2012 saw more bee hives lost across the continental United States than any other time in history; losses of 5% per year were the norm but losses have been increasing since 2005 and reached nearly 50% in 2013. A conclusive explanation so far has escaped scientists studying what is now called colony collapse disorder. The current theory being tested is that we have created a multivariate problem. Neonicotinoid pesticides, varroa mites and the practice of feeding bees sugar water to increase the honey harvest are the leading variables being evaluated.
We lost both of our hives in 2012, so in 2013 we placed 2 new hives and changed a number of our practices; we chose a site down by the river farther from cultivated crops, we established a multi-season wild flower field next to the hives, and we placed the hives farther out of the trees to give them more morning sunshine.
We decided a new location with more diverse pollen and nectar and an easy water source for the bees would be beneficial. In the spring, we prepared a site on a six acre, tree-lined field next to the Flat Rock Creek for our second year of hives. With the help of Fairholme Farm’s crop team we planted the field with a diverse pollinator-friendly mix of perennial flowers designed to keep the pollen and nectar flowing from early spring well into the fall. We hoped this would give our bee colonies a better chance for long-term survival. We set two new hives on the site, didn’t harvest any honey and hoped they would survive into the next spring/summer.
Here Don can be seen taking the frames out of the delivery box while our consultant uses a smoker to keep the bees calm during the transfer to our hives.
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