Beekeeping on Branstrator Farm

In early May, Branstrator Farm decided to give beekeeping a try and ordered five hives of Italian honeybees. The Italian variety of honeybee is the most widely distributed variety in the world. Although they are less hardy in cooler regions, they are gentle, good foragers, and disease-resistant. With the help of Extension Specialist Brad Bergefurd who is an experienced and knowledgeable beekeeper, we hived them and let them get to work. For several weeks, we supplemented their diet with simple syrup made of water and sugar to ensure proper nourishment in a time of decreased nectar flow. Currently, the bees are fairly low maintenance and require occasional hive checks to look for parasitic mites.

While some are drawn to beekeeping for honey, it is also beneficial to
agricultural production. Bees are essential in the production of seed and fruit through their pollination services. The honeybee accounts for 80% of all pollination done by insects (The Backyard Beekeeper, 2005). The importance of keeping bees has dramatically increased as urbanization, pesticides, and parasitic mites have destroyed many colonies. Branstrator Farm is contributing to the reestablishment of
honeybee populations by providing them with a home in return for their pollination
services.