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| Brian Scott with his working demonstration hive. |
Brian
Scott, owner of Innisfil Creek Honey (south of Barrie) shared his experiences
as a beekeeper at the June meeting of the Tweed and District Horticultural
Society. Brian is a commercial beekeeper and operator of a beekeeping supply
store in Innisfil. He is a Certified Queen and Nuc Producer and he supplies
customers with honey bee nucleus hives, starter hives and Queen Bees. Brian
sells bee equipment and offers lessons on the art of beekeeping.
Brian
started this career just 4 years ago with 3 “boxes”. He now has 300 and plans
to have 450 by September.
His
presentation, sprinkled with bits of humour held the audience’s attention as he
explained his successes and challenges as a beekeeper. Being a beekeeper is
more involved than most people imagine-Brian admitted that he often works 19
hours days in the early spring. A
beekeeper is a farmer with the same set of challenges faced by farmers…harsh
winters, enough food for livestock and predators!
Since
honey bees are not native to Canada
Beekeepers
also need to ensure that their bees have adequate food sources….bees will
travel up to 2 ½ miles from the hive searching for nectar. The beekeeper must
set the hives up in a location that will allow the bees to get the nectar
during the 3 blooming seasons….dandelion, clover and golden rod. Each of these
blooming seasons produces a different kind of honey. Bees need to have food
throughout the winter months….sugar syrup.
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| The inside of a bee hive. |
Predators
are mainly bears and skunks. The electric fence will help curtail the bears
from destroying the hives and keeping the hives 18 inches above the ground
helps to keep the skunks from “eating” the bees.
Brian
explained the life cycle of the bees and the role the Queen Bee plays in the
hive. Now, members know what the term “Queen Bee” really entails!
Although
Brian has only been pursuing this career as a beekeeper for 4 years, his
knowledge was evident as he competently answered questions about the bees,
hives, honey production and the role of bees in nature.
Check
out Brian’s website….www.innisfilcreekhoney.com
COMING
UP….
June 26…Trip to Spindle
Tree Gardens
in Tamworth . Fee is $12 plus HST (group of 10
or more).
July 8-10…Tweed Fair. Fair
entries must be at fair by noon on Fri July 8. Set-up for the club is Sat July
9 @ 8 am
July 19….Clean up of town beds. Meet at Moira Gardens
Aug 13…Clean-up of town beds. Meet at Moira Gardens
9 am.
Aug 2…Pot Luck Dinner at Beryl and Alan Austin’s. Remember your lawn
chair, favourite pot luck dish, cup, plate and cutlery.
Sept 6…Brad Smith and Michele Cole from Herb Haven in
Napanee will discuss their business venture as well as information about
culinary and aromatic herbs.
Sept 11…Potter Settlement Vineyards and Winery Tour @ 2
pm. Register by Sept 1 due to limited spaces.
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