Honeybee Hive Tour With Bend's Broadus Bees
Hello, Environmental Activists and Concerned Citizens,
Join us for an exclusive tour of Fibonacci Farms in Bend, where the Broadus Bees have settled in for another season of pollination and honey production. These Russian honeybees have returned to their home base in Bend after traveling to California for almond pollination and a brief spring stay in Eugene at Groundworks Organics.
Meet the Beekeeper
James "Jimmy" Broadus Wilkie V, the owner of Broadus Bees and a master beekeeper, is passionate about honey and the intricate world of bees.
"Being able to pull certain kinds of flavors of honey is super fascinating to me, and what attracted me to the honey side of the beekeeping business," Jimmy explains.
Hive Inspections and Beekeeping Practices
During hive inspections, Jimmy and his team calm the bees with smoke before inspecting the hives. Their primary goal is to check for evidence of a queen. This process is akin to rearranging furniture in someone's home and is done with minimal disturbance to the bees.
What Beekeepers Look For
Beekeepers look for eggs laid by the queen and the larvae that hatch from these eggs. This marks the first two stages of metamorphosis before the bees emerge as adults. The process takes 21 to 24 days for worker bees (females), 16 days for queens, who then battle for dominance, and 24 days for drones (males).
Educating the Community
Apart from selling raw honey and other products at local farmer's markets, Jimmy is committed to educating young students about hive hierarchy with a portable observation hive. He also hosts beekeeping seminars, teaching about honeybee social structures.
"When it's prime growing season, that's sometimes when the bees need the most attention," Jimmy explains, emphasizing the critical role of hive health services for both bees and farmers.
Supporting Local Agriculture
Jimmy underscores the importance of supporting local farming and knowing where our food comes from. He warns against commercially produced honey, often fake or mislabeled, and emphasizes the benefits of consuming local honey for local allergies and supporting the local food economy.
The Importance of Pollinators
Pollinators like bees are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "about 80% of all flowering plants and over three-quarters of the staple crop plants that feed humankind rely on animal pollinators."
Threats to Pollinators
The biggest threats to honeybees and other pollinators include pesticides, varroa mites, and monoculture farming practices. These threats not only harm bees but also impact pollinators globally.
Promoting Biodiversity
Planting pollinator gardens with native plants and natural landscaping is crucial for attracting and protecting native pollinators, thereby enhancing sustainable biodiversity. Local nurseries now offer specific pollinator sections, making it easier for gardeners to support pollinator populations.
Central Oregon's Pollinator Festival
Central Oregon will celebrate its Wildflower Show and Pollinator Festival during Pollinator Week from June 17-23. The festival aims to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and promote sustainable gardening practices.
FAQs:
Why is local honey better than commercially produced honey? Local honey is beneficial for local allergies and supports the local food economy, unlike many commercially produced honeys that may be mislabeled or fake.
What are the main threats to honeybees and other pollinators? The main threats include pesticides, varroa mites, and monoculture farming practices.
#Pollinators #Honeybees #LocalFarming #Biodiversity #PollinatorWeek
