THE FOLLOWING WAS LAST UPDATED ON AUG. 11, 2011.
The Newfoundland Beekeepers Association does not exist. As of August 11th, 2010, I only know of two professional beekeeping companies on the island of Newfoundland. One is on the east coast of the province and the other is on the west coast. The total between them is something like 150 hives. But there’s not much point in having an association of two, is there? So there is no Newfoundland Beekeepers Association.
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But there is an interest in beekeeping in Newfoundland at least among backyard beekeepers like me. I know they’re out there because I’ve met a few of them, and if they’re like me, they probably wouldn’t mind talking to other local beekeepers — because there’s a lot to know about beekeeping in Newfoundland. I specify Newfoundland because, although cold-climate beekeeping isn’t anything new, beekeeping on a big cold rock in the middle of the North Atlantic likely poses some unique challenges that are best handled by talking to other beekeepers dealing with the same environment.
An informal association of beekeepers on the island would a valuable resource. Even if it’s a bunch of amateurs comparing notes over the internet — you got to start somewhere. So I’m starting here, right now.
I’ve set up a distinct page on Mud Songs called Bee Notes just for talking about beekeeping in Newfoundland, or at least beekeeping in the St. John’s area of the island — or cold climate beekeeping or beekeeping in general. Whatever works. Comments are still welcomed on regular beekeeping posts, but questions and comments about other beekeeping topics can be left on the Bee Notes page. I may also use the page for small updates about my own beekeeping adventures if the topic doesn’t warrant me writing an actual post about it.
In all likelihood, the Bee Notes page will be ignored by most people who visit this website. It could be me and one other person talking back and forth for a long time. Or just me talking to myself (which is my modus operandi for Mud Songs anyway).
But I guess it can’t hurt until something better comes along.
UPDATE (Nov. 25/10): I used a free service to create a website called Beekeeping NL. I set it up as a test to show a friend how easy it is to build their own blog using WordPress. (It took me about 10 minutes to sign in and create the site as it is now.) I was planning to remove it afterwards, but I’ve decided to leave it alone. Who knows, it might become a legitimate website some day. And I love the image I chose for the banner too much to take it down.
UPDATE (March 16/11): I read a report today about various diseases and pests found in Newfoundland honey bees. The results of the report were based on inspections of approximately 100 hives from four different beekeeping operations on the island in 2009. So there are more than two professional beekeepers on the island. Still, not exactly enough to warrant a beekeeping association. More info on beekeeping in Newfoundland can be found at the NL Dept. of Natural Resources page, Research and Development.
UPDATE (August 11/11): Check out Information For New Beekeepers in Newfoundland from the Beekeeping NL website. It’s a collection of the best I can offer from Mud Songs, information based on my experience that may be helpful to other novice beekeepers in Newfoundland.
Another good point to consider about having a Newfoundland Bee Association is Newfoundland is the only place left in the world without any major parasites. An association could place some pressure on government to keep tight restrictions on bee keeping imports to minimize the likelihood of someone bringing the parasites to the island. To increase awareness about the fact we are pest free. I have a friend that wants bees in Clarenville and we was planning to have them shipped in the mail. As quick as that Newfoundland is no longer pest free. That’s all it takes. More awareness is needed to protect what we have, a gift.
On the other end this provides a market oppportunity to the ocmmerical bee keepers as they have a product that separates them from all mainland bee keepers.
As much as I like being the only guy on my block with honeybees, if more people were into it, enough that a formal association was eventually formed, then there might be enough demand to warrant setting up a beekeeping supply depot of some sort. There is no place on the island that I’m aware of where I can easily purchase beekeeping supplies. I order everything from beemaid.com because, even with slightly higher shipping costs from Manitoba, the cost is still cheaper than any supplier I’ve found in the Atlantic region — but it takes a week or more for items arrive here. For instance, right now I’d like to order some bees wax — for creating starter strips — and frame wire, but I need it for this week and I know the order wouldn’t make it here in time. If I ever need a brood box, extra foundation or frames or anything in a hurry for any reason, I’d be out of luck. We’re pretty much on our own in Newfoundland, in more ways than one.
I need to place an order for some additional items as well. I need a couple shallow supers and some frames. I’m not certain if I am giong to use base or let the bees build the base and comb. I’m planning on adding a few more hives next year if this winter is successful.
Time will tell.
Shoot. I placed an order for some beeswax and 2 frame feeders from beemaid.com today. I should have asked if you wanted anything. Could have saved some money on shipping. Oh well.
I think I need some sort of shallow super to helpget the hive over the winter(So I can add a bit of insulation in the top for the winter). I figured if I place an order it’s just as well order for the supers I am going to need next year. As well as the frames and the base.
superb site, fascinating glimpse into NL beekeeping – we support the hardy NL honeybees & what a lovely honey it is!
I should really be working this subject