waar die tyd op ’n Christelike
keer met ’n mes teen die keel gedreig. gemeenskapsplaas deurgebring is. Die
Eindelaas het hulle die huis se sekuriteit vlugkoste alleen het R50 000 beloop.
Richard Booth ’n Byeboer wat optimaal opgeskerp. Ten spyte hiervan Die afgelope aantal jare het hierdie
het ’n indringer steeds daarin geslaag voorspoedige tye tot ’n einde gekom.
kan uithou om die huis binne te kom. Op ’n keer Pestillensies van allerlei aard het
het Nola selfs ’n messwaaiende aanvaller produksie tot ’n laagtepunt gevoer. As
laat vlug deur haar hardop op die Here gevolg van die nadelige uitwerking van
Deur Ferdie Du Preez en is alombekend. Van Drunen was weer te beroep. globale verwarming, teveel byeboere, die
’n jarelange steunpilaar van die destydse Capensis probleem en ongeidentifiseerde
Beginjare Westelike Provinsie Byevereniging. Hy Voorspoed – gevolg deur vasbytjare virusse, het produksie huidiglik tot slegs
Richard se verhaal begin in 1980 toe hy was ook ’n bekende heuningbeoordelaar Richard en Nola het besluit om ten spyte ses ton gedaal. Gedurende 2014 moes
en sy vrou, Nola, deel was van ’n Christe- Richard het na Natal getrek waar hy van al hierdie geweldadigheid vas te byt daar groot getalle korwe vernietig word
like gemeenskappie in Stormsvlei, naby en Nola gedurende 1980 in die huwelik en op die plaas te bly woon. Met die om siekteverspreiding te voorkom.
Swellendam. Van bye het hy weinig getree het. Hy het begin werk by Pat byebenutting het dit voorspoedig Weens die goeie prys wat heuning
geweet, maar nietemin was hy versot Nolan wie in daardie stadium sowat gegaan. Tydens hul eerste seisoen in tans behaal, kan die Booths steeds
op heuning. Een van die gemeenskaps- 1 000 korwe besit het. Pat was ’n bedrewe 1988 het hulle 11 ton heuning van 180 daarin slaag om kop bo water te hou.
bewoners het weggetrek en Richard het byeboer en Richard het kosbare onder- korwe ge-oes. Tog was hul bankbalans Richard sê: “Onlangs het ons aangesit
onmiddellik die kans aangegryp om vinding onder sy leiding opgedoen. ’n nederige nul. Met slegs ’n paar munt- vir ’n ete van plaashoender, groenigheid
vyftien korwe van hom te koop. Min het stukke in die sak en ’n tenk vol diesel, en aartappels. Ook die drink van heuning
hy geweet dat dit die begin sou wees van ’n Geluk – maar ook ernstige het hulle met hul volgelaaide ou Toyota gemeng met suurlemoen – alles op die
’n lewenslange betrokkenheid en liefde vir teenspoed bakkie afgesit na Durban. Die verkope plaas voortgebring.”
hierdie wonderwerkers van die natuur. In 1988 het die egpaar na Harding (die was goed en hulle kon weer ’n slag
Richard was in die gelukkige posisie “byehoofstad” van Natal) getrek waar asemhaal. Die toekoms
dat hy sy kennis van byebenutting Richard sy verbintenis met byebenutting 1996 was hul produktiefste seisoen en Richard is nie van plan om van sy
opgedoen het by twee van die voorste sou voortsit. Geluk was aan die Booths is daar 34 ton van 511 korwe afgehaal. byeboerdery af te sien nie. Hy glo dat
byekenners in die land, naamlik, wyle se kant en hulle het woonplek in ’n ou Die Booths het in daardie stadium vyf God sal voorsien. Op my vraag tot
Generaal Graham Moodie en Bart van plaashuis gekry, waar hulle nou, na inwonende kinders gehad. Die opbrengs wanneer hy dan wil aanhou om met bye
Drunen. Eersgenoemde het ’n lang pad 27-jaar, steeds huurvry woon. Die huis van die verkope is aangewend om die te boer, het hy onmiddellik geantwoord:
in die byebedryf van Suid-Afrika gestap was onbewoon en geplunder met al die hele gesin vir een jaar na die VSA te ‘Tot 100 jaar – net soos Generaal Moodie.’
26 27Lively debates
Capensis problem, with these losses internationally. Dr Harris Steinmann
made up by harvesting wild bee colonies from FACTS (Food and Allergy
on a grand scale. Consulting and Testing Services) will
expected at “Just how serious is the problem,
what exactly is the Capensis problem,
deliver a presentation on the sciences
behind possible testing and identifica-
Beecon 2018
and why have we made almost no tion of adulterated honey.
progress in solving it? And what is the The use of pesticides in our industry
legal situation regarding the Capensis is another contentious issue, and Dr
problem, and should this be changed?” Hannelie Human, a researcher at SIRG,
Beecon 2018 will try to answer all the who has a particular interest in the
above... and more. effects that neonicitoids have on bees,
National Bee Industry Congress will endeavor to shed more light on
Crop pollination this dark and gloomy subject.
6 – 8 July, Pietermaritzburg This is reason enough for any beekeeper Bayer, as always, are a great supporter
– large or small – to attend the conference. of our industry and research efforts,
ics
And it’s not just beekeepers who should and Dirk Uys will represent them in
top attend, because the conference is open addressing the conference on correct
Hot t to anyone interested in bees, according crop spraying methods that should be
hmen to Craig Campbell, chairman of the followed to protect the environment.
ac ro
enc organising committee.
“
is
ens e Allsopp mounts the With the envisaged explosion in it’s not just beekeepers
cap a g
for
podium to deliver his demand for the use of bees for crop
e who should attend, the
b e presentation on Capensis pollination, this will be another hot item
io n for, as he puts it: on the conference agenda. Another topic conference is open to
u trit
n “Black bees! in this field will cover the nutritional anyone interested in bees
bee io n
inat
Swart-bye! That is aspect of feeding bees under intensive
T his biennial event
is held under the cr o p po
l l
ra ud
how beekeepers tend
to describe the Capensis
beekeeping.
Professor Sue Nicolson (Social Insect
The programme includes field trips
to local apiaries to identify bee diseases,
ey f
auspices of SABIO and problem, or Cape Bee Research Group) has been approached focusing on the Capensis issue, as well
will this year be hosted ho n problem, our to speak on the nutritional aspects of as the supplementary feeding of bees.
e s
by the KwaZulu-Natal
is e as unique and home- beekeeping, while bee forage in general The conference will be held at the
Bee Farmers Association. d g grown bee disaster, will be covered by Timo van der Niet, Royal Agricultural Showgrounds, close
bee e edin
SABIO’s annual meeting
a r yf arguably more of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. to the city centre.
is also held during the t damaging to the Nico Langenhoven, a commercial Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
congress. le men industry over the past beekeeper with extensive experience extends from the inexpensive to the
p
Possibly the most sup af ety three decades than the in bee nutrition, will provide further luxurious and delegates needing
contentious subject r ops loss of bee forage, varroa or insights into his ongoing study of accommodation should do so online
c
this year will be the American Foulbrood, or even theft and supplementary feeding (see page 12 through Google. Access to the venue
presentations and vandalism. Year after year commercial for his latest findings). is relatively easy, although normal
discussions on the destructive Capensis beekeeping operations in the Scutellata Another arresting subject is food morning traffic can slow things down
problem in traditional Scutellata regions. regions of the country live with annual fraud, with the adulteration of honey and we suggest that delegates arrive at
Expect a lively discussion when Mike colony losses of up to 50%, due to the becoming a huge topic, both here and the venue well before registration starts.
28 29Honey production in the
In addition, we suffered an unusually
high incidence of badger damage at one
of our sites placed in the canola and this
South-western Cape plummets was probably due to the lack of other
badger food.
as drought bites hard AFB levels were again at 2,5% and
these colonies were destroyed, as usual.
Catching of swarms around the canola
B ees and beekeepers in
the Western Cape
have experienced This survey of the
areas of Durbanville and Malmesbury
was a complete flop with very few small
colonies moving in and surviving.
their third year of effect of the drought in the My beehives on the peninsula, which
drought. The low South-western Cape on honey rely on a lot of urban exotics, wild
rainfall resulted flowers, weeds and Eucalyptus Ficifolia,
in little to no
producers and apiarists who offer were very disappointing this summer
germination pollination services, was compiled and produced only about one-third of
of some annual by Brendan Ashley Cooper, their normal late spring production.
weeds (an important source of himself a victim of the searingly Our hives outside of Cape Town work
nectar and pollen), poor nectar on lucerne and eucalyptus. The lucerne
secretion and the severe die-off dry conditions which gripped the flow was good in early December and
of some of the other more region this past summer. then just stopped due to the low water Beehives damaged in Gordons Bay fire.
reliable bee forage plants. This This is his report... table and hot dry winds, but at least
shortage of bee food placed the bees there was some honey. These hives have Hier in die omgewing is die byeboere
and beekeepers under stress and tested been split and are now in fynbos to (die paar wat daar nog is) van mening
their resilience severely. build up again and stay healthy. dat dit in maande Maart tot Junie goed
During these dryer times beekeepers en volhoubaar moet reen om ’n nektar
reported catching fewer and smaller Frans van der Westhuizen retired oes te verseker, al reen dit ook minder
swarms, and feeding large amounts of Brendan Ashley Cooper, of Oude beekeeper from Citrusdal and in die res van die winter. Dit het alles te
sugar syrup (at a cost) became necessary Raapkraal Honey and Cape Clanwilliam areas doen met ontkieming, blomset, dagtem-
to build up colonies for pollination and Pollination Services, Lakeside, Vir plus-minus 20 jaar hou ek al peratuur ens. Met volop kos in die opbou
honey production. Cape Peninsula rekening reenval syfers en vanself- vase beskibaar, word sterk swerms
The dry vegetation was also highly Our bees came out of winter in the sprekend ook my heuning opbrengs. gevorm, en die res spreek vanself. Al
combustible and beekeepers had to fynbos looking strong. Winter was dry Dit gee vir my ’n duidelike korrelasie word die sitrus boorde ook besproei
contend with a new phenomenon called and mild allowing our bees more and tussen die twee statistieke. Natuurlik is as natuurlike reenval swak is, is heuning
“fire season”, due to the dryer conditions longer working hours to forage. daar ook ’n hele paar ander faktore wat opbrengs ook swak. Ons kan ook praat
and strong summer winds. This was The canola, which we use in the ’n rol speel, soos vandalisme, ratels, van min jong swerms, ratels wat nader
very stressful. Climatic conditions and Durbanville area, was two to three weeks varroa, hive beetles, swak bestuur, min beweeg uit ’n veld wat ook droog is. Die
vegetation vary significantly across the later than in past years, and this resulted jong trek swerms en ten laaste maar nie jaar 2017 was so ’n jaar met min of geen
region, so beekeepers representing all in a later build-up of colonies used for die minste, boere wat weier dat bye in of reen die eerste ses maande van jaar en in
areas were asked to comment on how pollination. We were also not able to naby die boorde staan. Die belangriktse totaal ongeveer 45% minder vir die jaar
the drought affected their operations achieve our spring splitting target, even van al hierdie faktore is in elk geval ’n en heuning produksie af met plus-minus
during the past summer: after feeding large amounts of syrup. ondergemidelde reenval. 30% tot 50%.
30 31fairly well, but by far the majority didn’t. Durbanville, Malmesbury and Paarl, Danie Vorster of the Overberg
Again, I put this down to lack of rain – with a few hives in the Klapmuts area. Honey Company and Cape
or more specifically, a lack of the right 2017 was a year of utmost disappoint- Pollination Services in Stanford
amount of rain falling at the right time ment as we saw bees weakening and Colony strength: Bees didn’t go into
to really get the Echium going. even dying as a result of honey shortages. winter well due to a below-average
The lack of rain and ongoing drought It has become clear that we cannot honey season. Building up swarms for
in the Western Cape continues to plague rely solely on nature to supply food. Due pollination time in canola wasn’t causing
us beekeepers. It seems that the water to the involvement of blueberry pollina- any difficulties as the warm days were
table is now so low that even the normally tion I needed to start feeding as soon as in abundance and the bees had enough
reliable eucalyptus are taking strain. So April 2017 to stimulate the bees, as they time to build up. The canola was much
far this season our supers are not being had to be brought up to strength. later in 2017 due to the late rains. The
filled like they normally do. They are Everything went well until the end swarms came out of pollination in
also filling quite a bit later, too. of October, when the drought really a strong state, but the subsequent dry
kicked in and bees which did not receive conditions then took their toll.
Graham Hill, from My Father’s supplementary feeding after pollination Spring build up: The bees built up
Rehiving a small catch hive swarm Honey in Somerset West did not produce honey in January, while
in Malmesbury. quite nicely for pollination as the
The build-up for last year’s pollination bees that were fed did. weather was in their favour.
on canola in the Caledon and Malmes-
Nic Lawrence, from Little bury areas was below average but there Feeding: We had to feed the bees that
Creatures in Penhill were enough swarms at pollination were placed in dryer areas to sustain
My bees seemed to do really well on this strength to satisfy my pollination them till the canola came into flower.
seasons canola, which is in stark contrast requirements. After pollination, I used We identified one swarm with AFB,
to last season. I put this enthusiasm down Echium to build up and maintain swarm plus a couple of EFB hives.
to the extremely mild winter we experi- strength in preparation for the Cladocalyx Catching swarms: We didn’t catch a lot
enced in 2017, with many more days of honey flow. Due to the drought, Echium of bees because our biggest catching
good flying weather and good nectar was very short and as a result, swarms sites on canola only started flowering
production in the warm weather. We were not at their normal strength at the very late so there was not enough time
were able to split twice as many hives as start of the gum flow. for bees to build up and swarm in those
last year, and also found many of our I placed bees on Cladocalyx in areas. The fynbos areas where we catch
catch boxes filling up with new swarms. Somerset West, Caledon, Grabouw, Beautiful canola site – Durbanville. bees suffered a lot of fire damage.
Of around 100 catch boxes I think we Villiersdorp and Franschhoek areas
Pollination: The 2017 pollination
“
caught something in the region of 70 and honey production for January and
swarms this season, a far cry from our February was just 30% of last year’s crop.
It has been one of the season went reasonably well, but the
toughest beekeeping Packham pears had extended flower
dismal catch return of the previous Honey from the fynbos in the
and put the hive numbers under some
canola season. Sadly, after the canola Stanford-Caledon area has started early years in a long time... due pressure.
our optimism was fairly short-lived. so lets hope for a good flow this year to
We didn’t really get into the pollina- compensate for the gum disaster. mainly to the drought Fires: We lost honey-producing and
tion this season, and rather moved our and fires. On the positive catching-sites due to fires.
bees to the Echium, hoping for a good Pieter Theron, of A1 Honey side the honey price went Honey flows: It was an average flow
crop of spring honey. Despite our efforts, in Durbanville for eucalyptus honey, fynbos struggled
we received a less than average crop. One I operate with 350 hives, mainly in up considerably, which is due to lack of rain. Not too bad but
or two of our Echium sites produced the northern suburbs, ranging from good and bad for us also not too good.
32 33DAFF Kontakte – Byeboerdery
Mnre Riaan van Zyl en Kobus Kemp is hoofsaaklik die aanmeld punt vir
byesiektes, tans vir AFB of vermoedens/onsekerheid van AFB.
Hulle kan ook gekontak word rakende wetgewing rondom heuning
etiketering en standaards en die invoer vereistes van heuning.
Large canola site – Philadelphia. Hulle verskaf nie advies rakende bye-boerdery praktyke nie, maar sal
indien moontlik, persone wat navrae het na die regte of kundige persone
Frustrations: Badgers are becoming minder as ander jare. Dit was nood- verwys.
a bigger and bigger problem. There saaklik om die bye te voer om verdere Kontak hulle gerus.
are no predators for badgers so their verliese van bye te voorkom. Riaan van Zyl: (Capensis) Tel: 021 809 1702. Cell: 083 414 2494
numbers are increasing. Hierdie droogte het ook sy uitdagings Epos: riaanvz@daff.gov.za
op bestuiwing gehad om genoeg bye te Kobus Kemp: (Scutellata) Tel: 012 309 8762. Cell: 082 873 1678
Louis van Niekerk, of Kraai Honey he, wat op sterkte is. Oudshoorn en die Epos: kobusk@daff.gov.za
in Stellenbosch Weskus waar die ander broers boer was
It has been one of the toughest niks beter nie. Groot uitdagings le voor
beekeeping years in a long time… vir ons bedryf as dit nie die winter goed
due mainly to the drought and fires. reen nie.
On the positive side the honey price
went up considerably, which is good and Helena and Pierre van der
bad for us. Good because we get a better Westhuizen, of Simply Bee
price, but bad because we will get more in Hopefield, West Coast
cheap competition entering our market. The drought has not just affected
Colony strength has been up and down humans and cattle, our lawns have
this past year. Overall, I would say that turned brown, vegetables are smaller
DAFF contacts – Beekeeping
the bees coped very well in a difficult and fewer, and plants are dying.
foraging year. Honey production became one of Mr Riaan van Zyl and Mr Kobus Kemp are the persons who beekeepers
I had very little AFB this year and the the victims of this crippling drought. should contact if they have any suspicion about bee diseases such as AFB
bees seemed not to be bothered by it. Beekeepers, from hobbyist to mid-size or suspicions about the presence of AFB.
As it was a very dry year, the bees did to commercial operators, all reported They can also be contacted regarding legislation concerning honey
not swarm well and very few swarms that the honey harvests were severely labelling and standards and import requirements of honey.
were caught and this made it difficult to down, anywhere from half to no
They do not provide advice on beekeeping practices, but will if possible direct
replenish our losses and replace colonies. production. The problem is most severe
persons with enquiries to the correct or experienced sources.
on the West Coast, which suffered
Nelson de la Quera, Q Bee extreme drought conditions. Please contact them.
in Stellenbosch At Simply Bee we felt the effects of Riaan van Zyl: (Capensis) Tel: 021 809 1702. Cell: 083 414 2494
Klapmutskop Byeboerdery het die the drought too, as our normal harvest Email riaanvz@daff.gov.za
ergste droogte beleef die afgelope would be between 15 and 20 tonnes a Kobus Kemp: (Scutellata) Tel: 012 309 8762. Cell: 082 873 1678
seisoen. Ons het heelwat swerms verloor season, while in the 2017-2018 summer Email: kobusk@daff.gov.za
en die heuning produksie was 70% season we harvested only about 500kg.
34 35You can also read
